Buffalo Bill Reservoir Wyoming Fishing

Buffalo Bill Reservoir in Wyoming offers excellent fishing opportunities in a scenic setting near Cody and Yellowstone National Park. Whether you’re targeting trout or trying for walleye, the reservoir is known for its productive waters and beautiful mountain surroundings. Here’s a guide to help you maximize your fishing experience at Buffalo Bill Reservoir:

1. Target Species

• Rainbow Trout: Buffalo Bill Reservoir is well-stocked with rainbow trout, making it one of the most popular species to target.
• Brown Trout: Known for their size and fight, brown trout can be found in the cooler, deeper parts of the reservoir.
• Cutthroat Trout: Native to the area, cutthroat trout offer a great challenge for anglers. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are found here and are often a prized catch.
• Lake Trout (Mackinaw): These larger fish can be found in deeper waters and are a challenge to catch, but they provide a rewarding experience.
• Walleye: The reservoir has a growing population of walleye, making it an appealing destination for walleye anglers.
• Yellowstone Cutthroat: This native species is primarily found in the tributaries of the reservoir, but anglers can also catch them in the reservoir itself.

2. Best Fishing Techniques

• Trolling for Trout: Trolling is an effective method for catching rainbow and brown trout. Use spoons, spinners, or crankbaits, and focus on mid-level depths or near shorelines. Downriggers or lead-core lines may be necessary to reach deeper trout in the summer.
• Fly Fishing for Trout: Fly fishing is popular in the reservoir and its tributaries. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers can be effective, particularly in the spring and fall when trout are more active near the surface. The Shoshone River, which feeds into the reservoir, offers great fly-fishing opportunities.
• Jigging for Lake Trout: Use heavy jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait to target lake trout in deep waters. Vertical jigging over steep drop-offs or near underwater structures can yield good results, particularly in the spring and fall when lake trout come closer to the surface.
• Casting for Walleye: Walleye are best targeted by casting crankbaits, spinners, or jigging with live bait. Focus on points, underwater humps, and areas with rocky or gravel bottoms. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target walleye.
• Ice Fishing for Trout and Walleye: In winter, ice fishing for trout and walleye is popular at Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Use small jigs or spoons tipped with minnows or worms. Look for fish near underwater structures or inlets where the fish congregate.

3. Key Fishing Spots

• East Shore: The east shore of the reservoir has good access for both boat and shore anglers. Trout are often found near the shore in the spring and fall, making it a productive area.
• Rattlesnake Mountain: This area has steep drop-offs and deep waters, making it a prime location for lake trout. Trolling or jigging near the deeper waters can yield good results.
• Shoshone River Inlet: The inlet of the Shoshone River is a great spot for targeting trout, especially during the spring and fall when fish move toward the cooler, oxygen-rich water of the river.
• North Fork Arm: This area has a variety of underwater structures and drop-offs, making it ideal for walleye and lake trout. Troll or jig near these features for the best results.
• Whitetail Campground Area: A popular spot for shore fishing, this area is productive for rainbow and brown trout, especially in the early morning or late evening.

4. Best Times to Fish

• Spring (April – June): Spring is one of the best times to fish Buffalo Bill Reservoir, especially for trout. As the ice melts, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout are active in shallower waters and near the shorelines. This is also a good time to catch lake trout as they move closer to the surface.
• Summer (July – August): During summer, fish often move deeper as the water warms. Trolling deeper with downriggers for trout or targeting walleye with jigs in deeper waters can be effective. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish during the hot summer months.
• Fall (September – October): Fall is another productive time for trout, as they move back into shallower waters. Lake trout are also more active and can be targeted in mid-depth ranges. Walleye fishing can be excellent in the fall, as they feed aggressively before winter.
• Winter (Ice Fishing Season): Ice fishing at Buffalo Bill Reservoir can be productive, especially for trout and walleye. Jigging with small lures or bait in deeper areas near the inlet or underwater structures can produce good results.

5. Bait and Lures

• For Trout: Use spoons, spinners, or crankbaits for trolling. Fly anglers should use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers. When ice fishing, small jigs tipped with worms or minnows work well.
• For Walleye: Use jigs tipped with nightcrawlers, minnows, or leeches. Crankbaits or spinners in natural colors (such as green or brown) work well in rocky or gravel-bottom areas.
• For Lake Trout: Heavy jigs with soft plastics or live bait work well when jigging for lake trout in deeper waters. Brightly colored spoons or large crankbaits can also be effective.
• For Cutthroat Trout: Fly fishing with streamers, dry flies, or nymphs near the tributaries and shallower sections of the reservoir is effective.

6. Fishing Conditions

• Wind: Buffalo Bill Reservoir is known for its windy conditions, especially in the afternoons. Early mornings and late evenings typically offer calmer weather for fishing.
• Water Levels: Water levels can fluctuate depending on dam releases, so it’s essential to check current conditions before your trip. Lower water levels can concentrate fish into smaller areas, making it easier to find productive spots.

7. Fishing Regulations

• Buffalo Bill Reservoir has specific fishing regulations to protect its fish populations, including catch limits and restrictions on certain species. For example, there may be specific rules regarding the harvest of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Be sure to check the latest Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations before fishing.

8. Wildlife and Scenery

• Fishing at Buffalo Bill Reservoir also offers the bonus of spectacular mountain views and wildlife encounters. You might see bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and other animals while enjoying your day on the water.

Whether you’re trolling for trout, casting for walleye, or ice fishing for a variety of species, Buffalo Bill Reservoir is a prime fishing destination in Wyoming. Its combination of diverse fish species, productive fishing techniques, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit location for any angler.

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Buffalo Bill Reservoir Wyoming Fishing