Fishing at Purdy Reservoir, Johnson County, Wyoming

• Overview

  Purdy Reservoir lies within the bounds of Johnson County, Wyoming. The setting is mixed forest on every side. The water covers some 43 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. There is roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. On our Johnson County list it sits near the top for size. Buffalo at 23 miles is the nearest place to stop. Sheridan follows at 56 miles, then Gillette at 60 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Purdy Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across Johnson County: brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, white sucker and walleye. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The near bank of Purdy Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 70°F; by January the average is down near 23°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. After late March the shallows warm and the fish move up. On average, late March opens the water and early December closes it again. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Plan around that when you fish Purdy Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Dwight Reservoir, 7.1 miles away. For Purdy Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.