CASPER-As summer transitions into hot August, outdoor recreation in the Casper Region shifts into an exciting new phase. While river floating and fishing remain peak activities, August also marks the opening of early hunting seasons and critical scouting windows. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages an array of Public Access Areas that cater perfectly to this time of year, including specialized mountain easements and premier riverfront camping spots.

To help you maximize your time outdoors this month, the Casper Regional Office is highlighting three distinct Public Access Areas, each offering unique opportunities to experience Wyoming’s outdoor resources and diverse wildlife.

1. Flying “A” Ranch Public Access Area

Tucked away in the southern Bighorn Mountains in northwest Natrona County, the Flying “A” Ranch PAA offers a bit more backcountry experience that opens specifically to welcome the kickoff of late-summer hunting.

• What People Can Do: This expansive 2,840-acre property is a specialized public access easement reserved exclusively for licensed hunters and their companions. It opens annually from August through December for big game and trophy game seasons. It serves as an ideal gateway to the region, directly bordering thousands of acres of additional public land.  The lands of this easement are not open to general recreation.  It may only be accessed by licensed hunters and their companions.
• Facilities Available: Given its primitive and wild nature, facilities are limited to access roads and designated parking areas. The terrain is highly rugged, making 4WD vehicles highly recommended to access the area. There is no camping, fires, or trapping allowed on the easement, and the access roads are not plowed in winter.
• Wildlife People Might See: Hunters and wildlife scouts using this area in August might expect to see elk, mule deer, and pronghorn moving through the high-elevation mountain habitats.

2. North Platte River – Bixby Public Access Area

Located 24-miles northwest of Douglas (or roughly 13-miles east of Glenrock) off Tank Farm Road, the Bixby PAA offers a fantastic riverfront retreat for those looking to squeeze the most out of the remaining warm summer nights.

• What People Can Do: Bixby is an incredibly versatile location perfect for high-quality year-round fishing, river floating, and scouting for upcoming waterfowl hunting. Notably, it is one of the few regional areas that allows overnight stays.
• Facilities Available: The site features a well-defined parking area, a modern comfort station, and a primitive boat launch well-suited for rafts and small watercraft. Unlike many other PAAs, Bixby allows overnight camping with a 14-day limit, making it a perfect spot for an August weekend campout.
• Wildlife People Might See: This stretch of the river is a diverse fishery, where anglers might reel in channel catfish, sauger, and rainbow trout. Birdwatchers and late-summer visitors will also spot early-migrating waterfowl gathering along the riverbanks.

3. North Platte River – Lusby Public Access Area

Situated 20-miles southwest of Casper off Wyoming Highway 220, the Lusby PAA provides over two miles of spectacular, continuous riverbank access.

• What People Can Do: Lusby is highly popular for pedestrian fishing, river floating, and seasonal waterfowl hunting. It provides an excellent stretch of riverbank to escape the August heat and enjoy quiet, wade-in fly fishing.
• Facilities Available: This area is well-developed for public convenience, featuring two separate parking areas equipped with modern comfort stations and a primitive boat ramp. To ensure safety and preserve the area, there is no camping, fires, trapping, or rifle/pistol use allowed, and all pets must remain on a leash.
• Wildlife People Might See: Lusby sits on a highly productive stretch of the North Platte, offering anglers exceptional opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. As August progresses, various species of ducks and geese begin to frequent the river corridor.

Explore More Online

Before planning your August outings, hunters and anglers are reminded to review exact boundary maps and rules for each property. Respecting private landowners and adhering to specific area rules ensures these critical access partnerships remain open for future generations.

To view interactive maps, full regulations, and up-to-date information on these and all other locations across Wyoming, visit the Game and Fish official Public Access Area webpage.