Wyoming Steelhead & Salmon Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Expert guide Jon Coonrad leads 4-hour lake fishing adventuresTarget Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon at Lake Hattie ReservoirSmall group trips accommodate up to 4 guests maximum
Picture this: you're out on Lake Hattie Reservoir at dawn, rod in hand, watching the mist lift off the water as you wait for that telltale tug on your line. That's exactly what you'll get with Frisky Fish Outfitters' top-rated steelhead and salmon fishing trip. Guide Jon Coonrad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical weekend lake outing – we're talking about targeting some of Wyoming's most prized catches in one of the state's best fishing spots.
Your 4-hour fishing adventure starts early when the fish are most active and the lake is calm. Jon keeps his groups small – just 4 anglers max – so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Lake Hattie sits at about 7,200 feet elevation, which means the water stays cool and the fish stay hungry well into summer. The reservoir covers roughly 4,200 acres when full, giving you plenty of water to work with. Jon's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the Chinook salmon stack up and where those rainbow trout like to cruise. You'll spend your morning moving between productive spots, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling you. Don't worry about gear – Jon's got you covered with quality rods, reels, and tackle. Just bring your Wyoming fishing license (you can grab it online before your trip), some snacks, and layers for changing weather. The high country can be unpredictable, but that's part of what makes fishing here so rewarding.
Lake Hattie is a trolling angler's dream, and Jon's mastered the art of covering water efficiently. You'll be running downriggers and planer boards to get your lures down to where the fish are holding – typically anywhere from 15 to 40 feet depending on the season and time of day. The lake has some great structure with submerged channels and drop-offs that concentrate baitfish and predators. Jon rotates between proven producers like spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs, adjusting speed and depth until you find the magic combination. The beauty of trolling here is you're always fishing – no dead time between spots. You'll learn to read the electronics, watch for birds working baitfish, and recognize the subtle signs that separate good fishing days from great ones. When fish are finicky, Jon switches tactics to vertical jigging or even still fishing with bait near productive structure. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish dictate your approach.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Hattie, and landing one will be the highlight of your trip. These kings average 3-6 pounds but can push into double digits if you're lucky. They're stocked annually and thrive in the cool, oxygen-rich water. Chinook are most active during spring and early summer when they're feeding heavily on kokanee salmon and other baitfish. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run – when you hook a chinook, it's going to take line and test your drag system. They're smart fish too, often following your lure for long distances before committing. Jon knows their seasonal patterns and where they congregate during different times of year.
Rainbow trout in Lake Hattie are absolute rockets, and they'll give you some of the best fights pound-for-pound you'll find anywhere. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows – they've had time to grow fat and healthy in the reservoir's rich environment. Most run 14-18 inches, but 20+ inch fish are definitely possible. They feed aggressively on aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans, making them willing biters when you present the right offering. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallow during cooler periods and deeper when surface temperatures climb. What anglers love about these rainbows is their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your drag singing. They're also beautiful fish with bright silver sides and that distinctive pink stripe that gives them their name.
Lake Hattie delivers world-class fishing in a setting that's hard to beat, and Jon's expertise puts you right where you need to be. Whether you're after your first chinook salmon or looking to add some chunky rainbows to your Wyoming fishing stories, this trip delivers. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to really get into fish without burning a whole day, and the small group size means you'll get the attention you deserve. Remember to purchase your Wyoming fishing license online before your trip – it's quick and easy. Jon provides all the gear and knowledge you need; you just bring the enthusiasm. Don't sleep on this one – Lake Hattie's fishing seasons are relatively short, and the best dates fill up fast. Give Frisky Fish Outfitters a call and lock in your dates. Your tackle box might be full, but there's always room for new memories and bigger fish stories.
The Frisky Fish Outfitter is your ticket to productive fishing on Lake Hattie Reservoir's prime waters. This 18-foot Tracker motorboat packs serious angling power with its 150hp Mercury engine, getting you to the hotspots where steelhead and salmon are running. Built in 2018 specifically for fishing charters, she's rigged with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark your productive spots, fish finder to locate schools below, and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. Captain Jon knows these Wyoming waters like the back of his hand and will position you over the best structure where rainbow trout and Chinook salmon feed. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. The boat handles Lake Hattie's conditions beautifully, letting you focus on what matters - getting fish in the boat and creating those Wyoming fishing memories that'll last a lifetime.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Hattie, typically running 12-20 pounds with some pushing 30+. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted fins prefer the deeper, cooler waters and tend to hug the bottom during bright daylight. Early morning and evening hours give you the best shot when they move up to feed. What makes them special? That legendary fight they put up and the rich, orange-pink meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Since they're light-sensitive, I always tell my guests to get your gear down deep with weighted tackle or try trolling with spoons and plugs. The key is patience - when a king hits, you'll know it. These fish don't mess around and will test your drag system for sure.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Hattie typically run 8-16 inches and about 2-4 pounds, though we see some nice 6+ pounders. They're stunning fish with that signature pink stripe and black-spotted sides. You'll find them near structure like rocky drop-offs and weed lines, usually in 10-20 feet of water during summer months. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active in shallower areas. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish jump and run like crazy once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip? Fish just off the bottom with small spoons or spinners, and don't be afraid to vary your retrieve speed. They can be picky, but when you find the right depth and presentation, you'll have steady action all day.
Wyoming