There are a lot of options and diversity when it comes to fall fishing in Wyoming. From walleye to trout and northern pike to kokanee salmon, there are ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy the state’s bountiful fishing resources. Here is a fall fishing forecast from Wyoming Game and Fish Department Lander Region fisheries supervisor and biologists.
Boysen Reservoir has been a hot spot for walleye this year for fish in the 17-19-inch range, which are from the exceptional 2018 year class, and less than 15 inches, which are from above average year classes in 2021 and 2022.
“The high number of smaller, younger fish is good news for walleye fishing in the coming years,” said Paul Gerrity, Game and Fish fisheries biologist in the Lander Region.
The Popo Agie River should be good for brown and rainbow trout as above-average snowpack the last couple of years has created good stream habitat.
Shoshone Lake is a popular brook trout fishery in the Shoshone National Forest near Lander. Access requires an ATV/UTV or jeep. Brook trout numbers were good in 2024, with fish averaging close to 13 inches and some around 16 inches.
Louis Lake near Lander provides a unique fishery with kokanee salmon and lake trout. Kokanee have been stocked annually since 2015, but sampling in recent years shows fewer kokanee and more lake trout in the 8-20-pound range. Anglers are encouraged to harvest large lake trout. Regulations state anglers can harvest six lake trout and splake in combination, with only one trout or splake exceeding 24 inches.
The East Fork of the Wind River is a good spot to target Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Numbers generally increase as you travel upstream, and fishing can stretch into early November depending on weather conditions. All streams in the East Fork drainage allow fishing by artificial fly and lure only, and all cutthroat trout must be released to the water immediately.
Brooks Lake near Togwotee Pass offers spectacular views and great rainbow trout fishing. There also is the opportunity to catch brook trout, lake trout and splake.
Lake Cameahwait, also called Bass Lake, is a good place for largemouth bass, which often feed on yellow perch in the fall.
Pete’s Pond east of Dubois is a quality community fishery for anglers of all ages. It is stocked with rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat, and also features an ADA-accessible fishing pier and walking path for easy access around the entire pond.