Hogback Lake Fishing near Rawlins, Wyoming

• Overview

  The Carbon County end of Wyoming holds Hogback Lake. Height above sea level is 6,864 feet. With some 246 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. On our Carbon County list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Rawlins, is 4.7 miles away. Beyond it, Saratoga at 33 miles and Craig at 86 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Hogback Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Across Carbon County, recorded fish include brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Hogback Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 66°F in July and bottom out at 21°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Hogback Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Eightmile Lake at 5.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Hogback Lake.