About
Summary
The Wind River Mountains run for 100 miles north to south and are roughly 30 miles across. The range is dotted with alpine lakes and mountain rivers, all teeming with fish.
Destination Distance From Downtown
Time To Complete
1 days
One day to several days.
Seasonality
Summer
Late June or July into September
Fees Permits
Yes
Wyoming fishing license
Review
Intro
Lander is a jumping off point for some of the most incredible alpine wilderness in the Lower 48. The Wind River Mountains stretch for 100 miles north to south and are dotted with hundreds of alpine lakes and miles of tumbling mountain streams, all teeming with fish.
What Makes It Great
The Middle Fork Trail from Bruce’s Bridge in Sinks Canyon provides easy access from Lander, or you can head north and go into the Wind River Indian Reservation from Dickinson Park. The fishing in the Winds is endless. Many of the lakes are home to countless brook trout, making for fun fishing and good eating. But you’ll also find more elusive cutthroat and a few golden trout in some lakes.
Wilderness fishing is typically a multiday affair as most of the lakes and rivers are miles from the road.
Who is Going to Love It
The Wind River Reservation is particularly renown for its wilderness fishing primarily because it doesn’t get the traffic the rest of the range sees. So the fish get big and fat.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
To visit the Res, you need a special fishing permit. Reservation permits can be obtained by calling 307-332-7207.
Sometimes when you are short of time, the best way to maximize your fishing experience is to hire a guide. In Lander, Sweetwater Fishing is the best there is. Owner and chief guide George Hunker has been fishing the waters around Lander since 1977, so he always knows where the fish are biting. George provides day fishing excursions and backcountry trips into the Winds. Contact George at www.sweetwaterfishing.com, george@sweetwaterfishing.com or 307-332-3986.
