WY Fishing License: Cast Legally in the Cowboy State

Wyoming’s pristine lakes and rivers offer excellent freshwater fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. To legally fish in the state, residents and visitors must obtain a valid Wyoming fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at Game and Fish regional offices, or at numerous authorized retailers across the state.

The process of acquiring a Wyoming fishing license is straightforward and convenient. Anglers can choose from various license options, including annual, daily, and youth permits. When purchasing a license, individuals must provide basic personal information and select the appropriate license type for their needs.

It’s important to note that separate licenses are required for fishing in Yellowstone National Park and on the Wind River Indian Reservation. These areas have their own regulations and permit systems. By obtaining the correct license and familiarizing themselves with local fishing regulations, anglers can enjoy Wyoming’s abundant fishing resources responsibly and legally.

Understanding Wyoming Fishing Licenses

Wyoming offers various fishing license options to accommodate different angler needs. The state’s licensing system ensures responsible fishing practices while providing access to its diverse aquatic resources.

Types of Licenses Available

Wyoming provides several fishing license types. Annual licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date. Daily and multi-day licenses cater to short-term anglers. Youth licenses are available for young fishers. Lifetime licenses offer long-term convenience for dedicated anglers.

Resident annual licenses cost less than non-resident options. Conservation stamps are required with most licenses, adding $12.50 to the price for both residents and non-residents.

General Fishing License Requirements

Anyone 14 years or older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Wyoming waters. Licenses can be purchased online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at Game and Fish offices, or at authorized license-selling agents throughout the state.

Anglers must carry their license while fishing and present it upon request by law enforcement. Some waters may have additional regulations or require special permits.

Resident Versus Non-Resident Licenses

Resident licenses are available to those who have lived in Wyoming for at least one year. Non-resident licenses are for visitors or those who don’t meet residency requirements.

Resident licenses are typically less expensive than non-resident options. Both types offer annual, daily, and youth options. Non-residents can choose from multi-day licenses for extended trips.

Age-Based License Considerations

Wyoming offers free fishing to children under 14 years old. Youth between 14-17 can purchase discounted annual licenses.

Senior residents aged 65 and older qualify for reduced-price annual licenses. Non-residents don’t receive age-based discounts for senior licenses.

Adults 18 and older must purchase full-price licenses based on their residency status.

Specified License Options for Different Anglers

Daily licenses suit casual or vacationing anglers. These are available for both residents and non-residents, offering flexibility for short fishing trips.

Annual licenses provide year-round fishing access. They’re ideal for frequent anglers or those planning multiple trips throughout the year.

Lifetime licenses are available for Wyoming residents. While more expensive upfront, they offer long-term savings and convenience for dedicated anglers.

Special licenses exist for disabled veterans and Pioneer licenses for long-term Wyoming residents over 75 years old.

Steps to Obtain a Fishing License

A person standing at a counter, handing over paperwork and money to a state official. The official is sitting behind a desk, processing the paperwork and issuing a fishing license

Obtaining a freshwater fishing license in Wyoming involves a straightforward process with multiple options. Anglers can choose between online, in-person, and mail-in application methods to suit their preferences and needs.

Online Application Process

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department offers a convenient online licensing system. Visit the official website and navigate to the fishing license section. Select the desired license type and duration. Create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter personal information, including name, address, and date of birth. Choose any additional permits or stamps if needed. Review the entered details for accuracy. Pay the required fees using a credit or debit card. Upon successful payment, print the temporary license for immediate use. The physical license will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days.

In-Person Application at Game and Fish Offices

Wyoming Game and Fish regional offices provide in-person license purchases. Locate the nearest office using the department’s website or contact information. Visit during business hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of residency if applicable. Inform the staff about the specific license type and duration needed. Complete the application form with accurate personal details. Pay the fees using cash, check, or card. Receive the physical license immediately, ready for use.

Mail-in Application Option

For those who prefer a mail-in option, download and print the fishing license application form from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website. Fill out the form completely, providing all required personal information. Include a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. Calculate the total fees based on the license type and any additional permits. Write a check or money order payable to “Wyoming Game and Fish Department”. Mail the completed application, ID copy, and payment to the address specified on the form. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery of the physical license.

Important Fishing Regulations

A serene lake surrounded by mountains, with a fishing boat and a sign displaying freshwater fishing regulations in Wyoming

Wyoming’s fishing regulations are designed to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable angling practices. Anglers must familiarize themselves with these rules to enjoy legal and responsible fishing experiences.

Daily Creel and Size Limits

Wyoming sets specific creel and size limits for different fish species across its waters. Trout limits often range from 3 to 6 fish per day, depending on the location. Some waters have slot limits, requiring fish within certain size ranges to be released.

Bass typically have a 6-fish daily limit, with a minimum length of 12 inches in many areas. Walleye limits vary, with some locations allowing up to 6 fish per day.

Anglers must check the current fishing regulation booklet for precise limits, as they can change annually and differ by water body.

Special Regulations for Specific Areas

Yellowstone National Park enforces unique fishing rules. Anglers must use artificial lures with single, barbless hooks in most park waters. The park prohibits felt-soled boots to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir has specific regulations for lake trout, with a 1-fish daily limit for fish over 28 inches.

Grand Teton National Park requires a Wyoming fishing license and a separate park permit. The park restricts fishing methods in certain areas to protect native species.

Understanding Gear and Bait Restrictions

Wyoming regulates fishing gear and bait use to protect aquatic ecosystems. Live baitfish use is prohibited in many waters to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Artificial lures and flies are allowed in most waters. Some areas restrict anglers to artificial flies and lures only, particularly in sensitive trout habitats.

Ice fishing has specific gear rules, including limits on the number of lines and holes an angler can use.

Anglers should consult the regulation booklet for detailed gear restrictions in their chosen fishing spot.

Conservation and Habitat Protection Measures

Wyoming requires anglers to purchase a conservation stamp with their fishing license. This fee supports habitat improvement and fish stocking programs.

The state implements seasonal closures in certain areas to protect spawning fish. Anglers must respect these closures to ensure healthy fish populations.

Wyoming has strict regulations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boaters and anglers must stop at mandatory inspection stations and properly clean, drain, and dry their equipment.

Catch-and-release practices are encouraged in many waters to maintain fish populations. Proper handling techniques, such as using barbless hooks and minimizing time out of water, are essential for fish survival.

Wyoming’s Top Fishing Destinations

Wyoming boasts numerous world-class fishing destinations across its diverse landscapes. From pristine alpine lakes to meandering rivers and productive reservoirs, the state offers exceptional angling experiences for freshwater enthusiasts.

Freshwater Fishing Spots and Features

Wyoming’s lakes and streams teem with various trout species. The Wind River Range hosts hundreds of alpine lakes, perfect for backcountry fishing adventures. Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America, provides opportunities to catch native cutthroat trout.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir, straddling the Wyoming-Utah border, is renowned for its trophy lake trout. Seminoe Reservoir offers excellent walleye fishing. The Miracle Mile section of the North Platte River between Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs is a blue-ribbon trout fishery.

Popular Rivers and Reservoirs

The North Platte River in Casper is a prime destination for trophy trout. Anglers flock to its clear waters for rainbow and brown trout. The Snake River in Jackson Hole offers scenic fishing amid the Teton Mountains, with native cutthroat trout as the main draw.

The Green River below Fontenelle Dam provides excellent trout fishing. The Bighorn River near Thermopolis is known for its large rainbow and brown trout. Glendo Reservoir is popular for walleye, crappie, and yellow perch fishing.

Ice Fishing Opportunities

When winter arrives, Wyoming’s lakes transform into ice fishing havens. Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a top destination for lake trout and burbot through the ice. Boysen Reservoir offers good ice fishing for walleye, yellow perch, and trout.

Fremont Lake near Pinedale is known for its lake trout ice fishing. Ocean Lake, west of Riverton, provides opportunities for yellow perch and walleye. Experienced anglers can find success targeting trout in the frozen alpine lakes of the Wind River Range.

Special Events and Opportunities

Wyoming offers unique fishing experiences through special events and programs. These initiatives aim to promote angling, educate the public, and provide opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the state’s diverse aquatic resources.

Annual Free Fishing Days

Wyoming hosts Free Fishing Days each year, typically on the first Saturday of June. During this event, anglers can fish without a license in any public water across the state. This opportunity allows residents and non-residents to experience Wyoming’s fishing spots without purchasing a permit. While no fishing license is required, all other fishing regulations remain in effect, including creel limits and gear restrictions. Free Fishing Days are an excellent chance for families to introduce children to angling or for novice anglers to try the sport without financial commitment.

Fishing Competitions and Educational Programs

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department organizes various fishing competitions and educational programs throughout the year. These events cater to different age groups and skill levels. Fishing derbies are popular, often held at local lakes and reservoirs. Participants compete for prizes while enjoying a day of angling. Youth fishing clinics provide hands-on instruction in fishing techniques, fish identification, and conservation practices. Some events focus on specific species or fishing methods, such as ice fishing tournaments in winter. Educational programs may include:

  • Fly-fishing workshops
  • Fish habitat improvement projects
  • Aquatic invasive species awareness seminars

These activities not only enhance fishing skills but also promote responsible angling practices and conservation efforts in Wyoming’s waters.

Conserving Wyoming’s Waterways

A serene river winding through a lush Wyoming landscape, with a fishing license displayed prominently

Wyoming’s freshwater ecosystems require active conservation efforts to maintain their health and biodiversity. Anglers play a crucial role in preserving these valuable resources through responsible practices and participation in conservation programs.

The Role of Anglers in Conservation

Anglers are essential partners in Wyoming’s conservation efforts. By purchasing fishing licenses and conservation stamps, they directly contribute to funding habitat restoration and fish population management. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department uses these funds to implement projects that enhance water quality, improve fish habitats, and conduct research on aquatic ecosystems.

Responsible fishing practices are key to conservation. Anglers should follow bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal regulations set by the Game and Fish Department. These rules help maintain sustainable fish populations and ensure fair access to fishing resources for all.

Volunteer opportunities allow anglers to actively participate in conservation. Stream cleanup events, habitat improvement projects, and fish surveys provide hands-on ways to contribute to Wyoming’s waterway health.

Participating in Catch and Release Programs

Catch and release fishing is an effective conservation technique that helps maintain fish populations. When practiced correctly, it allows fish to survive and reproduce, ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations.

Key catch and release guidelines include:

  • Using barbless hooks to minimize injury
  • Keeping fish in the water as much as possible
  • Using wet hands or rubber nets to handle fish
  • Quickly removing hooks with pliers
  • Gently supporting fish in the water until they swim away on their own

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages catch and release in certain waters to protect vulnerable species or maintain trophy fisheries. Anglers should check local regulations for specific catch and release requirements in different areas.

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Wyoming’s waterways. These non-native plants and animals can disrupt ecosystems, harm native species, and damage infrastructure. Anglers play a critical role in preventing their spread.

To protect Wyoming’s waters:

  • Clean all equipment thoroughly after each use
  • Drain all water from boats, live wells, and bait buckets
  • Dry everything completely before moving to another body of water

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department requires watercraft inspections at check stations throughout the state. Compliance with these inspections is crucial for early detection and prevention of invasive species spread.

Anglers should also be aware of and avoid using prohibited bait species. Using only approved bait helps prevent the accidental introduction of harmful organisms into Wyoming’s waterways.

Game Fish Species in Wyoming

A serene lake surrounded by mountains, with a fishing rod and tackle box on the shore. A variety of game fish swim in the clear water

Wyoming’s diverse freshwater habitats support a variety of game fish species. Anglers can pursue several types of trout, including rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. These cold-water species thrive in the state’s mountain streams and lakes.

Warmwater game fish are also abundant in Wyoming. Bass fishing enthusiasts can target smallmouth and largemouth bass in many reservoirs and lakes. Walleye and yellow perch provide exciting opportunities for anglers in larger bodies of water.

Other popular game fish species in Wyoming include:

  • Channel catfish
  • Crappie (black and white)
  • Northern pike
  • Tiger musky
  • Kokanee salmon

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department actively manages these species through stocking programs and habitat conservation efforts. Anglers can find detailed information on fish populations and stocking reports on the department’s website.

Wyoming’s unique geography allows for the presence of both cold-water and warm-water game fish species. This diversity provides anglers with year-round fishing opportunities across the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams.