Visit Pinedale, Wyoming

Fishing in the Pinedale, Wyoming Area

The Pinedale, Wyoming area is a fisherman's paradise with hundreds of miles of trout fishing streams and over 1300 lakes in the surrounding area for the novice and experienced fisherman alike. There are many public access fishing areas that are relatively easy to get to by vehicle or walk-in access. Others are remote and take time and effort to are reached by hiking or horseback riding. The majority of the recreational fishing opportunities are mostly for cold water trout fishing for a variety of species including native Colorado cutthroat, brown trout, golden trout, brook trout, lake trout and mountain whitefish. Be sure to pick up a Wyoming fishing license before heading to your destination and obtain the updated fishing regulations from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for the area in which you intend to fish. Be aware of season dates, catch limits, fish length limitations, and any special regulations pertaining to the specific stretch of stream or lake you'll be fishing. For those who don't want to take the trouble to find all the great fishing spots themselves, many local outfitters provide fishing guide services.

The Green and New Fork Rivers

The two main rivers in sublette county are the Green River and the New Fork River. Both offer miles of excellent fly fishing & stream fishing, and have public access points. These streams are popular for drift boat fishing as well as casting a line in from the bank. The Green River is the larger of the two rivers and has its headwaters in the northern Wind River Range at Green River Lakes. The upper portion is on Bridger-Teton National Forest land and has miles of public access along the banks. Once leaving public land much of the Green River flows through private ranch lands and winds past the towns of Daniel and Big Piney. Fishermen should remember it is their responsibility to ask for permission to fish along private land. The New Fork River originates in New Fork Lakes and flows past Cora, Pinedale and Boulder to join the Green River northeast of Big Piney. Approximately a third the size of the Green River, the New Fork still offers many opportunities to catch big fish and enjoy a challenging fight.

Stream Fishing

The surrounding mountains feed numerous small streams that ultimately flow into the New Fork or the Green River. Most of these streams can be accessed from backcountry roads, however there may be some hiking involved to get from the road down to the stream. Lower portions of the streams in the valley bottoms typically flow through either private or BLM lands. Once into the mountains, streams are located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest where the public has unrestricted access. Many of the popular spots have fishing regulation signs posted nearby, however the best thing to do is get a copy of the current Wyoming fishing regulations and maps that apply for the area in which you plan to fish from the sporting good store when you get your license. Regulations vary widely on creel limits, fish size, and season for different sections of even the same stream, so it is important to know the regulations before casting your line into the water.

High-Mountain Back-Country Lakes

For those who enjoy combining fishing with backpacking or horseback riding, some of the most enjoyable fishing can be found in the high mountain lakes in the surrounding mountains. The Wind River Range has over 1300 lakes. Anglers willing to make the effort to reach these high mountain lakes can experience quality fishing & fly fishing in a peaceful and uncrowded setting in view of rugged mountain peaks, wildflowers, and wildlife. Many outfitters provide guide services and unique trip packages for fishing enthusiasts.

Kids & Easy Access

Visitors to the Pinedale area have some unique fishing opportunities for young children or those with limited time to fish. The Kid's Fishing Pond in the Pinedale Town Park is stocked and open to young children to throw in a line. Nearby Pine Creek has trail access along the banks in the park and offers a convenient place for kids to cast a line in while the family picnics in the park. Just a couple of miles out of town, just below Fremont Lake, a series of ponds and riparian areas called the CCC Ponds offer nearby fishing. The ponds have handicapped access and trails around the larger lakes. Some trail portions are paved and others are dirt. This is a good spot to go if you have limited time and want something nearby in a nice setting for a picnic or evening outing. A paved trail gives close access to the largest pond for people in wheelchairs to fish at the lakeshore. Handicapped accessible restrooms are located on the paved trail near the parking area. There is a large parking lot with good turn around room that can accommodate RV parking. Each June the Wyoming Game & Fish, US Forest Service, and the local Chapter of Trout Unlimited host Kid's Fishing Day at the CCC Ponds. To reach the CCC Ponds, take Fremont Lake Road 3.2 miles, turn left at the sign for Fremont Lake, and turn left at the sign for CCC Ponds, just past Lakeside Lodge (the sign is on the right, but the entrance is on the left).

Winter Fishing

In the winter, fishing fanatics brave the cold to ice fish on area lakes which freeze over with 17"-24" of ice. Many people use snowmobiles to zip across the frozen lake surface to reach their favorite fishing spot while others simply drive across the lake. Be sure to check the conditions of ice depth before heading out! Local sporting good stores sell all the equipment you need for your ice fishing expedition. Popular ice fishing lakes include Fremont, Half Moon and Boulder Lake in the Wind River Range and Middle Piney Lake in the Wyoming Range. For more information see Ice Fishing.

Local Businesses and Services

Many local Outfitters and Guides provide guide services for visitors who would like someone familiar with the area to take them to all the great fishing spots. Visitors can book a day fishing trip or extended horse-packing trip into one of the wilderness areas for a custom fishing expedition. Contact the Sublette County Visitor Center for a list of businesses that can provide these services. Many of the local lodging establishments can also make arrangements for guide services or offer advice about good places to cast in a line for a short outing. Sporting goods stores sell licenses, flies, and bait, along with other fishing supply equipment. Salespersons often are very knowledgeable about local conditions on the area lakes and streams and can make recommendations on fly patterns and lures. Story swapping is always welcome! Fly-casting lessons are also offered by some local outdoor shops.
Sublette County Chamber of Commerce