The Wheatland Reservoirs are a trio of irrigation lakes on the Laramie Plains of southeastern Wyoming – prairie reservoirs near Wheatland that offer some of the region’s best warm-water and trout fishing for walleye, rainbow trout, perch and bass. With public boat ramps and big open water, they’re a favorite for Platte County anglers and a handy stop off I-25. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Wheatland Reservoirs at a glance
- Three reservoirs, lots of fishing
- Fishing the Wheatland Reservoirs
- Boating, camping and water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in the Wheatland Reservoirs?
- Can the public fish the Wheatland Reservoirs?
- Where are the Wheatland Reservoirs?
Wheatland Reservoirs at a glance
- Wheatland Reservoir #1: ~280 acres, public access, with two concrete boat ramps
- Wheatland Reservoir #2: ~4,800 acres – the largest, but with limited public access
- Wheatland Reservoir #3: ~4,700 acres, a strong, popular fishery with public access
- Location: Laramie Plains near Wheatland, Platte County, southeastern Wyoming (Laramie River water)
- Top fish: walleye, rainbow trout, yellow perch, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, crappie
Three reservoirs, lots of fishing
Built by the Wheatland Irrigation District to store Laramie River water, the three Wheatland Reservoirs sit out on the high Laramie Plains. Reservoir #1 (about 280 acres) has the best developed public access, with parking, two concrete ramps and accessible docks; Reservoir #3 (about 4,700 acres) has become a popular, productive trout and walleye lake; and Reservoir #2 is the largest at roughly 4,800 acres but has more limited public access. Public fishing is provided through agreements between the irrigation district and Wyoming Game and Fish.
Fishing the Wheatland Reservoirs
The reservoirs offer a strong mix: walleye, rainbow trout, yellow perch, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and black crappie. A Wyoming fishing license is required. Reservoir #1 is known for walleye, perch and crappie; Reservoir #3 fishes well for trout and walleye. Anglers troll and drift the open water for walleye and trout and work the shoreline for perch, crappie and bass. These are windy prairie lakes, so watch the weather and check current access rules for each reservoir.
Boating, camping and water level
Reservoir #1 has two concrete boat ramps and accessible docks; the larger reservoirs suit bigger boats where access allows. As irrigation reservoirs, water levels can drop through the summer draw-down, so check conditions before launching. Primitive camping and day-use are available at some access areas – confirm current regulations. There’s no developed swim beach.
Getting there and what’s nearby
The Wheatland Reservoirs are west and south of Wheatland in Platte County, southeastern Wyoming, on the Laramie Plains off I-25. Wheatland, Glendo Reservoir and Guernsey Reservoir are nearby for more fishing.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required.
- Public access varies: #1 and #3 have public access; #2 is more limited – check current rules.
- Irrigation lakes: levels drop with summer draw-down – check conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in the Wheatland Reservoirs?
Walleye, rainbow trout, yellow perch, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and black crappie.
Can the public fish the Wheatland Reservoirs?
Yes – Reservoir #1 and Reservoir #3 have public access through agreements between the Wheatland Irrigation District and Wyoming Game and Fish; Reservoir #2 has more limited access.
Where are the Wheatland Reservoirs?
On the Laramie Plains near Wheatland in Platte County, southeastern Wyoming, off I-25.
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.
