Best Fishing Spots Near Cheyenne, Wyoming

It can be tough, can't it? You're in Cheyenne, surrounded by the wide-open plains of Wyoming, and you might think the only good fishing is a long drive away in the mountains. But that's just not true! Many folks miss out on some truly fantastic and accessible fishing right in Laramie County and within an easy day trip. This guide is here to shed light on those overlooked fishing havens near Cheyenne, helping you discover where to cast your line for a rewarding day on the water.

Urban Fishing Gems Within Cheyenne's Grasp

Let's face it, sometimes you don't have all day for a big adventure, or you're just looking for a quick escape with the family. Cheyenne, thankfully, has a few urban and near-urban gems that offer surprisingly good fishing, often stocked and easily accessible. These are perfect for a spontaneous outing or for teaching the little ones the joy of reeling in a catch.

Lions Park Pond

Right in the heart of Cheyenne, Lions Park Pond is a beloved local spot for a reason. It's incredibly accessible, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or anyone with limited mobility. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department keeps this pond well-stocked, primarily with rainbow trout, ensuring a good chance of success, especially in spring and fall.

Beyond trout, you might also find some yellow perch and even channel catfish here, offering a bit of variety. It’s predominantly a bait fishing and spin fishing pond, with power bait, worms, and small spinners often doing the trick. The pond is surrounded by walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds, so it's a great spot to spend a few hours with the whole family, even if not everyone is fishing. Just remember to check the local regulations for specific bag limits, which can sometimes differ for community ponds.

Sloan Lake

Another fantastic option right in Cheyenne is Sloan Lake. This urban fishery is a bit larger than Lions Park Pond and offers more space to spread out. Like Lions Park, Sloan Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, providing consistent action for anglers. The lake also holds a healthy population of common carp, which can offer a surprisingly strong fight on light tackle for those looking for a challenge. You might also encounter yellow perch and even some largemouth bass in the weedier areas.

Sloan Lake has a boat ramp, though it's typically restricted to non-motorized vessels like canoes, kayaks, and float tubes, making it a peaceful option for those who prefer to paddle. Shoreline access is plentiful, with various spots to set up camp for the day. Early mornings or late evenings are often the most productive, especially during the warmer months when the trout might seek deeper, cooler water. For those new to the area, it's always a good idea to consult the Wyoming Fishing Regulations Every Angler Should Know before heading out.

Crystal Lake

A short drive just south of Cheyenne will bring you to Crystal Lake, offering a slightly more serene experience while still being incredibly convenient. This lake is another prime example of Wyoming's commitment to urban fisheries, regularly stocked with rainbow trout. It’s also known for its population of yellow perch and the occasional largemouth bass, particularly around the submerged vegetation and structure.

Crystal Lake is popular for both bank fishing and small boat access. There's a designated boat launch, and again, non-motorized boats are generally the rule, preserving the quiet atmosphere. Ice fishing here can be excellent in the winter months, provided the ice is safe. Always remember to check How Thick Ice Needs to Be to Fish Safely before venturing out onto any frozen body of water. The setting is quite scenic, with views of the surrounding landscape, making it a pleasant spot for a half-day outing.

Exploring Laramie County's Nearby Reservoirs and Lakes

Venturing just a little further from Cheyenne opens up a whole new world of fishing opportunities, especially at the renowned Curt Gowdy State Park. These larger bodies of water offer a different experience, often targeting bigger fish and providing more diverse habitat.

Curt Gowdy State Park (Granite and North Crow Reservoirs)

If there's one place near Cheyenne that every angler absolutely must visit, it's Curt Gowdy State Park. This incredible park, located about 24 miles west of Cheyenne, is home to three major reservoirs: Granite, North Crow, and Middle Crow (though the latter is managed a bit differently). Granite and North Crow Reservoirs are the superstars here, offering some of the best fishing in southeastern Wyoming.

Granite Reservoir: This reservoir is known for its healthy populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. It's a fantastic place for both shore anglers and those with boats. You can often find success trolling for kokanee and trout, or casting spinners and spoons from the rocky shores. Fly anglers also find good opportunities, especially during hatches along the inflows. If you're planning a trip with a boat, there are several boat ramps available, and the expansive water allows for plenty of room to explore. Understanding How Bag and Possession Limits Work in Wyoming is crucial here, as specific regulations can apply to certain species like kokanee salmon.

North Crow Reservoir: Just upstream from Granite, North Crow Reservoir is another exceptional fishery within Curt Gowdy. It's celebrated for its abundant rainbow and brown trout, with many anglers reporting consistent success. North Crow often feels a bit more secluded and offers picturesque views, especially from its upper reaches. Both spin fishing with lures and bait, and fly fishing with nymphs and streamers, are productive here. Like Granite, it accommodates both shore fishing and boating (non-motorized or low-horsepower motor restrictions often apply, so always double-check park rules). If you're a beginner, a guided trip can really help unlock the secrets of these waters, and platforms like FishingBooker can connect you with local guides who specialize in Curt Gowdy.

Middle Crow Reservoir

While also within Curt Gowdy State Park, Middle Crow Reservoir often feels like a hidden gem due to its more remote access. It's not as large as Granite or North Crow, but it offers a more intimate fishing experience, especially for those seeking solitude. Middle Crow holds good numbers of rainbow and brown trout, and because it receives less pressure, the fish can sometimes be less wary.

Access to Middle Crow can be a bit more challenging, often requiring a short hike or a vehicle suited for gravel roads, depending on the specific access point. This can be a pro for anglers looking to escape the crowds. Due to its smaller size, it’s particularly well-suited for float tubes, kayaks, or even just wading and bank fishing. It's a prime example of a serene high-plains fishery that feels miles away from the city. For tips on specific tackle, consider researching Best Lures for Wyoming Rainbow Trout before your visit.

Lake Absarraca

Just west of Cheyenne, before you hit Curt Gowdy, you'll find Lake Absarraca. This reservoir, part of the Cheyenne water supply system, provides yet another convenient option for anglers. It's primarily known for its rainbow trout, which are regularly stocked, but you can also find brown trout here, particularly around the inlets and deeper structure.

Lake Absarraca offers decent shoreline access and also allows for small watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and belly boats. It can be a fantastic spot on a weekday when the crowds are minimal. Early season (spring) and late season (fall) are often the most productive for trout, as they are more active in cooler waters. Anglers often do well with spoons, spinners, and various trout baits. Remember that a valid Wyoming fishing license, including the Who Needs Wyoming's Conservation Stamp, is required for all these spots.

Day Trip Adventures Beyond the Immediate Area

For those willing to stretch their legs a bit further, a day trip from Cheyenne can unlock some of Wyoming's truly premier fisheries. These destinations, while a bit more of a drive, offer the chance at bigger fish and different species, making the journey well worth it.

Glendo State Park

About an hour and a half north of Cheyenne lies Glendo State Park, home to the massive Glendo Reservoir. This is a game-changer for anglers looking for warm-water species and trophy potential. While Curt Gowdy is famous for trout, Glendo is a walleye angler's paradise, also offering excellent fishing for channel catfish, crappie, and some very respectable largememouth bass.

Walleye Fishing at Glendo: Glendo is consistently ranked among the Best Wyoming Reservoirs for Walleye. Anglers here typically employ trolling techniques with crankbaits and bottom bouncers, or jigging with soft plastics and live bait, especially during spring and fall spawns. The reservoir is enormous, covering over 12,000 acres when full, meaning endless possibilities for exploring different structures, points, and coves. If you're serious about walleye, a full-day trip here is highly recommended. Many anglers consult online platforms or local tackle shops for up-to-date fishing reports specific to Glendo.

Other Species: Beyond walleye, Glendo offers fantastic crappie fishing in the spring and early summer, particularly around submerged timber and brush piles. Catfish are abundant throughout the reservoir, especially in the shallower, warmer bays. The largemouth bass population is also strong, offering exciting topwater action in the warmer months. Glendo is a boater's dream, with numerous boat ramps and plenty of open water. For non-residents, considering Wyoming's Annual, Daily and Five-Day License Options might be helpful for planning longer trips to places like Glendo.

Wheatland Reservoir #3

For another excellent warm-water option, Wheatland Reservoir #3 (often just called "Wheatland #3") is a bit further northwest, but still manageable as a long day trip from Cheyenne. This reservoir is highly regarded for its robust populations of walleye, channel catfish, and some impressive northern pike. Pike in particular offer a thrilling fight and can grow to considerable sizes here.

Wheatland #3 is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter, and open-water fishing during the warmer months. Like Glendo, trolling and jigging are effective for walleye. For northern pike, casting large spoons, spinnerbaits, or even fly fishing with oversized streamers can be incredibly productive, especially in the shallower, weedy bays. The reservoir has good boat access, and ample shoreline for bank anglers. It’s a great place to broaden your species horizons beyond just trout, providing a different angling challenge. Before you go, always verify current access conditions and regulations with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, as irrigation reservoirs can sometimes have fluctuating water levels that impact access.

No matter where you choose to cast your line near Cheyenne, remember that half the fun is the journey and the experience of being out in beautiful Wyoming. Tight lines!

Fishing Spot	Primary Species	Best Access	Best Season	Family-Friendly?	Notes
Lions Park Pond	Rainbow Trout, Perch, Catfish	Shore	Spring, Fall	Yes	Urban, stocked, easy access for kids.
Sloan Lake	Rainbow Trout, Carp, Perch, Bass	Shore, Non-motorized boat	Spring, Fall, Summer	Yes	Urban, stocked, good variety, boat launch.
Crystal Lake	Rainbow Trout, Perch, Bass	Shore, Non-motorized boat	Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter (ice)	Yes	Quiet, stocked, good ice fishing.
Granite Reservoir	Rainbow, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon	Shore, Motorized boat	Spring, Summer, Fall	Yes	Part of Curt Gowdy SP, excellent trout & kokanee, multiple ramps.
North Crow Reservoir	Rainbow, Brown Trout	Shore, Non-motorized boat	Spring, Summer, Fall	Yes	Part of Curt Gowdy SP, serene, good trout action.
Middle Crow Reservoir	Rainbow, Brown Trout	Shore, Hike-in	Spring, Summer, Fall	Moderate	More secluded, less pressure, smaller water.
Lake Absarraca	Rainbow, Brown Trout	Shore, Small boat	Spring, Fall	Yes	Convenient, stocked, part of city water supply.
Glendo Reservoir	Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, Bass	Shore, Motorized boat	Spring, Summer, Fall	Yes	Large reservoir, excellent warm-water species, especially walleye, many amenities.
Wheatland Reservoir #3	Walleye, Catfish, Northern Pike	Shore, Motorized boat	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (ice)	Yes	Good walleye and pike, can be a longer drive.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only. Fishing regulations, conditions, and access points in Wyoming can change frequently. Always consult the official Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or their current regulations booklet before planning your fishing trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information. Adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Fishing, like any outdoor activity, carries inherent risks; please exercise caution and good judgment.