Boysen Reservoir is one of Wyoming’s top walleye lakes – a big, open, wind-swept reservoir on the Wind River in the center of the state, wrapped by Boysen State Park and bordered by the Wind River Indian Reservation. Just downstream, the water plunges into the spectacular Wind River Canyon on its way to Thermopolis, making Boysen both a premier fishery and the gateway to one of Wyoming’s great scenic drives.
This guide covers Boysen Reservoir: the fishing, the state park and canyon, and access. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Boysen Reservoir at a glance
- Surface area: ~19,500 acres on the Wind River; about 76 miles of shoreline
- Location: Fremont County, central Wyoming (near Shoshoni & Thermopolis)
- Built: Boysen Dam, completed 1952; the centerpiece of Boysen State Park
- Top fish: walleye, sauger, yellow perch, trout, ling (burbot), crappie
Fishing Boysen Reservoir
Boysen is a renowned, productive fishery, best known for its walleye:
- Walleye – the headliner, abundant and good-sized; Boysen is consistently one of Wyoming’s best walleye waters.
- Sauger and yellow perch in strong numbers, plus crappie.
- Trout in the cooler water, and unusual ling (burbot) – a tasty cod relative prized by winter anglers.
A Wyoming fishing license is required (note tribal-water rules where the reservation adjoins). The big, open lake is wind-driven, so watch the forecast – and winter brings a notable ice fishery for perch, walleye and ling.
The state park and Wind River Canyon
Boysen State Park surrounds the reservoir with campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps and beaches, supporting boating, water sports and fishing across the wide-open water. Just below the dam, the Wind River carves the dramatic Wind River Canyon, where US-20 threads between towering walls down to Thermopolis and the world’s largest mineral hot springs at Hot Springs State Park – one of Wyoming’s most scenic and rewarding day trips.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Boysen Reservoir is near Shoshoni in central Wyoming, off US-20/26, about 30 minutes north of Riverton and just south of the Wind River Canyon and Thermopolis. Wind River country and the Owl Creek Mountains surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required; mind tribal-water boundaries with the Wind River Reservation.
- Wind: the big open reservoir builds waves fast – watch the forecast.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and perch; winter for ice fishing (including ling).
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Boysen Reservoir?
Walleye (the headliner), sauger, yellow perch, crappie, trout and ling (burbot) – one of Wyoming’s best walleye lakes.
What is below Boysen Dam?
The Wind River Canyon – a dramatic gorge where US-20 runs down to Thermopolis and its famous Hot Springs State Park.
Where is Boysen Reservoir?
In Fremont County, central Wyoming, near Shoshoni, about 30 minutes north of Riverton.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
