Salmon & Trout Fishing at Lake Hattie Reservoir
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour guided fishing trip at Lake Hattie ReservoirTarget Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon with expert guideSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Ready to cast your line into some of Wyoming's best fishing waters? Jon Coonrad and the crew at Frisky Fish Outfitters have been putting anglers onto trophy Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Trout at Lake Hattie Reservoir for years, and this 4-hour guided trip is your ticket to getting in on the action. Just 20 minutes west of Laramie, this high-country reservoir sits at 7,100 feet and serves up some seriously impressive fishing. You'll be targeting two of Wyoming's most sought-after species in water that's crystal clear and absolutely loaded with fish. Groups of up to 3 anglers can book together, making it perfect for buddies or families looking to experience what Lake Hattie is all about. Don't forget to grab your Wyoming fishing license before you meet us at the boat ramp – you'll need it to keep any fish you decide to take home.
Lake Hattie Reservoir covers about 4,000 acres when it's full, giving us plenty of water to work with. Jon knows this lake like the back of his hand – every drop-off, weed bed, and structure that holds fish. We'll launch early morning when the bite is typically hottest, though these fish can surprise you any time of day. The reservoir has a mix of shallow bays perfect for trout and deeper channels where the big salmon cruise. Water temps stay cool year-round thanks to the elevation, which keeps both species active and aggressive. You'll spend most of your time either trolling the main lake or working structure along the dam face and inlet areas. The scenery is classic high-country Wyoming – rolling hills, big sky, and mountains on the horizon. Weather can change fast up here, so bring layers even in summer. The fishing season typically runs from ice-out in April through October, with peak action happening in late spring and early fall when water temperatures are dialed in perfectly.
We'll be running a mix of trolling techniques depending on what the fish want that day. For salmon, we typically pull larger spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs at varying depths using downriggers or lead core line. The Chinooks in Hattie cruise anywhere from 15 to 40 feet down, so we'll adjust our presentation to match where we're marking fish on the electronics. Trout fishing calls for a more finesse approach – smaller spoons, spinners, and sometimes flies behind dodgers or flashers. We'll cover water systematically, working different depth zones until we dial in the pattern. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Jon runs quality equipment – no bargain basement stuff here. We'll have multiple rods out at once to give everyone the best shot at hooking up. When fish are finicky, we might switch to jigging or even still fishing with PowerBait or nightcrawlers in the shallows. The key at Hattie is staying flexible and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Hattie, and for good reason. These silver bullets can push 20+ pounds and fight like freight trains when hooked. They were first stocked here in the 1990s and have adapted beautifully to reservoir life. Unlike their ocean-going cousins, these landlocked Chinooks feed heavily on small fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Prime time for salmon is typically late spring through summer when they're actively feeding in preparation for their spawning run. The fight is what hooks most anglers – long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Even a 5-pound Chinook will give you a workout on medium tackle. Best part? They taste fantastic on the grill or smoker, with firm, pink meat that's perfect for steaks or fillets.
Rainbow Trout at Lake Hattie are some of the prettiest fish you'll see in Wyoming. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows – they've got the deep colors and broad shoulders that come from living the good life in nutrient-rich water. Most fish run 14-18 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20+ inch beast. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when insect activity peaks. Rainbows here feed on everything from chironomid larvae to small fish, making them willing biters on a variety of presentations. They're classic trout fighters – aerial displays, head shakes, and bulldogging runs that'll keep you on your toes. The beauty of targeting both species on the same trip is the variety – you never know if that next bite will be a scrappy rainbow or a tackle-busting salmon.
Lake Hattie Reservoir consistently produces some of the best mixed-bag fishing in southern Wyoming, and Jon's track record speaks for itself. This 4-hour trip gives you enough time to really work the water and dial in what's working without feeling rushed. The intimate group size means personalized attention and coaching if you need it, plus more room to move around the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Wyoming salmon to your list or a family wanting to introduce kids to quality fishing, this trip delivers. The combination of beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, and expert guiding makes for a day you'll be talking about long after you head home. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Grab your Wyoming fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to see what Lake Hattie is all about.
Meet the Frisky Fish Outfitter, your ticket to productive fishing on Lake Hattie Reservoir. This 18-foot Tracker motorboat packs serious fishing power with its 150hp Mercury engine, getting you to the hot spots fast while staying steady when you're working a stubborn trout. Built in 2018 specifically for anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate those rainbow trout and chinook salmon hiding in the depths. The onboard bait tank keeps your gear fresh all day long. With room for up to three guests plus your expert guide Jon Coonrad, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The boat handles Wyoming's mountain lake conditions beautifully, giving you a stable platform whether you're trolling for salmon or working the shoreline for feisty rainbows. Don't forget to grab your Wyoming fishing license before you head out – this rig is ready to put you on fish at one of the state's premier fishing destinations.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights here at Lake Hattie, running 12-30 pounds with that signature blue-green back and silver sides covered in black spots. These fish hug the bottom during daylight since they're light-sensitive, so we'll use weighted baits and focus on early morning or evening sessions. What makes them special is that hard-fighting power once hooked - they'll test your gear and skills. The meat is top-notch too, with that rich orange-pink color that's perfect for the grill. My go-to trick is trolling with spoons in deeper water, keeping your drag smooth because these kings will make serious runs when they feel that hook.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows in Lake Hattie typically run 8-24 inches and about 2-8 pounds, with that classic pink stripe and spotted pattern. They cruise near structure like weed beds and rocky areas, moving deeper when it gets warm. Spring and fall fishing is prime time when water temps hit that sweet 55-65°F range they love. What guests really enjoy is their acrobatic fights - these fish will jump and run like crazy once hooked. The pink meat tastes great too, mild and flaky. Pro tip: fish during their feeding times at dusk or early evening, and keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. They're curious fish, so don't be afraid to try different retrieval speeds until you find what they want.
Wyoming