Fall · September 8, 2026

Laramie, Wyoming

Western Mountains & Interior Plateaus

Now

26°C · Clear

Today

26° / 8°

Sun

06:36 – 19:23

Moon

Waning Crescent · solunar good

Fishing around Laramie

AI field guide · refreshed weekly

Laramie Area Fishing: Early Fall on the Snowy Range Waters

What's biting

  • Brown Trout

    Where: Snowy Range lakes (Libby, Mirror, Rawah); lower Laramie River below town; spring creeks near Centennial

    Fall spawning run begins; fish deeper pools and undercut banks in rivers, or troll lake edges at 3–6 m (10–20 ft). Use small spinners, nymphs, or live minnows. Water temps dropping into optimal range.

    Caution: Spawning fish are protected—check WGFD regs for closure areas and harvest rules before targeting reds.

  • Cutthroat Trout

    Where: High alpine lakes above 3000 m (10,000 ft) in Snowy Range; Medicine Bow Peak drainages

    Native species; still accessible before snow. Fish early morning with small dry flies or spinners near inlet streams. Populations are limited—practice catch-and-release or verify harvest regs.

    Caution: Some waters are catch-and-release only; verify WGFD regulations for specific lakes.

  • Lake Trout (Mackinaw)

    Where: Libby Lake, Mirror Lake, Rawah Lake in Snowy Range

    Dropping water temps push them shallower; troll 4–8 m (13–26 ft) with tube jigs or small swimbaits. Early morning and late evening most productive.

    Caution: None

  • Walleye

    Where: Seminoe Reservoir (45 km south); Pathfinder Reservoir (50 km south)

    Fall bite strengthens as water cools; fish dawn and dusk in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) using live shiners, jigs, or crankbaits. Windy conditions this week will churn shallows—good for feeding.

    Caution: None

  • Kokanee Salmon

    Where: Libby Lake, Mirror Lake (spawning run underway)

    Early fall spawning; fish deep holes and inlet streams with small spoons or jigs. Populations are modest—check WGFD for harvest limits and closure areas.

    Caution: Spawning fish may be protected; verify current regs with WGFD before harvest.

Best times

Early morning (6–9 am) and evening (6–8 pm) when water is calmest; avoid midday wind. Overcast days and the light rain expected Sep 11–13 will improve feeding. Waning crescent moon favors low-light periods.

Waters to try

  • Libby Lake (Snowy Range, 30 km west)
  • Mirror Lake (Snowy Range, 32 km west)
  • Rawah Lake (Snowy Range, 35 km northwest)
  • Laramie River (town to Riverside, 5–15 km south)
  • Seminoe Reservoir (45 km south)
  • Pathfinder Reservoir (50 km south)

Regulations

Wyoming Game & Fish Department sets all season dates, daily limits, and method restrictions. Verify current regs at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/fishing-and-boating before fishing. Many Snowy Range lakes have special rules (catch-and-release, cutthroat protection, spawning closures). High-country access may close with early snow—check road conditions. Laramie River has specific regulations for brown trout spawning season; confirm before targeting reds. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers 14+."

Wyoming Game & Fish Department

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