Great fishing on Boysen Reservoir in Wyoming

Boysen Reservoir in Wyoming is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, offering a variety of fish species and stunning views of the surrounding Wind River Mountains. Here’s what makes fishing at Boysen Reservoir great, along with some tips for a successful trip:

1. Diverse Fish Species

Boysen Reservoir is home to a wide range of fish, providing anglers with plenty of options:

• Walleye: The reservoir is famous for its abundant walleye population, with many trophy-sized fish.
• Sauger: Often found alongside walleye, sauger provide additional action.
• Rainbow Trout: Stocked regularly, rainbow trout are abundant and provide great fishing.
• Brown Trout: These are less common but can be found in cooler, deeper parts of the lake.
• Smallmouth Bass: The rocky shorelines are great spots to target smallmouth bass.
• Yellow Perch: Popular for ice fishing and family-friendly trips.
• Crappie: Another favorite among anglers looking for a fun, consistent catch.
• Catfish: Large channel catfish inhabit the deeper waters of the reservoir.
• Ling (Burbot): A nocturnal species often caught during the winter months.

2. Top Fishing Techniques

• Trolling for Walleye and Sauger: This is one of the most effective techniques at Boysen. Use crankbaits, spinners, or bottom bouncers tipped with worms, minnows, or leeches. Trolling works well around drop-offs, submerged structures, and deeper channels, especially in the summer.
• Jigging for Walleye and Perch: Jigging with soft plastics or live bait in deeper waters near underwater humps and ledges can yield good catches of walleye and perch. Vertical jigging near rock piles is especially effective for walleye.
• Casting for Smallmouth Bass: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics near rocky shorelines, submerged structures, or along drop-offs. Early morning and evening hours are prime times to target bass.
• Fly Fishing for Trout: Fly fishing can be effective in the reservoir’s upper reaches near the Wind River. Streamers, nymphs, and dry flies work well, especially during the morning or evening when trout are actively feeding.
• Ice Fishing for Perch, Walleye, and Burbot: During the winter months, Boysen Reservoir is popular for ice fishing. Small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are effective for perch and walleye, while burbot are often caught at night using glow-in-the-dark jigs or dead minnows.

3. Best Fishing Spots

• Fremont Bay: A prime location for walleye, sauger, and perch. The structure and drop-offs in this bay make it one of the most productive areas on the lake.
• Tough Creek Bay: Known for excellent smallmouth bass fishing, as well as walleye and trout. The rocky structure here attracts bass, while the deeper waters are good for trolling for walleye.
• Lower Wind River Arm: The upper reaches near the Wind River and the river’s confluence with the reservoir are great for rainbow trout and brown trout. Fly fishing and trolling work well in this area.
• Brannon Bay: This is another good spot for walleye and crappie, with a variety of underwater structures to target.
• Sand Mesa and Poison Creek: These areas are known for good catfishing and sauger. The deep waters here hold larger fish, especially in the summer and fall.

4. Best Times to Fish

• Spring (April – June): Spring is excellent for targeting walleye and sauger during their spawn. Fish are more active in the shallows, and trolling or jigging in these areas is highly effective.
• Summer (July – August): As water temperatures rise, walleye, sauger, and trout move to deeper, cooler waters. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or using downriggers becomes more important during the hotter months.
• Fall (September – October): Cooler temperatures bring fish back to shallower waters, especially walleye and trout. Smallmouth bass fishing remains productive along rocky shorelines, and trolling for walleye is effective in the deeper waters.
• Winter (Ice Fishing Season): Ice fishing is popular at Boysen Reservoir, with good catches of walleye, perch, and burbot. Anglers use fish finders to locate schools of fish under the ice, and jigging with live bait or glow-in-the-dark jigs is effective.

5. Bait and Lures

• For Walleye and Sauger: Use crankbaits, spinners, or jigs tipped with minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches. Brightly colored lures, like chartreuse or orange, can help attract fish in murky water.
• For Smallmouth Bass: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics (like tube baits) work well around rocky areas. Natural colors like green, brown, or black tend to be effective.
• For Trout: Try trolling with spoons or using fly-fishing techniques with streamers and nymphs. Brightly colored flies or lures can be effective, especially during a hatch.
• For Perch: Small jigs tipped with worms, minnows, or soft plastics are best for perch. Use bright colors like white, chartreuse, or pink to get their attention.

6. Fishing Conditions

• Wind: Boysen Reservoir can be windy, which can make boat fishing challenging. Early mornings and evenings typically offer calmer conditions, so plan your fishing accordingly.
• Water Levels: Water levels in Boysen Reservoir fluctuate due to dam management, affecting fish behavior and the best fishing spots. Lower water levels concentrate fish into smaller areas, making for productive fishing.

7. Other Considerations

• Boat Fishing: Boysen is a large reservoir, and boat fishing gives you access to many productive spots. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially the wind.
• Shore Fishing: Shore fishing is also productive, especially in spring and fall. Focus on areas near inlets, rocky shorelines, and where the Wind River flows into the reservoir.

With its abundant fish species, varied fishing techniques, and beautiful surroundings, Boysen Reservoir is a must-visit destination for anglers in Wyoming. Whether you’re trolling for walleye, casting for bass, or ice fishing for perch and burbot, Boysen offers great fishing opportunities year-round.

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Great fishing on Boysen Reservoir in Wyoming