Fishing in Wyoming. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Wyoming

Below are 28 types of fish that can be caught in Wyoming. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Wyoming and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Wyoming to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Wyoming

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Wyoming. Each Wyoming body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Yellowstone Lake (WY)

Pathfinder Reservoir (WY)

Jackson Lake (WY)

Keyhole Reservoir (WY)

Shoshone Lake (WY)

Fontenelle Reservoir (WY)

Alcova Reservoir (WY)

Lewis Lake (WY)

Licenses for fishing in Wyoming

In Wyoming, fishing licenses are required for resident and nonresident anglers aged 14 years or older, with some exceptions for specific permits and landowner fishing regulations. Note that the fees listed are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website for the latest information.

You can purchase a Wyoming fishing license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

License Type	Resident Price	Non-Resident Price
Annual Fishing License	$27.00	$102.00
Daily Fishing License	$6.00	$14.00
Five Consecutive Day Fishing License	-	$56.00
Youth Annual Fishing License (Under 18)	$3.00	$15.00
Lifetime Fishing License	$311.00 (Resident)	-
Lifetime Fishing License & Conservation Stamp	$496.50	-
Lifetime Pioneer Fishing License (65+ years and 30 years residency)	Free	-
Conservation Stamp (Annual)	$21.50	$21.50
Conservation Stamp (Lifetime)	$185.50	$185.50

Fishing Regulations in Wyoming

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is restricted to certain species and requires permits.
Using live fish as bait is prohibited in some waters to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing fish is permitted only for certain species and in designated waters.

Catch Limits

Trout: Daily limit varies by area, typically 3-6 fish with size restrictions.
Walleye: Daily limit of 6, minimum length requirements in certain waters.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Daily limit of 6, with size limits in specific areas.
Panfish: Daily limit generally 25, no size limit.
Catfish: Daily limit varies, generally no more than 3-6 fish.
Pike: Daily limit varies, often 6 fish with no size limit.
Kokanee Salmon: Daily limit varies, often 6 fish.
Crappie: Daily limit generally 25, no size limit.
Sturgeon: Catch and release only, no harvest allowed.
Burbot: Daily limit varies, often no limit to encourage removal.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for wildlife protection or conservation efforts.
Private property fishing requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special access restrictions in designated wilderness or natural areas.
No fishing zones around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal closures of specific waters for fish spawning or habitat recovery.

Zones of Special Regulation

Special catch-and-release areas for native trout species.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial flies and lures only.
Slot limits for certain species like bass and walleye in specific waters.
Special regulations in waters within or adjacent to national parks.
Regulated trophy fisheries with specific size and bag limits.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits.
Reporting accidental catch of rare species is necessary for conservation data.
Areas with critical habitat for rare species may have fishing restrictions.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Ice fishing regulations, including shelter and gear restrictions, during winter months.
Seasonal closures in sensitive areas for wildlife protection and habitat restoration.
Temporary closures during environmental events or for population assessments.
Special regulations for early and late fishing seasons in high-altitude lakes.

Most popular cities for fishing in Wyoming

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Wyoming. Cities in Wyoming include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.