Bass Fishing Regulations in Wyoming: Season Dates, Limits, and Rules
July 29, 2026
Wyoming may be best known for its blue-ribbon trout streams, but the state’s bass fishing is a seriously underrated opportunity. One of the key advantages of bass fishing in Wyoming is the relatively low fishing pressure compared to more popular bass fishing states — fewer crowds and more pristine, untouched waters mean you can enjoy a peaceful experience while having access to ample bass populations.
Before you launch the boat or wade in, you need to understand the rules. Wyoming does not run a simple one-size-fits-all system. Season and limit rules change by species and water, and trout, bass, and warmwater species often have different timing and keep limits. This guide breaks down every regulation category that matters for bass anglers — from season dates and size limits to gear restrictions and license requirements — using the 2026 Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Chapter 46 rules as the authoritative source.
Pro Tip: Always verify current regulations with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before heading out — rules can vary significantly by water body and region, and Chapter 46 is updated annually.
Bass Species Covered by Fishing Regulations in Wyoming
Wyoming is home to two primary bass species that anglers actively target: largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Each occupies a different type of habitat and offers a distinct fishing experience. Both species fall under the same regulatory framework in Wyoming’s Chapter 46 rules, and creel limits are applied to them in combination rather than separately.
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are the more widely distributed of the two in Wyoming. Largemouth bass patrol warmer spots like Boysen and Keyhole Reservoirs, typically ranging from 12–18 inches, and are ambush predators that favor areas with plenty of cover such as submerged logs or dense weed beds.
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are the scrappier alternative. Smallmouth bass thrive in several Wyoming waters, particularly Boysen Reservoir and portions of the Bighorn River system, and prefer rocky habitat and cooler water than their largemouth cousins. Because regulations treat both species together under a combined creel limit, you need to track your total count across both species on any given day.
For a deeper look at seasonal patterns, timing, and the best waters to target both species, see the bass fishing season in Wyoming guide.
Bass Fishing Season Dates and Closures in Wyoming
Bass season is open year-round in most waters statewide, but area-specific closures apply on certain lakes. For example, Springer Reservoir in Goshen County is closed to fishing from November 1 through February 15, and Hawk Springs Reservoir in Goshen County prohibits watercraft from December 1 through February 15.
Peak season runs from late May through September, though bass bite year-round when temperatures moderate. Wyoming’s high elevation means the spawn arrives later than in most of the country — water temperature drives bass behavior more than calendar dates at altitude.
Several additional waters carry their own seasonal restrictions. Springer Reservoir in Goshen County is closed to fishing from November 1 through February 15. Bump Sullivan Reservoir in Goshen County is closed to fishing from November 1 through the last day of February. Always download the current Wyoming Fishing Regulations via eRegulations before your trip, as season-specific updates are published annually.
Important Note: Motor restrictions also apply at many bass waters. The use of internal combustion engines in motorized watercraft is prohibited at Johnson Creek Reservoir in Albany County. Similar prohibitions exist at Sloans Lake, Lake Absarraca, and Upper North Crow Reservoir. Check the specific water body’s rules before trailering your boat.
Size Limits for Bass in Wyoming
Wyoming does not apply a statewide minimum size limit for bass on most waters, but several popular reservoirs and lakes carry water-specific size restrictions that are strictly enforced. The rules vary by drainage area, so the body of water you are fishing determines which size limit applies to you.
In Area 5 — which covers the Platte River drainage and surrounding southeastern Wyoming waters — multiple lakes impose a 15-inch minimum. At Lake Absarraca (Country Club Lake) in Laramie County, all largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 15 inches shall be released to the water immediately, and the use of internal combustion engines in motorized watercraft is prohibited. At Leazenby Lake in Albany County, all largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 15 inches shall be released to the water immediately. At Sloans Lake in Laramie County, all largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 15 inches shall be released to the water immediately.
In Area 2 — covering the Wind River, Bighorn River, Shoshone River, Clarks Fork, and Yellowstone River drainages — slot limits appear on certain waters. At Lake Cameahwait (Bass Lake) in Fremont County, the creel limit on largemouth bass is two per day or in possession, and all bass between 10 and 15 inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately, with no more than one bass allowed to exceed 15 inches.
When you keep a bass subject to a size limit, the fish must remain whole until you leave the water. If length limits apply, the whole body must remain intact during transit, though gills and entrails can be removed.
| Water Body | County / Area | Size Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Absarraca (Country Club Lake) | Laramie County (Area 5) | Release all bass under 15 inches |
| Leazenby Lake | Albany County (Area 5) | Release all bass under 15 inches |
| Sloans Lake | Laramie County (Area 5) | Release all bass under 15 inches |
| Lake Cameahwait (Bass Lake) | Fremont County (Area 2) | Slot: release all bass 10–15 inches; max 1 over 15 inches |
| Most other statewide waters | Statewide | No minimum size limit (statewide default) |
Daily Bag Limits for Bass in Wyoming
The statewide creel limit sits at six bass in combination — largemouth and smallmouth together — giving anglers reasonable harvest opportunity while protecting the resource. The possession limit is double the daily creel limit, meaning you may have up to 12 bass in possession at any time.
However, several high-use waters carry significantly tighter limits. At Hawk Springs Reservoir in Goshen County, the creel limit on largemouth and smallmouth bass in combination is three per day or in possession, and no more than one shall exceed 12 inches. The same three-fish, one-over-12-inch rule applies at other designated Area 5 waters.
In Area 2, the limits can be even more restrictive on specific lakes. At one Area 2 water, the creel limit on largemouth bass is six per day or in possession, with no more than one bass allowed to exceed 12 inches. At Lake Cameahwait (Bass Lake), the limit drops to just two per day. At Bighorn Lake downstream from the U.S. Highway 14A causeway in Big Horn County, the creel and possession limits are bass — 10 fish per day, 20 in possession.
Common Mistake: Many anglers assume Wyoming’s statewide 6-fish bag limit applies everywhere for bass — but several popular waters have stricter 2- or 3-fish limits with size restrictions. Always check the specific water body’s rules, not just the statewide defaults.
For comparison with how other states structure their bass bag limits, see our guides on bass fishing regulations in Texas and bass fishing regulations in Oklahoma.
Catch-and-Release Rules and Special Regulation Waters in Wyoming
Wyoming enforces strict catch-and-release requirements in many waters, particularly for bass under certain size thresholds. These rules are designed to protect the bass population and allow fish to reach trophy size. At several designated waters, all largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 15 inches shall be released to the water immediately.
One important possession rule applies statewide once you decide to keep a fish. Any fish placed in a container, on a stringer, or in a live well is considered reduced to possession. Once reduced to possession, the fish must be killed before you transport it from the water of origin. Releasing it alive is unlawful without prior written approval from the Department. This means you cannot use a live well to hold bass and then release them at the end of the day — once the fish goes in the well, it counts toward your limit and must be kept.
Special regulation waters in Wyoming often combine size restrictions with gear rules. Blue-ribbon waters and trophy stretches frequently require artificial flies or lures, barbless hooks, or catch-and-release. While most of these special designations apply primarily to trout fisheries, bass anglers fishing near or within those stretches need to confirm which rules govern their specific reach.
Wyoming’s special regulation waters are organized by drainage area. Some waters have special rules like gear limits, slot limits, seasonal closures, and artificial-only areas, and these sections override the general statewide rules. Always read the water-specific section of the regulations booklet for the lake or river you plan to fish.
See how other states handle special regulation waters for bass: bass fishing regulations in Minnesota and bass fishing regulations in Wisconsin.
Legal Gear and Bait Restrictions for Bass in Wyoming
Wyoming allows a broad range of fishing methods on most warmwater bass waters. Rod and reel, spin casting, and baitcasting setups are all legal under the statewide rules. The restrictions that do apply are either water-specific or tied to the 2026 Chapter 46 updates.
For the high-traffic stretches of the North Platte River below Seminoe Reservoir, new 2026 rules require the use of single-point, barbless hooks. The requirement covers the Miracle Mile, Alcova Afterbay, Gray Reef, and Fremont Canyon areas, implemented to reduce the number of hook injuries with catch-and-release fish. These sections are primarily trout waters, but bass anglers fishing those reaches must comply with the same gear rules.
Additionally, the use of pegged attractors is prohibited at Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef, and the section requiring the use of artificial flies and lures at Gray Reef was extended downstream to Government Bridge. If you plan to fish any stretch of the North Platte for bass, confirm the exact reach you are targeting against the area-specific regulations.
Regarding live bait, Wyoming takes a drainage-by-drainage approach. Live bait is legal on most Wyoming waters, but regulations prohibit using live baitfish such as minnows, chubs, and suckers in certain drainages to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases. Worms, leeches, and grasshoppers remain legal statewide.
The use or possession of live baitfish in Area 5 is prohibited except as specified. Live baitfish may be used in certain waters provided the baitfish are obtained from a licensed live baitfish dealer authorized to sell baitfish for use in those waters, or the baitfish were seined or trapped from designated waters. Specific waters where live baitfish are permitted in Area 5 include Hawk Springs Reservoir, Springer Reservoir, Guernsey Reservoir, and others listed in the regulations.
- Rod and reel, spin casting, and baitcasting — legal statewide on bass waters
- Single-point, barbless hooks — required on North Platte River sections (Miracle Mile, Alcova Afterbay, Gray Reef, Fremont Canyon) as of January 1, 2026
- Live baitfish (minnows, chubs, suckers) — prohibited in Area 5 except on designated waters; check area rules
- Worms, leeches, and grasshoppers — legal statewide
- Artificial lures and flies — always legal; required on artificial-only designated waters
- Pegged attractors — prohibited at Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef
- Snagging — illegal; bass must be hooked voluntarily in the mouth
For more on how gear rules work on Wyoming’s trout-focused special waters that overlap with bass habitat, see the guide on fly fishing regulations in Wyoming.
Bass Fishing License Requirements in Wyoming
Fishing licenses are required for all resident and nonresident anglers who are 14 years old or older. There is no separate bass fishing license — a standard Wyoming fishing license covers bass along with all other legal game fish species on public waters statewide.
In addition to the base license, most anglers must also carry a conservation stamp. In addition to your fishing license, you must usually purchase a Conservation Stamp. Each person licensed to hunt or fish in Wyoming must buy a single Conservation Stamp, which is valid for 12 consecutive months. As of 2026, a Wyoming fishing license costs $27 for residents (annual) and $102 for nonresidents (annual), with daily options available for as little as $6 (resident) and $14 (nonresident). Every angler aged 14 and older must carry a valid license plus a $21.50 conservation stamp when fishing most Wyoming waters.
Several exemptions and special provisions apply:
- Resident youth under age 14 do not need a license, and their creel limit is the same as those requiring licenses.
- Resident youth between the ages of 14 and 17 may purchase a discounted Resident Youth 12-Month Fishing License and may also capture and possess a full creel limit.
- Wyoming residents who are permanently and totally disabled can get a lifetime fishing license and conservation stamp free of charge.
- Residents aged 65 or older who have 30 total years of residency in the state can obtain a “Lifetime Pioneer” fishing license at no cost.
- Honorably discharged Wyoming resident veterans who are 100% disabled receive a free game bird, small game, and fishing license — also exempt from the conservation stamp.
If you plan to fish on the Wind River Indian Reservation, you will need to purchase a Wind River Tribal Fishing/Trespass Permit — a standard Wyoming fishing license does not cover tribal waters.
A Wyoming fishing license does not cover Yellowstone National Park, which requires a separate NPS fishing permit issued by the National Park Service. Wyoming licenses do cover Grand Teton National Park.
Anglers with a valid Utah resident fishing license may fish Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming waters, provided they also possess a Flaming Gorge Reservoir Reciprocal Stamp.
There is one day each year when no license is required. Free Fishing Day on June 6, 2026, invites families and friends to enjoy fishing in Wyoming without a license, while following all fishing regulations, creel limits, gear restrictions, and stream closures.
You can purchase your license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Electronic Licensing System, at WGFD regional offices, or from authorized license-selling agents throughout the state. A 2.5% credit card processing fee applies to purchases made online, by phone, or in person at WGFD headquarters and regional offices. This fee is not applied by most authorized license-selling agents.
To see how Wyoming’s license structure compares with neighboring and other popular bass states, check out our guides on bass fishing regulations in Colorado and bass fishing regulations in Arkansas.
Where to Find Current Bass Regulations in Wyoming
Updates to Wyoming Game and Fish’s Chapter 46 fishing regulations for 2026 took effect January 1. New regulations include new tackle requirements on the North Platte River and expanding harvest opportunities in the Jackson Region. Because these rules change annually, relying on a prior year’s booklet is a real citation risk.
Here are the most reliable sources for current Wyoming bass regulations:
- WGFD Official Website: The Chapter 46 regulation establishes fishing season dates, locations, legal methods, creel limits, and limitations for all game fish species, and also addresses the possession and use of bait fish, fishing contests, and free fishing days. The full regulation booklet is available as a free PDF download at wgfd.wyo.gov.
- eRegulations.com: The eRegulations website provides searchable, mobile-friendly access to current rules organized by area and water body. This is particularly useful for looking up water-specific rules by drainage area at eregulations.com/wyoming/fishing.
- WGFD Regional Offices: You can buy your license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department portal, at any regional WGFD office, or through authorized in-state agents. Staff at regional offices can also answer water-specific questions.
- Emergency Closures: For time-sensitive closures due to wildlife concerns, high water, or other temporary issues, check the Department’s website news section or call regional offices.
Key Insight: Wyoming fishing regulations change by water, species, and season. Start every trip by pulling the current WGFD rules and confirming the exact reach you plan to fish — a short stretch of river can carry a different rule set.
Wyoming’s bass regulations are manageable once you understand the structure: a statewide default that applies unless a water-specific rule overrides it. Check the drainage area section for the water you plan to fish, confirm any size or bag limit exceptions, verify gear restrictions, and carry your license with the conservation stamp. That approach keeps you legal on every water in the state.
For more state-by-state bass regulation breakdowns, explore our guides on bass fishing regulations in Louisiana, bass fishing regulations in Michigan, bass fishing regulations in Tennessee, and bass fishing regulations in Georgia.