Fishing Meadow Lake in Sublette County, Wyoming

• Overview

  Meadow Lake is a Sublette County water, Wyoming side. The country here is sage and rock. Around 115 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Bank access stretches around 2.0 miles in total. Size puts it in the front rank of our Sublette County list. Pinedale is the closest place, 8.9 miles off. After that come Marbleton at 32 miles and Fort Washakie at 42 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Meadow Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Sublette County include brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Meadow Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 59°F, while January sits near 13°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. Averages suggest open water from about early May through to roughly mid November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Meadow Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Little Half Moon Lake, 1.6 miles away. Rules at Meadow Lake are worth checking on the day.