What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Wyoming?
Bass fishing in Wyoming may not immediately come to mind when anglers think of prime bass territories, but this state offers a surprising number of exceptional bass fishing spots. Known for its pristine wilderness, Wyoming boasts lakes that are not only scenic but also teeming with both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Whether you’re a seasoned bass angler or just getting started, Wyoming’s hidden gems provide ample opportunities for trophy catches. Let’s dive into the best bass fishing lakes in Wyoming, each offering a unique experience to anglers who want to test their skills.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Wyoming
Wyoming is home to some impressive bass fishing lakes, ranging from deep reservoirs to sprawling bodies of water with plenty of cover for bass to thrive. In this section, we’ll explore five of the best spots for bass fishing in the state. From large-scale reservoirs to lesser-known lakes, Wyoming has options for every type of bass angler.
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir
- Boysen Reservoir
- Keyhole Reservoir
- Bighorn Lake
- Ocean Lake
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in Wyoming.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a vast body of water offering excellent bass fishing opportunities, especially for smallmouth bass.
- Its large size, deep waters, and rocky outcrops provide ideal habitats for bass to thrive.
- Anglers find success with techniques like drop-shotting in deep waters or casting jigs and crankbaits along ledges.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, spanning both Wyoming and Utah, covers a vast 42,000 acres, making it one of the largest fishing destinations in the region. Its waters reach an impressive maximum depth of 436 feet, with an average depth of 150 feet, creating the perfect habitat for smallmouth bass. The clear waters and rocky shorelines provide plenty of structure for bass to hide and feed, making it a prime destination for anglers seeking both quantity and size. Smallmouth bass dominate the scene here, particularly along the Wyoming portion of the reservoir, which features jagged cliffs, submerged ledges, and plenty of drop-offs.
Nearby cities like Green River and Rock Springs offer easy access to the reservoir’s northern parts, making it convenient for both locals and visitors. The sheer size of Flaming Gorge means that there’s always a quiet spot to cast your line, even during peak fishing seasons.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Locals swear by drop-shotting in deeper waters where bass tend to congregate. Additionally, casting jigs and crankbaits along rocky outcrops and submerged ledges is highly effective in targeting smallmouth bass.
Boysen Reservoir
Boysen Reservoir, located in central Wyoming near the town of Shoshoni, spans an impressive 19,500 acres, making it one of the state’s largest reservoirs. With an average depth of 56 feet and a maximum depth of 117 feet, it offers diverse fishing environments, from shallow bays to deeper waters. Known for its healthy population of largemouth bass, Boysen is a go-to spot for bass anglers looking to test their skills in a variety of conditions. The reservoir’s warm waters in the summer, along with submerged brush and standing timber, provide excellent cover for largemouth bass to thrive.
In addition to largemouth bass, Boysen Reservoir supports populations of smallmouth bass, particularly in its rocky sections and drop-offs. The surrounding area, including Boysen State Park, makes it easily accessible for shore anglers and boaters alike. Located near Riverton and Shoshoni, it’s a convenient destination for both locals and visitors exploring Wyoming’s central plains.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Boysen Reservoir: Target submerged structures and brush piles using spinnerbaits and crankbaits, particularly in the warmer months when largemouth bass are most active. Fishing weed lines near shorelines early in the morning or late in the evening can also yield great results for bass anglers.
Keyhole Reservoir
Keyhole Reservoir, located in northeastern Wyoming near the town of Moorcroft, spans approximately 9,300 acres and has a maximum depth of 100 feet, with an average depth of around 35 feet. Known for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishing, this reservoir offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in impressive catches. The clear waters and rocky shorelines provide perfect habitats for smallmouth bass, which thrive in the lake’s varied structure. Anglers often find success fishing along rocky points, submerged boulders, and aquatic vegetation, all of which are abundant throughout the reservoir.
Keyhole Reservoir is particularly popular for bass fishing because of its relatively low fishing pressure, allowing for a more peaceful and productive experience. The reservoir is located within Keyhole State Park, offering convenient access points for boaters and shore anglers alike. Its proximity to cities like Gillette makes it an easy destination for both local and visiting bass anglers.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Keyhole Reservoir: Use soft plastic baits like grubs, swimbaits, and tubes, especially along the rocky shorelines where smallmouth bass like to congregate. Drop shot rigs and jerkbaits are also effective in these clear waters, particularly when targeting bass in deeper areas or around submerged structures.
Bighorn Lake
Bighorn Lake, straddling the Wyoming-Montana border and nestled within the stunning Bighorn Canyon, is a prime destination for smallmouth bass fishing. The lake covers 17,300 acres and features an average depth of 35 feet, with a maximum depth reaching 70 feet. Its crystal-clear waters and steep, rocky shorelines make it an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass, which are the dominant species in this body of water. The sheer cliffs and submerged rock formations in the lake provide excellent cover for bass, allowing them to thrive in these cool, nutrient-rich waters.
What makes Bighorn Lake particularly attractive for anglers is its relative remoteness, which means less fishing pressure and a more serene environment. The lake’s Wyoming portion is easily accessible from the town of Lovell, making it a great spot for both local and visiting anglers. Additionally, the scenic beauty of the surrounding Bighorn Canyon adds to the overall experience of fishing at this reservoir.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Bighorn Lake: Target smallmouth bass by working jerkbaits and drop shot rigs along the rocky cliffs and ledges. Focus on deeper sections during midday and fish the shallower rocky shelves in the early morning or late afternoon for the best results.
Ocean Lake
Ocean Lake, located west of Riverton in central Wyoming, is a popular spot for anglers seeking largemouth bass. Covering approximately 6,000 acres, it has an average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet, making it relatively shallow compared to other reservoirs in the state. This shallow water, combined with abundant aquatic vegetation and submerged structures, creates a perfect environment for largemouth bass to thrive. Anglers often find success around the lake’s extensive weed beds and shorelines, where bass congregate to feed.
In addition to its productive bass population, Ocean Lake offers easy access for shore fishing, making it a convenient destination for anglers without boats. The surrounding area is quiet and offers minimal fishing pressure, allowing for a peaceful and productive day on the water. With nearby cities like Riverton providing amenities and accommodations, Ocean Lake is an attractive option for both locals and visitors looking for a prime bass fishing experience.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Ocean Lake: Target largemouth bass in the shallow weed beds using soft plastic worms or topwater lures. Early morning and late evening hours provide the best opportunity to catch bass as they actively feed along the weed lines and shallow coves.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Wyoming
Bass fishing in Wyoming offers a unique and rewarding experience, combining excellent fishing opportunities with the state’s stunning natural beauty. While Wyoming is often celebrated for its trout waters, it also boasts prime bass fishing, particularly for smallmouth and largemouth bass. The state is home to 4,200 lakes, 27,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 14 reservoirs, many of which provide ideal habitats for bass to thrive. Key reservoirs like Flaming Gorge and Boysen are known for producing trophy-sized bass, making Wyoming a destination for serious anglers.
One of the key advantages of bass fishing in Wyoming is the relatively low fishing pressure compared to more popular bass fishing states. With fewer crowds and more pristine, untouched waters, anglers can enjoy a peaceful fishing experience while having access to ample bass populations. The state’s wide variety of environments, from rocky reservoirs to shallow lakes, ensures that every type of bass angler will find a spot that suits their fishing style. Wyoming’s commitment to maintaining water quality also enhances the health of its bass fisheries, providing optimal conditions year-round.
