Ocean Lake is one of Wyoming’s best warmwater fisheries – a sprawling 6,000-acre lake in the Wind River Basin near Riverton, famous for its big populations of walleye, crappie and catfish. A shallow, fertile prairie lake studded with a man-made “underwater forest” of sunken trees for fish habitat, it’s a favorite of Fremont County anglers and a rare warmwater hotspot in a trout-dominated state. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Ocean Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~6,000 acres
- Depth: typically 20-25 ft, with maximum around 31 ft
- Elevation: ~5,250 ft, in the Wind River Basin of central Wyoming
- Location: Fremont County, near Riverton (an Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area)
- Top fish: walleye, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, ling (burbot), trout, bass
How big and deep is Ocean Lake?
Ocean Lake covers about 6,000 acres, making it one of the larger lakes in central Wyoming, yet it’s relatively shallow – typically 20 to 25 feet, with a maximum around 31 feet. That shallow, fertile water warms in summer and grows an exceptional warmwater fishery, unusual for high, cold Wyoming.
Fishing Ocean Lake
Ocean Lake is renowned for walleye, crappie and catfish, with yellow perch, ling (burbot), trout and bass rounding out a deep species list. A Wyoming fishing license is required. Walleye hold around structure – points, flats and the old river-channel ledges – and a remarkable man-made habitat helps: over more than two decades, anglers and Wyoming Game and Fish have sunk some 8,000 Christmas trees (an underwater “forest”) to create cover. The lake is also a top ice-fishing destination in winter.
The wildlife area, boating and camping
Ocean Lake is an Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area, a major stop for waterfowl and a rich birding and hunting area as well as a fishery. There are public boat ramps and camping areas around the lake, and the big open water suits powerboating and fishing. The wide, fertile water and surrounding wetlands give it a genuinely “ocean-like” feel on the high plains. Watch the wind – the open lake builds waves fast.
Water level
As an irrigation-influenced lake in the Wind River Basin, Ocean Lake’s level can vary with the season and water management. Check current conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Ocean Lake is northwest of Riverton in Fremont County, central Wyoming, off US-26. Riverton, the Wind River Indian Reservation and Boysen Reservoir are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required; note any reservation-boundary rules.
- Warmwater hotspot: walleye, crappie and catfish – rare for Wyoming.
- Camp & bird: camping and excellent waterfowl watching at the wildlife area.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Ocean Lake?
Walleye, crappie and catfish (the headliners), plus yellow perch, ling (burbot), trout and bass – an unusually rich warmwater fishery.
How deep is Ocean Lake?
Typically 20-25 feet, with a maximum around 31 feet, across about 6,000 acres.
Where is Ocean Lake?
In Fremont County, central Wyoming, northwest of Riverton off US-26.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
Explore more Wyoming lakes: the largest lakes in Wyoming and the deepest lakes in Wyoming.
