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PLAN YOUR TRIP BEFORE YOU GET HERE VIP's Snowy Range & Sierra Madre Mtn. Recreation Map Hike, Bike, Ride & Climb It Fish, Float & Boat It Snowmobile & Ski It Camp It Hunt It
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Trout, Kokanee and Walleye | The Rivers | Safety, Licenses and Regulations | Guides & Outfitters Catching trout on a fly rod is one of Wyoming's best and most memorable experiences.It’s no wonder people come from near and far to fish, float and boat the waters of southern Wyoming. There are plenty of opportunities to whet an angler’s appetite with good access to rivers, lakes and streams amidst picturesque mountain scenery. Trout, Kokanee and Walleye
Kokanee, a variety of sockeye salmon, are found in Lake Hattie (along with Bear River cutthroat) and in the High Savery Reservoir. The High Savery Reservoir is also the only place in Wyoming to catch tiger trout. Good access is available via dirt roads and public walk-in access. Parking is restricted to designated areas only; camping is available in the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains. Walleye fishermen prefer Seminoe Reservoir with over 20,000 acres of water and 180 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is stocked annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout.
The RiversThe Upper North Platte,the Encampment, the Laramie and the Little Snake are the four main rivers in the area. They offer fishermen or outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to float, fish or hike their many miles of unspoiled beauty. Local guides and outfitters are available for guided fishing, scenic float and whitewater trips
Northgate Canyon, located between the Routt access and Six Mile Gap, is a whitewater trip with five rapids that may range up to Class IV. Navigation on this part of the River is very technical due to numerous rocks, maneuverability problems and unpredictable weather. As the canyon is in both Colorado and Wyoming, fishing licenses are required from both states. Permits are not required for private float trips. Please note that low water trips through the Northgate Canyon in late-July and September are not recommended for any boats, including canoes, due to numerous rocks. Daily flow information is available at http://wy.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?06620000. With the exception of the Northgate Canyon and the stretch below Six Mile Gap, the majority of the Upper North Platte River tends to offer easier floats and good fishing during moderate flows. The Encampment River flows into Wyoming through the majestic Encampment River Wilderness and its ruggedly beautiful canyon. A well maintained 15-mile trail provides access to this sensational area of the River. Also given Blue Ribbon status as a highly rated wild trout fishery, it flows into the Upper North Platte River about seven miles north of Riverside and Encampment. While floating both the Upper North Platte and Encampment Rivers, keep an eye out for bald eagles, ducks, great blue heron, sandhill cranes, geese, pelicans and a variety of songbirds. Occasionally, you may also spot mink, beavers, deer and moose.
The Laramie River to the east and the Little Snake River to the west also offer wonderful scenery and high quality fishing, but with more limited
access. Colorado River Cutthroat, one of Wyoming’s four cutthroat sub-species, are native to the Little Snake River. See VIP's Snowy Range &
Sierra Madre Recreation Map to locate these Rivers. Safety, Licenses and RegulationsHigh water on all sections of the rivers always brings the safety issues of swamped boats, overturned canoes, log jams and hypothermia. Protect yourself by becoming familiar with river access points and roads leading to the river(s), in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. Waterproof outerwear and a life jacket are recommended for protecting yourself from exposure to cold water. In Wyoming, life jackets/preservers are required for each person in the boat. As weather here can change in moments, its also a good idea to bring along plenty of sunscreen, water and mosquito repellant. 
Fishing licenses are required for anglers fourteen years of age and older. All license holders, except daily licenses, are required to have a conservation stamp. Click on chart for current license types and fees. Observance of state fishing regulations is a must. There may be limits on the numbers, species and size of fish that may be taken, as well as on the tackle and equipment you may use. Local sporting goods stores and guides & outfitters are a good source for current insect hatches. Licenses, fishing regulations, boating regulations and public access information are available locally and through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 307-745-4046
or online at http://gf.state.wy.us/nettest/frmhomepage.aspx. |
Area waters contain several coexisting trout species such as
brook, brown, cutthroat, golden, rainbow, splake (brook trout/lake trout cross) and tiger (brown trout/brook trout cross). The only native trout to Wyoming is the
cutthroat. Southern Wyoming’s three subspecies of cutthroat, the Snake River, the Colorado River and the Bear River cutthroat, can be distinguished from other trout
by the orange/red markings around the jaw.
High Savery Reservoir, Seminoe Reservoir, Hog Park Reservoir, 
The Upper North Platte River is regarded by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department as the “Premier Blue Ribbon Wild Trout Stream in Wyoming”, with over 3,200 catchable fish per mile. Flowing north,
it enters Wyoming through the Platte River Wilderness Area and famed Northgate Canyon. It then flows north through three distinct eco zones; mountain conifer forest,
valley floor hay meadow and finally majestic desert vistas all encompassing over 150 miles of free flowing waters (no dams),
with only four miles of highway frontage.
There are two public access points on the Encampment River, the
Odd Fellows access and the Riverside access. Typical floating craft used include inflatable rafts and kayaks, however canoes are not recommended. Three diversion dams
between Odd Fellows and Treasure Island access points add to the adventure on this River. Also, there is a low bridge and a cable wire strung across the River several
miles north of Riverside. Be prepared to duck to pass safely under both.
