Ray Reservoir near Fort Washakie: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Wyoming holds Ray Reservoir, in Fremont County. The surface lies 5,518 feet up. About 465 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Around 3.7 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. Few waters listed in Fremont County are bigger. Supplies mean a trip to Fort Washakie, 4.5 miles off. Ethete follows at 5.7 miles, then Lander at 9.8 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Ray Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Open biodiversity records for Fremont County list brown trout, rainbow trout, white sucker, brook trout and common carp. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fish Ray Reservoir to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 69°F, the coldest about 18°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. After late March the shallows warm and the fish move up. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Time your trip to Ray Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Washakie Reservoir, 9.3 miles away. Check the position at Ray Reservoir before loading the car.