Upper Sylvan Lake in Sublette County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Upper Sylvan Lake is listed under Sublette County, Wyoming. The ground round it is pine and birch. It covers about 9 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Sublette County are larger. You are 23 miles from Pinedale. After that come Fort Washakie at 30 miles and Lander at 35 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Upper Sylvan Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Sublette County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Upper Sylvan Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 51°F in July and bottom out at 13°F in January. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early June. From about early June to around early November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. The season on Upper Sylvan Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. 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. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Lower Sylvan Lake, 0.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Upper Sylvan Lake.