Sawmill Reservoir, Wyoming: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Sheridan County, Wyoming. What surrounds it is lake country bush. It measures about 65 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The whole outline is near 1.3 miles, and most of it is walkable. On our Sheridan County list it sits near the top for size. Some 21 miles away sits Sheridan, the nearest settlement. Further out sit Buffalo (35 miles) and Greybull (38 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Sawmill Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Records held for Sheridan County cover rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Sawmill Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 54°F and January about 18°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late May. From about late May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Time your trip to Sawmill Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The car has to stay 0.9 miles away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Twin Lakes, 1.1 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Sawmill Reservoir before loading the car.