Fishing
in Wyoming
The
Pinedale area is a fisherman's delight. Fish deep glacial lakes
and crystal clear mountain streams and rivers, all while enjoying
the majestic Rocky Mountain scenery. Fremont, Boulder, Burnt, Green
River, Half Moon, New Fork and Willow lakes are full of Mackinaw
and rainbow trout. Kokanee can also be found in the deep water
of Fremont, New Fork, and Boulder. Grayling can be found in Meadow
Lake. Cutthroat trout, the only fish species native to Wyoming,
are found occasionally in Green River Lakes and Big Sandy River.
Gypsum Creek and Tosi Creek are primarily Brook trout fisheries.
If you're up for a hike into the back country, you can fish for
Golden trout which are stocked in alpine lakes such as Clear Lake,
Joe's Lake, Upper and Middle Sweeney Lakes, Hobbs Lake, and Peak
Lake to name a few. Remember to obtain a Wyoming fishing license
before heading out to catch the big one. Licenses are available
at local sporting goods stores and the Game and Fish Department
in Pinedale (307) 367-4353.
Fish
Species
Trout! We have sport fishing for native Colorado cutthroat, brown
trout, brook trout, lake trout and golden trout. Mackinaw, mountain
whitefish and even fresh-water salmon, can be found in the larger
area lakes. (Fish Species)
Public Access
Approximately 80% of our county is public land that offers a
wide variety of fishing opportunities. Anyone may wade, float,
or fish
from the river's bank along public land. Anglers can enjoy a
quick afternoon casting a spin, or go on multi-day adventures
into the
high mountains of the nearby wilderness areas to try their luck
in high mountain lakes and streams. There are many public access
fishing
locations. (Green
River Fishing Access Map)
Lakes
There are many lakes near Pinedale that offer fishing opportunities,
including one just for kids right in the middle of town in
the town park. Fremont Lake is the nearest large lake, just four
miles from
Pinedale. This glacial lake is eleven miles long and over 600
feet deep with several public boat launches and uncrowded lakeshore
fishing access. Many fishermen eagerly await the May opening
day
of Soda
Lake near Pinedale. Green River Lakes, north of Pinedale, is
a very scenic lake adjacent to the Bridger Wilderness in the
northern
Wind
River Mountains. It is also the headwaters for the famous Green
River. Many local outfitters and guides offer backcountry fishing
trips
for those wanting a multi-day trip into the high country to
fish.
River
and Stream Fishing
The Green and New Fork Rivers offer excellent fly fishing with
miles of public access. Fishermen enjoy casting from the
bank as well as
drift boat fishing both of these rivers. Fishermen must obtain
landowner permission to fish along private land. There are
hundreds of miles
of tributary streams that flow into the Green and New Fork
Rivers. Most are accessible by backcountry roads. Maps are
available
from the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bureau of Land
Management local area offices. Regulations vary widely on fish
creel limits,
size,
and season for different sections of even the same stream.
Be sure
to check with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for the regulations
for the specific waters you plan to fish.
Ice Fishing
Many local lakes freeze solid during the winter with 17-24” of
ice surface. Ice fishing is a popular sport in January
and February. Popular ice fishing lakes include Fremont, Boulder
and Half Moon
lakes near Pinedale and Middle Piney Lake in the Wyoming
Range near Big Piney. Many people use snowmobiles to access their
favorite fishing
spots. The local Pinedale Lions Club sponsors an annual
ice fishing derby each March. The ice conditions vary each winter,
so it is important
to check on current conditions for the waters you plan
to fish before heading out. Wyoming Game & Fish regulations vary
for different bodies of water for ice fishing, so check the regs
for the area you
will be fishing. (More Ice Fishing information)
Fishing Derbies
There are many local fishing events in both the summer
and winter in the area. Derbies are sponsored by the
Pinedale Lions Club and local organizations
and government agencies.
March: Fremont Lake Ice Fishing Derby
June: Kid's Fishing Day at the CCC Ponds
June: Father's Day Fishing Derby on Fremont Lake
For
more area information:
Pinedale Ranger District
Bridger-Teton National Forest
29 E Fremont Lake Road
PO Box 220
Pinedale, WY 82941
Phone: 307-367-4326
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