Lakes and Rivers

Much of Wind River Country is high desert, so lakes and rivers aren’t the first thing people think of when they envision this landscape, but the area is encircled by high peaks and watered by rushing streams and rivers flowing from alpine glaciers and snow fields that cap the surrounding mountains. As a result, Wind River Country is a boating and fishing paradise.

The characteristics of these waterways vary from raging whitewater to placid lakes and lazy streams. Your recreational opportunities vary as well. You can find challenging fly-fishing among the boulders and holes of the mountain torrents or bass fishing from a motor boat out on one of Wind River Country’s many reservoirs. Motorboats, jet skis, and water skiers enjoy the surreal desert landscape around Boysen Reservoir where the arid hillsides contrast sharply with the deep blue color of the water. You can find trout fishing just minutes from your car, or you can hike deep into the mountains to fish in wilderness lakes and streams. There are opportunities for whitewater boating or floating in inner tubes down lazy rivers on a hot afternoon.

Fishing in Wind River Country is world class. You’ll find a variety of trout—rainbow, cutthroat, brookies, and browns—as well as largemouth bass, freshwater ling cod, crappie, grayling, walleye, catfish, sager, yellow perch, mackinaw and splake in the waters of Wind River Country. A number of fishing guides offer everything from morning fishing adventures to extended backcountry forays so you don’t have to waste your Wind River Country vacation searching for a perfect fishing hole.