Fishing For Salmon In Wyoming
Guide to fishing for kokanee salmon in WY.
While Wyoming is not typically known for its salmon fishing, there are opportunities to catch salmon in certain areas of the state. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about salmon fishing and identify popular salmon waters in the state.
One species that anglers can target is the kokanee salmon, which is a landlocked form of sockeye salmon. Several reservoirs in Wyoming, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Fontenelle Reservoir, are known to support healthy populations of kokanee salmon.
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee salmon, a landlocked form of sockeye salmon, can be found in lakes. These fish are prized for their brilliant red color and tasty flesh. They are not the same as the ocean-run salmon species, but they still provide an exciting angling experience. Fish for them around structure with distinct drop-offs and depth changes. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. They are plankton feeders and very sensitive to water temperature. They school in lakes at depths which remain ideal temperatures. Once this depth is identified, schools can be found where they are easily caught. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. Kokanee salmon are known for their hard-fighting nature, making them a sought-after catch among anglers. Anglers can target kokanee salmon using techniques such as trolling with flashy lures or using downriggers to reach deeper waters where the fish reside.
Kokanee salmon are prized for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, making them an exciting species to pursue. They are known for their preference for colder water and are typically found in deeper areas of the reservoirs during the warmer months. Anglers often target kokanee salmon by trolling with downriggers or using techniques such as jigging or casting with small spoons or spinners.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, located in southwestern Wyoming, is particularly renowned for its kokanee salmon fishing. The reservoir's deep and clear waters provide an ideal habitat for these fish. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of catching kokanee salmon while surrounded by the stunning red cliffs and scenic beauty of the area.
It's important to note that Wyoming's salmon fishing opportunities are limited compared to other states renowned for salmon fishing. However, for anglers seeking the thrill of targeting kokanee salmon and enjoying the natural beauty of Wyoming's reservoirs, there are opportunities to experience a unique salmon fishing adventure in the state.
The Flaming Gorge Reservoir produced the Wyoming state record kokanee salmon. Other major lakes in the state offering salmon fishing include Alcova Lake, Bighorn Lake, Boulder Lake, Fontenelle Reservoir, Fremont Lake, Lake Hattie Reservoir, New Fork Lake and Rob Roy Reservoir.
Click the images and links above for species details.
Wyoming State Record Salmon
The record kokanee salmon was taken out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir
About The Pacific Salmon Family
Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.
The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.
Wyoming Salmon Fishing
The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies, as well as a variety of other lures and baits.
Salmon Organizations
Salmon fishing waters and information, by state.
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Learn the life cycle of salmon
The more you know about the life cycle and seasonal migration of salmon, the more likely you are to be looking in the right area next time you visit Wyoming salmon fishing waters. Visit the salmon fishing page for more information about the life cycle of the different species of salmon.
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