Boysen Reservoir, WY

About Boysen Reservoir

Boysen Reservoir is a large high-desert impoundment in central Wyoming, sitting at the south end of Wind River Canyon between the towns of Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Formed by a dam on the Wind River, it sprawls across roughly 19,000 surface acres of open water ringed by sage flats, rocky points and wind-swept shoreline within Boysen State Park. It is one of the most productive and popular fisheries in the region, drawing anglers from across the state for both its open-water and hard-water seasons.

The reservoir is best known as a walleye water, and it is one of Wyoming's premier destinations for that species. Beyond walleye, Boysen carries a genuinely diverse mixed-bag fishery, which is a big part of its appeal: an angler can target several species in a single trip. It is also one of the better lakes in the state for ling (burbot), a peculiar cold-water fish that draws a dedicated winter following.

Fish Species

Boysen supports a strong warm- and cool-water mixed fishery along with some cold-water species:

• Walleye — the marquee fish and the main reason most anglers visit; abundant and the lake's signature target.
• Yellow perch — plentiful and a favorite for panfish anglers and table fare.
• Black crappie — present and sought after, particularly around brush and structure.
• Sauger — a close relative of walleye found in the system and the connected river water.
• Ling (burbot) — a renowned cold-water bottom-dweller that Boysen is well known for, mostly targeted through the ice.
• Trout — rainbow and other trout show up, especially toward the upper/river end and in cooler stretches.
• Other species — anglers also encounter rough fish and the occasional incidental catch, contributing to the lake's variety.

The standouts are clearly walleye and ling, with perch and crappie rounding out a dependable panfish opportunity.

Best Seasons & Times

Spring: As ice leaves and water warms, walleye move shallow toward rocky points, the dam area and the river inflow to spawn, making this one of the best windows of the year. Fish low-light periods and target transitions between shallow flats and deeper water.

Summer: Walleye, perch and crappie spread out and relate to deeper structure, points and breaklines as surface temperatures climb. Early morning and evening are most productive; mid-day fish often hold deeper. Calmer mornings beat the heavy afternoon wind that Boysen is famous for.

Fall: Cooling water triggers a strong feeding period. Walleye and perch move and feed aggressively to put on weight before winter, and this is a prime time for quality fish. Watch the weather, since wind can shut down access quickly.

Winter: Boysen is a major ice-fishing destination. Perch and walleye are popular through the ice, but the real winter draw is ling (burbot), which feed actively after dark in the cold months. Always confirm ice conditions firsthand before venturing out, as wind and current can affect thickness.

Techniques & Baits

Walleye:

• Jig-and-minnow or jig tipped with a nightcrawler worked along rocky points and breaklines.
• Bottom-bouncers and spinner/crawler harnesses trolled across flats and contour edges in summer.
• Crankbaits trolled along structure and points, especially in low light.
• Slip-bobber rigs with leeches or minnows over spawning-season structure in spring.

Perch and crappie:

• Small jigs and tube baits tipped with a piece of worm, minnow or grub.
• Live minnows under a bobber around brush, points and weed edges for crappie.
• Through the ice, small jigging spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with bait fished near bottom.

Ling (burbot):

• Primarily an ice-season target — fish after dark with a jigging spoon or jig tipped with cut bait or a minnow held near the bottom, often with a glow lure to draw them in.

Trout: Spinners, small spoons, and bait near the cooler upper/river end and inflow areas. Across the board, plan around wind and low-light timing — both are decisive factors on this open, exposed reservoir.

Access & Launches

Boysen Reservoir lies within Boysen State Park, which provides the primary public access to the water. There are developed public boat ramps and shoreline access points distributed around the lake, along with campgrounds and day-use areas managed by the state park. The reservoir is easy to reach off the main highway corridor between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, with the dramatic Wind River Canyon at its north end.

Because Boysen is large and notoriously windy, boaters should check the forecast, launch early, and be cautious of sudden whitecaps and changing conditions. Shore anglers can find productive water near points, the dam area and the river inflow. A state park entrance/use fee typically applies for vehicles, and amenities vary by season — confirm current park access details, ramp conditions, and any winter closures before your trip.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers of fishing age, and these can be purchased online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or from local license vendors. Species-specific creel, size and possession limits apply and can differ from statewide defaults on certain waters, so review the current Wyoming Game and Fish fishing regulations for Boysen Reservoir before you fish.

Pay attention to any rules on the use and transport of live bait, special provisions for the connected river sections, and ice-fishing regulations. Wyoming also has aquatic invasive species (AIS) requirements — watercraft may be subject to AIS inspection and need a valid AIS decal — so clean, drain and dry your boat and gear between waters. Regulations and limits change, so always verify the latest official rules before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is Boysen Reservoir best known for?
Boysen is best known as a walleye fishery and is one of Wyoming's top destinations for them. It also offers strong perch, crappie, sauger, trout, and a notable ling (burbot) population, making it a true mixed-bag lake.

When is the best time to fish Boysen Reservoir?
Spring around the walleye spawn and fall's cooling-water feed are prime for walleye. Summer fishing is good in early morning and evening before the wind picks up. Winter is excellent for ice fishing, especially perch, walleye and after-dark ling.

Can you ice fish at Boysen Reservoir?
Yes. Boysen is a popular ice-fishing destination, with perch and walleye commonly targeted and ling (burbot) being a signature winter species caught after dark. Always check ice thickness yourself, as wind and current can create unsafe spots.

Do I need a license to fish Boysen Reservoir?
Yes. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required, available online from Wyoming Game and Fish or local vendors. Check current state regulations for slot, size and bag limits, plus AIS boat inspection requirements, before your trip.