LARAMIE – After a winter of record-breaking low precipitation and unseasonably high temperatures, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is closely monitoring landscape conditions across the state. As the managers of Wyoming's aquatic wildlife, the Department is watching how these habitat conditions will influence wildlife and is taking proactive steps to protect the resources held in the public trust.
While the current lack of precipitation is a concern, this outlook is a real-time snapshot rather than a final prediction for the year to come. Habitat conditions in Wyoming can shift rapidly with late spring or summer moisture, and Game and Fish management practices are designed to be adaptive to these changes. Trout river fisheries can bounce back pretty quickly with above average snowpack and high flows during the spring and summer, but it usually takes multiple years of above average snowpack to fill the reservoirs.
Laramie Region Habitat Outlook
The Laramie Region is experiencing some of the driest conditions observed in the past 30 years. As of late April, snowpack measured just 34% of average in the North Platte Basin and 12% in the Laramie Basin, with the South Platte Basin at a critically low 0%. Combined with record-setting warm temperatures and persistent high winds that have depleted soil moisture, these conditions point to a shorter and less robust runoff season.
Major reservoirs including Wheatland Reservoir No. 3, Grayrocks Reservoir, Hawk Springs Reservoir and Lake Hattie entered the winter at already low levels and are not expected to fill this year, limiting boating access at many locations. Shallow systems across the Laramie Plains, such as Twin Buttes and Meeboer lakes, have dropped several feet, reducing available habitat and increasing fish vulnerability to temperature-related stress. Prolonged hot, dry conditions may also elevate the risk of disease and harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
In response to these conditions, the Department is taking proactive management steps to conserve fish populations and protect the public’s investment. Fisheries biologists have adjusted stocking plans, eliminating stocking at Shirley Basin and Elk Mountain Reservoirs where survival is unlikely, and reducing stocking at Lake Hattie and Wheatland Reservoir #3 where habitat resources are limited.
Long-term habitat work is also providing benefits during this drought. Over the past 15 years, efforts to restore stream connectivity in southeast Wyoming through the construction of fish passage structures are allowing fish to move to more favorable habitats. Partnerships with landowners, irrigation districts and municipalities have been critical to these successes. Additionally, the installation of beaver dam analogs is helping improve drought resilience by slowing streamflows, maintaining cooler water temperatures and enhancing groundwater recharge.
Fishing Forecast
Despite these challenges, good fishing opportunities are still available throughout the region. “Consider fishing high mountain lakes in the Snowies this summer,” said Bobby Compton, Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Laramie Region. He also urged caution when fishing rivers and creeks with elevated water temperatures during the heat of summer and advised following Game and Fish Fishing in the Heat guidelines.
The Pole Mountain beaver ponds between Laramie and Cheyenne could experience warm temperatures and low water levels. Fishing these waters in June will be best. Harvesting brook trout here will reduce densities going into the summer and help the remaining fish survive those inhospitable conditions.
Most lakes and reservoirs in the region received little ice fishing pressure this winter. Additionally, some reservoirs were too low to launch a boat in 2025. Because of this, many trout haven't been caught or pressured. Consider bank fishing at Lake Hattie for abundant and nice-sized rainbow trout.
The water level at Wheatland Reservoir No. 3 is low, causing walleye to be more concentrated and feeding on trout. Consider harvesting a limit of walleye to maintain the trout and walleye fisheries.
Great opportunities exist to target channel catfish at Grayrocks Reservoir, Hawk Springs Reservoir and Wheatland Reservoir No. 1. Stocking has resulted in good numbers and large fish at all three waters.
- WGFD -
