Popular Fish Among Wyoming Anglers
By: Katelyn Parker
Anglers from far and wide travel to Wyoming to fish our pristine waters in the presence of our magnificent landscapes. Several locals take the sport very seriously and the quality of our waters and the fish that inhabit them are not taken for granted, creating a mutual respect and harmony. State organizations do what they can to protect and sustain fish populations and the locals do what they can to support their efforts. There are several different species of fish swimming in our lakes and rivers and their population is determined by environmental factors and conservation efforts. Each fish is unique in their own way just as each body of water is unique in which fish it hosts. Each species has their own identifying markers, preferred habitats, and preferences, providing anglers with exhilarating challenges. Allow us to introduce you to some of the species that attract anglers and some of their unique characteristics.
Cutthroat Trout
Description: The cutthroat is the state fish of Wyoming and one of the most popular species among local and traveling anglers. Cutthroat can vary in color and size but are typically green, gold, and grey on the back with black spots that are more concentrated toward their tail. The cutthroat gets its name from the distinct coloring on their mandibles which can be a variation of red or orange depending on the subspecies. The four sub-species in Wyoming are the Yellowstone cutthroat, Colorado River cutthroat, Bear River (Bonneville) cutthroat, and the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat.
Where to Catch: Cutthroat can be fished in many of the rivers and lakes on the western side of the state. Each of the four subspecies have their designated region, the Yellowstone cutthroat being predominant in the north-western region, the Snake River cutthroat in and around the Jackson area, the Colorado River cutthroat in the south-east corner, and the Bear River (Bonneville) cutthroat’s population is along the south-eastern border. Cutthroat can be found in rivers, lakes and streams and can be fished by anglers using either a spin or fly rod. Talk to your local fishing guides to get advice on fishing for cutthroat trout in your local region.
Additional Info: Join the Game & Fish in their endeavor to help sustain cutthroat populations around the state and participate in their Cutt-Slam program. Learn more here.
Golden Trout
Description: Golden Trout are a smaller member of the trout family and are easily recognized by their golden coloring and red stripes on its side. Goldens are beautiful fish and their small population in Wyoming make them a high valued catch to anglers across the state.
Where to Catch: Golden trout are not native to Wyoming and are stocked and managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish. G&F manages approximately 128 active high alpine lakes for Golden trout in several regions including the Wind River mountains, the Absarokas, Snowy Range, and the Bighorn mountains. Since 2016, 46 waters have been stocked and depending on the population of the particular body of water, are stocked on a 2- or 4-year rotation. The east side of the Bighorns, in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, is home to 110 lakes and 64 of those have Goldens and of those, 32 are stocked on either the 2- or 4-year rotations. If you are interested in fishing for Golden trout, local fishing guides can help you with best locations and practices to help you realize your goal.
Additional Info: Learn more about the history of the Golden trout in Wyoming and the efforts to sustain the population made by Wyoming Game and Fish.
Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Lake Trout
Description: The Rainbow trout gets its name from its multi-colored appearance. Their bodies are green, yellow, blue, and red with an almost white belly, a red stripe that runs down its side and a spattering of black spots. Although similar to the cutthroat in appearance, Rainbow trout can be distinguished from the cutthroat by the white tips on its fins. Rainbow trout is the main fish that is stocked in Wyoming and can be caught in most rivers, lakes, and streams in the state.
The Brown and Brook trout have an abundant population throughout the state. The Brown trout can be easily recognized by the light-colored rings around its dark spots and the lack of spots on its tail. The Brook trout is similar in appearance but can be distinguished from the Brown by its lighter spots on a dark background, the blue rings around its red spots and a darker fins and tail.
Lake trout is the largest species of trout, the largest on record being 50 pounds and 48 inches long. Lake trout can be found in lakes around the state and anglers of a variation of styles can enjoy throwing a line with the hopes of hooking the new state record.
Meat Quality and Flavor: The variations of trout all have a similar taste and texture. Trout have a mild flavor with a delicate and semi-flaky texture. Trout is a great substitute for folks who prefer a fish that isn’t too fishy. There is a variation of flavor between fresh and farmed trout, farmed being more earthy in flavor than its wild counterpart. Trout is usually best when prepared fresh and can be prepared using several different methods such as open fire, smoked, baked, pan fried or steamed.
Additional Info: Wyoming’s Record Fish
Kokanee Salmon
Description: The Kokanee salmon are the landlocked version of Sockeye, meaning they are non-anadromous and don’t return to the ocean to spawn. The Kokanee are silver in color with a dark blue back and smaller in size than their Sockeye relatives, the average size being between 9 and 12 inches. During spawning season, the males will turn bright red and undergo body transformations such as a humped back and elongated jaw.
Where to Catch: The Game & Fish stocks large numbers of Kokanee salmon every spring in several lakes around the state from the seven hatcheries in Wyoming. Flaming Gorge Reservoir receives the largest population of Kokanee and some of the other waters stocked include Alcova Reservoir, Fremont Lake, Rob Roy Reservoir, Lake Hattie, Fontenelle Reservoir, Boulder Lake, New Fork Lake and Lower Green River Lake. Kokanee like to stay in deeper water away from the shoreline so most anglers in search of Kokanee use a boat. To learn more about how to fish Kokanee, check out this video produced by Wyoming Game and Fish.
Meat Quality and Flavor: Kokanee salmon is a freshwater fish with a lot of flavor. Their flesh is a brilliant orange, and the flavor is a great combination of trout and Sockeye salmon, making it a stronger flavored fish than trout and milder than wild salmon. Kokanee can be enjoyed using a variety of cooking methods such as baking, grilling, smoking, steaming, and pan-frying.
Additional Info: Learn more about Kokanee in Wyoming from the Wyoming Game and Fish.
Mountain Whitefish
Description: The Mountain Whitefish is silvery gray in color and has larger scales and a smaller mouth than trout. They are slender and sleek in appearance, and the state record is currently 4 pounds 4 ounces and 21 inches in length.
How and Where to Catch: The Mountain Whitefish population has declined in past years but can still be found in several of Wyoming’s waters. The Whitefish is highly susceptible to pollution and they need clear water with deep pools to thrive. Because of environmental factors, Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest number of Whitefish in the state and they can be found in most of the rivers and streams in the park.
Additional Info: Fishing in Yellowstone National Park requires a separate permit that can be purchased at the visitor centers within the park.
Burbot
Description:
Burbot are not the most attractive fish we have swimming in our waters, however, they are good table fare and, for some, a challenge to catch. Burbot are identified by their long and slender body and their long double dorsal fin towards the back of their body. The burbot is brown with black spots and they have a single barbel in the center of their lower jaw.
Where to Catch:
Burbot is native to the Wind River and Bighorn drainage areas. In the late 1900’s Burbot was introduced to the Green River drainage illegally and has since become a popular species to fish in the Flaming Gorge reservoir. Burbot are most active at night and during the day they are known to find dark recesses in rocks and crevasses that traverse the waters edge. According to the Game & Fish, sunrise and sunset are highly productive hours. The Burbot’s primary food source is crawfish so rocky areas are the habitats where they are most likely to be found. The best season to fish for burbot in Wyoming is winter and it is a popular species among ice fishermen. Lures that glow are a necessity to snag a Burbot and bait such as white fish or chub meat is enough to entice the Burbot to bite. Your best chance of success in landing your next Burbot is to utilize the proper bait and lure as well as a sturdy hook and a strong line.
Meat Quality and Flavor:
Burbot is often referred to as the “poor man’s lobster” due to its similar texture and flavor. The fillets are meaty and bone free if prepared correctly, making this a favorite fish among kids. Similar to cod, Burbot is great fried, boiled, baked or steamed.
Additional Info: Get more helpful details on how and when to catch Burbots in Wyoming here, and learn how to clean and fillet a Burbot here.
Catfish
Description: Wyoming is home to two different species of catfish, the Channel catfish, and the Black Bullhead. The Channel catfish and the Black Bullhead are similar in appearance but can be differentiated by some unique features. The Black Bullhead does not have black spots like the Channel and the tail fin on the Bullhead is not as deeply notched as the tail on the Channel.
Where to Catch: Catfish are present in most lakes, rivers and ponds in Wyoming and are most active at night. Catfish are easily enticed by several different types of bait including live bait such as worms and crawfish and are known to bite for meat chub, stink bait, raw chicken liver and even hotdogs. Be sure to check your local regulations and restrictions before choosing your bait.
Meat Quality and Flavor: Catfish is one of those fish that can be delicious or revolting depending on how it is prepared. Because of the ecosystem in which they live and what they eat, catfish can have a muddy taste if it isn’t given the proper TLC. The trick to delicious catfish is soaking the fillets in a saltwater bath before cooking. After soaking for an hour or two the fillets are ready for cooking in whichever method you choose, the most popular being breaded and fried.
Walleye
Description: Walleye are long and slender and greenish brown on their back with a white belly. Their identifying markers include a spiny dorsal fin, a mouthful of sharp teeth, their large silver eyes and white tips on the tail and anal fins. Walleye grow to an average of 30 inches in length and the Wyoming record is currently 34 inches long and just over 17 pounds.
Where to Catch: Walleye can be found in several of the lakes around the state. Walleye tend to prefer clear deep water and can be found in sections of the lake with gravel or sandy bottoms. Wyoming anglers fishing for Walleye suggest the use of small crankbaits, jigs, and plastic worms as well as live bait, such as minnows. Be sure to check the local regulations for bait restrictions.
Meat Quality and Flavor: Walleye is a favorite for its incredible flavor and texture. The texture is flakey and buttery and the flavor is not too fishy and compliments many different cooking methods. Walleye is excellent pan seared, oven baked or fried. Try it with just a little bit of lemon pepper, it is delicious!
Wyoming’s 2022 fishing regulations
Wyoming Game and Fish Interactive Fishing Guide
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Brown Trout- Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department