With summer in full swing, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is highlighting Public Access Areas. This series will explore different locations throughout the season, showcasing the best local spots for outdoor recreation. This installment highlights two fantastic destinations providing excellent fishing access right now: Kinnear Pond and the newly established Popo Agie Public Access Area.

To help ensure these areas remain open and enjoyed by all, Game and Fish wants to remind recreationists how Public Access Areas work. These locations are unique because they are either private lands where the Game and Fish Commission holds an access easement or lands owned directly by the Commission. 

Because they operate under specific agreements rather than as general public land, visitors are asked to be mindful of posted signs, recreation uses allowed on the Access Areas, to stay within boundary markers, pack out all trash, and treat the land with the utmost respect. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain strong partnerships with the private landowners and agricultural lessees who graciously make these opportunities possible.

Area Spotlight: Kinnear Pond Public Access Area

Located just southeast of Kinnear in the Pavillion and Riverton area, the Kinnear Pond PAA is a hidden gem for warm-weather anglers.

• What you can do there: Kinnear Pond is open year-round and is currently a premier local spot for catching channel catfish. In addition to summer fishing and boating, the area is open for hunting and trapping during their respective seasons.
• Facilities available: Kinnear Pond features convenient parking and a brand-new boat ramp and fishing dock. Because the pond is relatively small (about 65 acres) and shallow, it is best accessed by small watercraft, such as jon boats, canoes, or kayaks.
• Wildlife to watch for: Anglers will enjoy a robust channel catfish population that is highly active during the summer months. While on the water or casting from the shore, visitors might also spot mule deer, pronghorn, waterfowl, pheasants, and sandhill cranes.

The recent addition of the new boat ramp has made getting onto the water easier than ever for local anglers.

“We are thrilled to provide anglers with improved access to Kinnear Pond through the installation of this new boat ramp, fishing dock and fencing around portions of the pond. This project was a priority for our Habitat and Access and Fisheries teams, and it continues to provide fantastic summer catfishing opportunities for anglers in small watercraft or from the shore," said Justin Rhine, Habitat & Access Biologist.

Rhine continued, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to local residents for highlighting this specific access issue, allowing our crew to remedy it and ensure the area is more enjoyable and accessible for everyone." 

Area Spotlight: Popo Agie Public Access Area

As one of the region's newest access points, the Popo Agie PAA provides an exciting new opportunity for river recreation between Lander and Hudson. The access area has been supported and funded by the Popo Agie Anglers, the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, who are dedicated to conserving and enhancing coldwater fisheries in the region.

• What you can do there: This PAA grants year-round fishing access to approximately 1.3 stream miles of the Popo Agie River and its associated riparian corridor. It is an exceptional summer destination for river fishing, where anglers can target brown trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and even sauger. Please note that camping and campfires are prohibited.
• Facilities available: The area includes a dedicated parking area and clear river access. This PAA provides entry to Wyoming Office of State Land and Investments lands. Because this parcel is actively farmed and grazed by a local lessee, visitors are asked to strictly respect the agricultural operations so Game and Fish can maintain this vital cooperative relationship.
• Wildlife to watch for: The lush river bottom is a haven for local wildlife. Visitors are likely to see waterfowl, bald eagles, and mule deer, while lucky observers might catch a glimpse of a moose moving through the willows.

Know Before You Go

Whether you are launching a kayak at Kinnear Pond or wading the river at the new Popo Agie access, always "know before you go." You can find more details about all Wyoming Public Access Areas—including maps, specific recreation and boundary rules, and available facilities—on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/public-access/public-access-areas.