Salmon & Trout Fishing at Lake Hattie Reservoir
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour guided fishing trip targeting Rainbow Trout and Chinook SalmonExpert guide Jon Coonrad leads small groups at Lake Hattie ReservoirMaximum three guests ensures personalized fishing experience in Wyoming waters
Picture this: you're casting your line into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Hattie Reservoir, surrounded by Wyoming's rugged landscape, with expert guide Jon Coonrad showing you exactly where the big ones are hiding. This isn't your average fishing trip – we're talking about a top-rated 4-hour adventure that puts you right in the sweet spot for both Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Trout. Lake Hattie sits at about 7,200 feet elevation in the Laramie Plains, giving you that high-altitude fishing experience that Wyoming is famous for. The reservoir covers roughly 4,000 acres when full, providing plenty of water to explore and multiple structure points where fish love to hang out. Don't forget to grab your Wyoming fishing license before we meet up – it's required and easily available online or at local sporting goods stores.
Jon's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the active fish based on season, weather, and time of day. Your group of up to 3 anglers will have plenty of room to spread out and work different areas of the lake without getting tangled up. We typically start early when the fish are most active, though afternoon sessions can be equally productive depending on conditions. The reservoir has great depth variations – from shallow bays perfect for trout to deeper channels where salmon cruise. You'll spend time learning to read the water, understanding how wind affects fish behavior, and picking up techniques that'll serve you well on future fishing trips. The scenery alone makes this trip worthwhile, with the Medicine Bow Mountains providing a stunning backdrop while you focus on your presentation and technique.
We'll be using a mix of trolling and still fishing techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. For the salmon, we often troll with downriggers or lead core line to get down to where they're holding – usually 15 to 30 feet deep. Jon provides all the gear you'll need, from medium-heavy rods perfect for handling big fish to a selection of proven lures and bait. Popular setups include flasher and dodger combinations with hoochies or small spoons, plus we always have a supply of fresh bait like PowerBait and worms for the trout. The key here is versatility – Lake Hattie fish can be picky, so we'll switch between methods until we find what's working. You'll learn proper trolling speed, how to set the drag for different species, and the art of detecting subtle bites that often signal a quality fish on the other end.
Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Hattie, and these aren't your typical landlocked salmon – they're stocked regularly and grow fat on the abundant forage in the reservoir. Most Chinooks here run between 3 to 8 pounds, though larger specimens push into double digits and provide fights you'll be talking about for years. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and tend to school up in deeper water, especially during summer months. What makes catching them so rewarding is their powerful runs and tendency to jump when hooked – pure adrenaline from start to finish. The best action typically happens from late spring through early fall, with peak times being early morning and evening hours when they move shallow to feed.
Rainbow Trout in Lake Hattie are known for their beautiful coloration and spirited fights, averaging 12 to 16 inches with plenty of larger fish mixed in. These rainbows benefit from the rich food sources in the reservoir, developing thick shoulders and bright, vibrant colors that make for great photos. They're more opportunistic feeders than the salmon, often found in shallower water around structure like submerged trees or rocky points. Spring and fall offer the best trout action when they're actively feeding to prepare for spawning or winter, but summer can produce excellent results if you know where to look. What anglers love most about Lake Hattie rainbows is their willingness to hit a variety of presentations – from traditional PowerBait setups to small spinners and flies.
Lake Hattie Reservoir consistently produces some of Wyoming's best salmon and trout fishing, and having Jon as your guide gives you a serious advantage over going it alone. This world-class fishery doesn't get the crowds of more famous destinations, meaning you'll have room to fish properly and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The 4-hour format is perfect for both beginners wanting to learn the basics and experienced anglers looking to dial in their technique on new water. Whether you're visiting Wyoming or you're a local looking to step up your fishing game, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on instruction and fish-catching action that makes for a customer favorite experience. Ready to feel that rod bend and hear your drag scream? Give Frisky Fish Outfitters a call and let's get your Lake Hattie adventure on the books.
The Frisky Fish Outfitter is your ticket to some serious angling action on Lake Hattie Reservoir. This 18-foot Tracker motorboat packs a solid 150hp Mercury engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots without burning daylight. Built in 2018, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing salmon and trout – GPS to navigate the waters, fish finder to locate where they're hiding, and a bait tank to keep your tackle fresh. With room for up to three anglers plus your guide, there's plenty of space to cast lines without bumping elbows. The setup is perfect for targeting both rainbow trout and chinook salmon that call these Wyoming waters home. Captain Jon Coonrad knows exactly where to find them feeding, so bring your Wyoming fishing license and get ready to bend some rods on this 4-hour fishing adventure.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe Kings of Lake Hattie average 12-20 pounds, though we've seen some push 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs love the deeper, cooler sections of the reservoir. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're actively feeding near structure. What makes Chinook special? They fight harder than anything else in these waters - long runs, head shakes, and pure power. The reddish-pink meat is top-notch table fare too. Since they're light-sensitive, we fish deep with weighted presentations. My go-to tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. That speed change often triggers strikes from followers.
Oncorhynchus MykissLake Hattie's rainbows typically run 2-4 pounds with that classic pink stripe and spotted pattern. They cruise the mid-depths around weed lines and rocky points, moving shallow during cooler parts of the day. Spring through fall fishing is solid, but they really turn on during mayfly hatches. These fish are scrappy fighters - expect aerial jumps and spirited runs that'll test your drag. The firm, mild flesh makes for great eating. They prefer water temps between 55-65°F, so we target deeper pockets during summer heat. Local trick: when nymphing, dead-drift your fly just off the bottom near drop-offs where they ambush food.
Wyoming