With high alpine lakes, warm-water reservoirs and over a dozen Red or Blue Ribbon classified streams, Southeastern Wyoming draws local anglers and tourists alike.
Spring Fishing Forecast
Saratoga Lake has recovered nicely after the rotenone project in 2022 to remove illegally introduced yellow perch.
“Catch rates for rainbow trout are high, and these fish are averaging 14-22 inches,” said Bobby Compton, Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Laramie Region. “Fish this lake in late-spring and early-summer before water temperatures warm up.”
Fishing for rainbow trout at Twin Buttes Reservoir has been hot the last few springs, especially in the shallow portions. Additionally, anglers can help with research Game and Fish is conducting to evaluate Eagle Lake and fall rainbow trout strains.
The 1-2 weeks following spring run-off can be the best river fishing of the year. As water clears and begins to drop June 15-30, trout feed heavily on the abundant aquatic insect hatches in nearly every river in the region.
Spring is an excellent time to target walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass at Grayrocks, Hawk Springs and Wheatland No. 1 reservoirs as these fish move into shallow water to spawn and feed.
Anglers hoping to fish Meeboer Lake should be advised that low dissolved oxygen levels over the winter of 2024-2025 resulted in a partial die-off. However, there are still some mid-sized trout to be caught, although at lower numbers than the other plains lakes. In mid-April, the Department restocked the fishery with 5000 additional rainbow trout and 5000 Snake River cutthroat trout. The newly stocked fish are about 4-5 inches long but grow quickly.
Facilities Updates
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has made several improvements to angler access across Southeastern Wyoming heading into the 2025 fishing season.
To improve visitor experience, new comfort stations have been added at Lake Hattie and the Springer Check Station, providing cleaner and more accessible restroom facilities.
WGFD Statewide Habitat and Access Crews installed a new concrete box culvert on County Road 41, which accesses Meeboer Lake, in partnership with Albany County Road and Bridge. This culvert improves irrigation crossings and long-term road stability for better year-round access.
Boat docks have been installed for the season at Diamond Lake, Gelatt Lake, Grayrocks Reservoir, Meeboer Lake, and Wheatland Reservoir #1. Water levels at Lake Hattie remain low, and the dock is positioned as far as the cable system allows to maximize usability.
These improvements are part of Game and Fish's continued commitment to maintaining quality access and facilities for anglers throughout the region.
Sportspersons using any type of watercraft should review state regulations for registration, safety and preventing aquatic invasive species.
