What is the general trout creel limit in Wyoming?

The statewide general creel limit for trout depends on the water type: three per day from streams (no more than one over 16 inches) and six per day from lakes. The combined total from both is six per day or in possession. Within that combined limit, no more than three may be cutthroat trout, and only one cutthroat may exceed 12 inches. Brook trout and lake trout are separate from this combined trout category. Many specific waters have more restrictive regulations — always check the area-specific rules before fishing.

What changed in Wyoming fishing regulations for 2026?

Major 2026 changes include: Snake River below Jackson Lake Dam increased to six trout/day (length restrictions removed for brown trout); Jackson Lake open year-round (October closure eliminated); North Platte below Seminoe requires barbless, single-point hooks; pegged attractors banned in Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef; Gray Reef artificial-only section extended to Government Bridge; a new rainbow trout spawning closure at Gray Reef from April 1 to May 15; and commercial fishing guides must now register vessels annually ($325 fee).

Do I need to use barbless hooks in Wyoming?

Not statewide, but a major 2026 regulation change requires single-point, barbless hooks on the entire North Platte River below Seminoe Reservoir — including the Miracle Mile, Alcova Afterbay, Gray Reef, and Fremont Canyon. Barbed hooks are still permitted on most other Wyoming waters unless posted otherwise.

When is fishing season in Wyoming?

Most Wyoming waters are open to fishing year-round. The major exception was the October closure on Jackson Lake, which has been eliminated starting in 2026. Specific spawning closures exist on certain waters — the new Gray Reef rainbow trout spawning closure runs April 1 to May 15. Check area-specific regulations for closures on your target water.

Are there size limits for trout in Wyoming?

General statewide: no minimum size for most trout species, but all cutthroat trout might be limited by area rules. On many premier waters, specific size limits apply — such as the cutthroat limit of one over 12 inches statewide, and the 20-inch release requirement on certain sections. Always check the specific water you plan to fish.

Can I use live bait in Wyoming?

Yes, on most waters. However, several premier trout streams and tailwaters are designated as 'artificial flies and lures only' — no live bait permitted. Gray Reef on the North Platte (now extended to Government Bridge) and sections of the Salt River drainage are examples. Using bait in artificial-only waters is a fineable offense.

What fish species are considered non-game in Wyoming?

Non-game fish species (no creel limit, can be taken by various methods) include carp, suckers, chubs, and dace. Notably, walleye have been designated as non-game fish in the North Fork of the Shoshone River drainage upstream of Gibbs Bridge — part of an effort to protect native cutthroat trout in that system.

Wyoming Fishing Rules & Regulations: Bag Limits, Seasons & 2026 Changes

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Close-up of a native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout being released in the clear water of a Wyoming mountain stream, an angler's hands visible — Wyoming's cutthroat trout are the signature native species — regulations are designed to protect them from both overharvest and competition from non-native browns and rainbows.

You measured the cutthroat twice because the regulation card in your pocket was specific about this: no more than one cutthroat over 12 inches from the six-fish daily limit. The tape read 13 and a quarter. You slid the brown trout from earlier back into the net to count again — two browns, one rainbow, and this cutthroat made four. The limit was six, but only three could be cutthroat, and only one of those could exceed 12 inches. For a state with fewer people than Memphis, Wyoming’s trout regulations are surprisingly layered. They have to be. This is the last stronghold of genetically pure cutthroat trout subspecies in the Lower 48, and every regulation is written to maintain that legacy against pressure from non-native species, climate change, and the growing number of fly anglers who’ve discovered what locals have always known: Wyoming rivers fish bigger than their reputation.

The good news is that most Wyoming waters are open year-round, and the statewide general regulations are straightforward once you understand the cutthroat-protection framework. The challenge comes from water-specific regulations that override the general rules — and in 2026, several marquee fisheries received significant regulation changes that every visiting and resident angler needs to know.

Major 2026 Regulation Changes

These changes took effect January 1, 2026, and represent the most significant regulatory update to Wyoming’s premier fisheries in recent years:

Snake River Below Jackson Lake Dam

Trout limit increased from three to six per day or in possession
Length restrictions removed for brown trout — any size can be kept
Cutthroat limit unchanged: three per day, only one over 12 inches
Purpose: Encourage harvest of non-native brown trout to benefit native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat

Jackson Lake

October closure eliminated — Jackson Lake is now open year-round
Lake trout (mackinaw), brown trout, and cutthroat trout all present
Lake trout harvest is encouraged (no size limits on lake trout)

North Platte River Below Seminoe Reservoir

An angler tying a barbless fly at the edge of the North Platte River Miracle Mile in Wyoming, sagebrush prairie and reservoir in background — New for 2026: single-point, barbless hooks are required on the entire North Platte below Seminoe — including the famous Miracle Mile.

Single-point, barbless hooks required on the entire stretch from Seminoe Reservoir through the Miracle Mile, Alcova Afterbay, Gray Reef, and Fremont Canyon
Pegged attractors prohibited in Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef
Artificial flies and lures section at Gray Reef extended downstream to Government Bridge
New spawning closure: Gray Reef below Ledge Creek closed to fishing April 1 through May 15 to protect rainbow trout spawning

Why this matters: The North Platte Miracle Mile and Gray Reef are the highest-pressure trout waters in Wyoming. The barbless hook requirement and pegged attractor ban are designed to reduce hook mortality in catch-and-release fishing. If you’re accustomed to fishing egg patterns pegged above a nymph (a common nymphing technique), that terminal tackle configuration is now illegal in Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef.

Commercial Fishing Guide Registration (New 2026)

Wyoming now requires all commercial fishing guides to register their vessels annually
Registration fee: $325 per vessel
A registration sticker or dashboard slip must be displayed while operating
This applies to all guided fishing operations on Wyoming waters

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Statewide General Regulations

Trout Creel Limits

Water Type	Species	Daily Creel	Possession	Special Rules
Streams	Trout (combined: brown, cutthroat, rainbow, golden, grayling, salmon, tiger)	3 per day	6	No more than 1 over 16 inches
Lakes	Trout (combined, same species)	6 per day	6	Area rules may reduce this
Combined (streams + lakes)	Trout total	6 per day	6 in possession	Max 3 cutthroat; only 1 cutthroat over 12 inches
Any	Brook Trout	Separate from combined trout	Varies	Often liberal limits on small streams; check area rules
Any	Lake Trout (mackinaw)	Separate from combined trout	Varies	No size restrictions on most waters; harvest encouraged
Any	Splake	Separate from combined trout	Varies	Check area-specific regulations

The stream vs. lake distinction matters: If you catch 3 trout from a stream in the morning, you can still take 3 more from a lake that afternoon — up to the 6-fish combined total. But you cannot keep 4 trout from a stream in one day, regardless of your lake total. This nuance catches many visiting anglers.

Game Fish Creel Limits

Species	Daily Creel	Possession Limit	Notes
Walleye	6 per day	6 in possession	Must be kept whole until off water; NP drainage = 12/day
Sauger	6 per day	6 in possession	Found primarily in Bighorn Basin
Smallmouth Bass	6 per day	6 in possession	Flaming Gorge primary location
Largemouth Bass	6 per day	6 in possession	Limited distribution in Wyoming
Channel Catfish	6 per day	6 in possession	North Platte reservoirs, Glendo
Yellow Perch	50 per day	100 in possession	Boysen Reservoir excellent
Crappie	50 per day	100 in possession	Scattered distribution
Kokanee Salmon	6 per day	6 in possession	Flaming Gorge primary

Non-Game Fish

The following species have no creel limit and can be taken by hook and line, archery, speargun, or other legal methods:

Common carp, suckers, chubs, dace, sculpin, and other non-game species
Walleye in the North Fork Shoshone drainage upstream of Gibbs Bridge (reclassified as non-game to protect native cutthroat)

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Water-Specific Regulations Worth Knowing

Salt River Drainage

November 1 through December 31: All trout must be released immediately
Fishing restricted to artificial flies and lures only during the closure period
Purpose: Protect spawning Bonneville cutthroat trout

Nowlin Creek (National Elk Refuge)

A scenic stretch of river flowing through a wide Wyoming valley with cottonwood trees and distant mountains, special management water signs visible — Special management areas like the National Elk Refuge have unique regulations — check before you fish.

Several sections closed year-round or seasonally (November 1 through July 31)
Open sections: 6 trout per day, but no more than 1 cutthroat
All cutthroat under 20 inches must be released
Artificial flies only

Green River Below Fontenelle Dam

Premium tailwater fishery with trophy brown and rainbow trout
Check current regulations for any flow-dependent closures
Artificial flies and lures only on certain sections

Yellowstone National Park (Separate Jurisdiction)

Wyoming fishing regulations do NOT apply inside Yellowstone National Park
The park has its own regulations, permit requirements, and seasons
A separate Yellowstone fishing permit is required ($40/3-day, $55/7-day, $75/season in 2026)
Grand Teton National Park does follow Wyoming state regulations

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