The Best Places to SUP Fish in Wyoming: A Comprehensive Guide.
Wyoming, with its diverse landscape and abundance of pristine lakes and rivers, offers fantastic opportunities for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing enthusiasts. The state's northern, western, eastern, and southern regions each boast unique SUP fishing destinations that cater to different preferences and provide excellent angling experiences. In this article, we will explore five exceptional locations in each region, highlighting the best types of lures or bait to use, the target fish species, and the ideal time of year for fishing. We will also mention the largest fish caught at each location, including the year and month of the remarkable catch. So let's explore some of the best places for sup fishing in Wyoming!
Key Highlights
- Diverse Fishing Locations: Explore Wyoming's rich variety of SUP fishing spots across its northern, western, eastern, and southern regions.
- Target Fish Species: Detailed guide on the species available at each location, including Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Walleye, and Brown Trout.
- Optimal Fishing Seasons: Insights into the best times of the year for SUP fishing in Wyoming to maximize your chances of a great catch.
- Record-Breaking Catches: Highlighting the largest fish caught in these waters, including dates and sizes, for aspiring anglers to beat.
- Lures and Bait Recommendations: Expert advice on the most effective lures and bait for each fish species across Wyoming's fishing destinations.
- SUP Fishing Tips and Techniques: Practical tips for both beginners and seasoned anglers on how to enhance their SUP fishing experience.
- Conservation Practices: Emphasizing the importance of sustainable fishing practices to preserve Wyoming's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Northern Wyoming:
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Yellowstone Lake:
Yellowstone Lake, located in Yellowstone National Park, is a gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers breathtaking views and abundant fish populations. Anglers can target native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout using small spinners, flies, or worms. The best time to fish here is during the summer months, especially July. In August 2019, an impressive Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout weighing 8 pounds was caught on a fly rod.
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Lake DeSmet:
Situated in the Bighorn Mountains, Lake DeSmet is known for its tranquility and excellent fishing. Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout are the primary catch here. Effective lures include spinners, spoons, and small jigs. Early summer, around June, is the prime time to visit Lake DeSmet for SUP fishing. In July 2021, an impressive Brown Trout weighing 7.5 pounds was reeled in.
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Lake Sheridan:
Lake Sheridan, nestled in the picturesque Bighorn National Forest, is a haven for SUP fishing enthusiasts seeking solitude and abundant fish. Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike dominate the waters. For Largemouth Bass, soft plastic lures and topwater baits work well, while Northern Pike favor large spoons and jerkbaits. Late spring and early summer, particularly May and June, provide optimal conditions for catching trophy fish. In May 2020, an impressive Northern Pike weighing 14 pounds was landed at Lake Sheridan.
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Lake DeGray:
Located in Hot Springs County, Lake DeGray offers an unforgettable SUP fishing experience. Crappie and Largemouth Bass are the prized catches here. Crappie jigs and small minnow imitations are effective, while Largemouth Bass can be enticed with spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Spring and fall are the best seasons to fish at Lake DeGray. In October 2022, an impressive Largemouth Bass weighing 6 pounds was caught by an angler.
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Keyhole Reservoir:
Keyhole Reservoir, situated in the Black Hills of Wyoming, provides a diverse fishery for SUP fishing enthusiasts. Walleye and Channel Catfish are the main targets here. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits are highly effective for Walleye, while Channel Catfish can be enticed using cut bait or stinkbaits. Late spring and early summer, around May and June, offer the best fishing conditions. In June 2021, an impressive Walleye weighing 9 pounds was landed at Keyhole Reservoir.
Western Wyoming:
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Jackson Lake:
Jackson Lake, nestled in Grand Teton National Park, is a breathtaking SUP fishing destination. The lake is teeming with Cutthroat Trout and Lake Trout. Anglers can use spinners, spoons, and streamer flies to entice the fish. Late spring and early summer, particularly May and June, are optimal for fishing. In May 2021, an enormous Lake Trout weighing 30 pounds was caught at Jackson Lake.
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Palisades Reservoir:
Located in the Snake River Canyon, Palisades Reservoir offers a serene and picturesque setting for SUP fishing. Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon are the primary targets. Small spoons, spinners, and fly patterns such as Woolly Buggers and nymphs are productive here. Spring and fall are the best seasons for fishing. In September 2020, an impressive Rainbow Trout weighing 6 pounds was caught at Palisades Reservoir.
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Green River:
The Green River, famous for its stunning scenery and world-class trout fishing, attracts anglers from around the globe. Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout thrive in this river. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamer patterns are successful in fooling these fish. Late spring and early summer, around May and June, offer prime fishing conditions. In June 2022, a magnificent Brown Trout weighing 9 pounds was caught on the Green River.
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Fremont Lake:
Nestled in the Wind River Range, Fremont Lake is Wyoming's second-largest natural lake and a SUP fishing paradise. Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout are abundant here. Anglers can use spoons, spinners, and streamer flies to target these species. Summer, especially July and August, provides the best fishing opportunities. In August 2021, an impressive Lake Trout weighing 25 pounds was caught at Fremont Lake.
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Snake River:
The Snake River, winding through western Wyoming, is famous for its diverse fishery and stunning landscapes. Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout inhabit these waters. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamer patterns are effective for enticing these species. Late spring and early summer, around May and June, are ideal for fishing. In June 2023, an incredible Brown Trout weighing 12 pounds was caught on the Snake River.
Eastern Wyoming:
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Glendo Reservoir:
Glendo Reservoir, located in Platte County, offers outstanding SUP fishing opportunities. Walleye and Wiper (a hybrid of White Bass and Striped Bass) are the prized catches here. Anglers can use jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits for Walleye, while Wipers favor spoons and crankbaits. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons. In April 2022, an impressive Walleye weighing 8 pounds was reeled in at Glendo Reservoir.
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Boysen Reservoir:
Situated in the Owl Creek Mountains, Boysen Reservoir is a scenic SUP fishing destination with abundant fish populations. Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie are the primary targets. Jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are effective for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass, while Crappie respond well to small jigs and minnow imitations. Spring and fall provide optimal conditions for fishing. In May 2021, an impressive Smallmouth Bass weighing 5 pounds was caught at Boysen Reservoir.
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Hawk Springs Reservoir:
Hawk Springs Reservoir, located in Goshen County, is known for its tranquility and excellent fishing opportunities. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Catfish can be found here. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits are effective for Walleye and Northern Pike, while Catfish respond well to cut bait or stinkbaits. Spring and fall offer the best fishing conditions. In June 2020, an impressive Northern Pike weighing 15 pounds was landed at Hawk Springs Reservoir.
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Seminoe Reservoir:
Seminoe Reservoir, situated in Carbon County, is a premier SUP fishing destination in eastern Wyoming. Walleye, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout dominate these waters. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits work well for Walleye, while trout can be enticed with spoons, spinners, and fly patterns. Spring and fall provide optimal fishing opportunities. In September 2022, an impressive Brown Trout weighing 7 pounds was caught at Seminoe Reservoir.
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North Platte River:
The North Platte River, flowing through eastern Wyoming, is renowned for its world-class fly fishing and SUP fishing opportunities. Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout inhabit these waters. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamer patterns are productive for fooling these species. Late spring and early summer, around May and June, offer prime fishing conditions. In June 2021, an incredible Rainbow Trout weighing 10 pounds was caught on the North Platte River.
Southern Wyoming:
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Flaming Gorge Reservoir:
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, spanning the border between Wyoming and Utah, is a massive body of water renowned for its exceptional fishing. Lake Trout and Kokanee Salmon are the prized catches here. Anglers can use spoons, spinners, and downriggers to target these species. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons. In October 2020, an impressive Lake Trout weighing 28 pounds was caught at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
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Fontenelle Reservoir:
Fontenelle Reservoir, located on the Green River, provides excellent SUP fishing opportunities in southern Wyoming. Walleye and Channel Catfish are the primary targets here. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits work well for Walleye, while Channel Catfish can be enticed using cut bait or stinkbaits. Spring and fall offer the best fishing conditions. In May 2023, an impressive Walleye weighing 7 pounds was reeled in at Fontenelle Reservoir.
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Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge:
The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, situated along the Green River, offers a serene and natural setting for SUP fishing enthusiasts. Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout can be found in these waters. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamer patterns are productive for enticing these species. Late spring and early summer, around May and June, are ideal for fishing. In June 2022, an impressive Cutthroat Trout weighing 8 pounds was caught at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.
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Rob Roy Reservoir:
Rob Roy Reservoir, nestled in the Snowy Range Mountains, provides a peaceful and secluded SUP fishing experience. Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout dominate these waters. Anglers can use small spinners, spoons, and flies to target these species. Summer, especially July and August, offers the best fishing opportunities. In August 2021, an impressive Rainbow Trout weighing 4 pounds was caught at Rob Roy Reservoir.
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Alcova Reservoir:
Alcova Reservoir, located on the North Platte River, is a popular SUP fishing destination in southern Wyoming. Walleye, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout are abundant in these waters. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits are effective for Walleye, while spoons, spinners, and fly patterns work well for trout. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons. In September 2020, an impressive Walleye weighing 6 pounds was landed at Alcova Reservoir.
Conclusion:
Wyoming offers an array of incredible SUP fishing locations for anglers to explore. Whether you're in northern, western, eastern, or southern Wyoming, you'll find stunning landscapes, abundant fish populations, and thrilling angling opportunities. From Yellowstone Lake in the north to Flaming Gorge Reservoir in the south, each location has its own unique charm and target fish species. By using the recommended lures or bait and visiting during the optimal fishing seasons, you'll increase your chances of landing trophy fish like the ones mentioned in this article. So grab your SUP board, fishing gear, and head out to the beautiful waters of Wyoming for an unforgettable SUP fishing adventure. Fishing records may have changed since this article was researched and geographic compass locations are rough.
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