Fishing Thumb Lake in Fremont County, Wyoming

• Overview

  Thumb Lake stands in Fremont County, Wyoming. The water sits 11,024 feet up. Surface area runs to about 23 acres — small enough to read in one session. Compared with other Wyoming water on our list, it sits high. Nearest place of any size is Lander, 18 miles away. Beyond it, Fort Washakie at 26 miles and Ethete at 29 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Thumb Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Fremont County records list brown trout, rainbow trout, white sucker and brook trout among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Treat Thumb Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 50°F for July and 17°F for February. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Winter locks it down, and early June brings it back. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early June and starts locking again about early November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on Thumb Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Island Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Thumb Lake are worth checking on the day.