Small Lakes of Wyoming

Beyond the big reservoirs, Wyoming hides hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds and mountain waters — alpine tarns in the Wind River and Teton ranges, quiet prairie fishing holes, and state-managed community ponds close to town. These are the uncrowded spots: walk-in trout lakes, glacial cirque basins reached only on foot, kids’ fishing ponds, and tucked-away cutthroat and brook trout water that rarely sees a crowd. Most ask for little more than a Wyoming fishing license and a short hike or drive. This section gathers the Cowboy State’s lesser-known lakes and ponds — where to find them, what swims beneath the surface, how to get there, and whether you’ll meet a boat ramp, a campsite, or simply a peaceful stretch of shoreline all to yourself.