Scaper Reservoir in Campbell County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Wyoming, Scaper Reservoir falls inside Campbell County. It stands 4,570 feet above sea level. It is low-lying compared with other Wyoming water we list. The nearest place of any size is Antelope Valley-Crestview, 10 miles away. It is 188 miles to Billings, the nearest city. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Scaper Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Records held for Campbell County cover green sunfish, black bullhead, white sucker, stonecat and channel catfish. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Scaper Reservoir responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 70°F and January about 21°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. Break-up near early April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Scaper Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Hill Reservoir at 5.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Where Scaper Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.