As spring temperatures rise and anglers look to find refuge on the water, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds all watercraft users that Aquatic Invasive Species requirements are in full effect. Whether launching a kayak in the Snowies or taking a motorboat out to Grayrocks or Wheatland #3 , compliance is key to protecting Wyoming’s fisheries.
Mandatory Inspections
Under Wyoming law, all watercraft transported into the state from March 1 through November 30 and all watercraft that launched on mussel-infested waters in the last 30 days, regardless of the time of year, must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector before launching.
Furthermore, all boaters who encounter an open AIS check station on their route of travel must stop, regardless of final destination or prior inspection. This includes kayaks, canoes, and inflatable rafts. Game and Fish has established border check stations on most major highways entering Wyoming. Watercraft entering the state should consult the website for locations and hours of operation and plan their travels accordingly to facilitate an inspection.
Where to get inspected in southeast Wyoming
Boaters in the Laramie Region have several options for inspections:
- Game and Fish Offices: Laramie (1212 S Adams St) and Cheyenne (5400 Bishop Blvd)
- Inspections are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center - Cheyenne I-25 Port of Entry: 5611 High Plains Road, Cheyenne, WY 82007.
- Inspections available Mon-Sun: 6:00am-8:00pm
Note: this facility was recently updated and the entrance is now located on the south side of the Welcome Center Parking lot (see the photo below)
Entrance to the new check station
Map of new check station adjacent to Wyoming Welcome Center
- Torrington US 26 Port of Entry: 8 miles northwest of the NE/WY border on US 26.
- Inspections available Mon-Wed: 7:00am - 5:00pm; Thurs-Sun: 6:00am-8:00pm
- Other check stations: Seasonal and permanent check stations in Saratoga, Medicine Bow, Laramie and Cheyenne. Boaters are encouraged to check the Game and Fish website for real-time hours of operation and locations, especially for weekends.
2026 AIS Decals
All watercraft used on Wyoming waters are required to display a valid 2026 AIS decal.
- Residents: $10 for motorized; $5 for non-motorized.
- Non-residents: $30 for motorized; $15 for non-motorized.
- Note: Non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less and stand-up paddleboards are exempt from the decal requirement but are still subject to mandatory inspections if entering from out-of-state.
How do we look for AIS?
Every year, our Aquatic Invasive Species specialists conduct a variety of surveys across the state to monitor for new invasive species. Game and Fish also relies on reports from local anglers and recreationists.
This week, AIS specialists Nick Edwards and Travis Beam will collect plankton samples at Grayrocks Reservoir and Wheatland Reservoir #3 where boaters can still put in motorized watercraft. These samples will be analyzed for microscopic mussel larvae, called veligers, which are impossible to detect with the naked eye.
Later this month, anglers may see Nick and Travis don snorkeling gear to survey the Plains Lakes near Laramie to look for AIS of all varieties including zebra and quagga mussels, rusty crayfish and invasive aquatic plants. These surveillance efforts are designed to detect new AIS species early in order to minimize their spread into other waters.
The Clean, Drain, Dry Protocol
Game and Fish urges all boaters to follow three simple steps every time they leave the water:
- CLEAN: Remove all plants, mud, and debris from the boat, trailer, and equipment, especially waders and boots.
- DRAIN: Drain all water from the hull, livewell, and bilge. Leave the drain plug out during transport.
- DRY: Allow the watercraft to dry completely before launching in a different body of water.
For more information on AIS, to purchase a decal, or to find an authorized inspection location near you, visit the Game and Fish AIS website.
