Wyoming
Fishing License 2026.

License required?

Yes

Where to apply?

Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD). Online via the Electronic Licensing System, regional offices, or license-selling agents statewide.

Cost

Resident annual: $27. Non-resident annual: $102. Non-resident 1-day: $14. Non-resident 5-day: $56. Resident daily: $6. Youth annual (14–17): $3 resident / $15 non-res. Conservation Stamp ($21.50) required annually for all anglers 14+.

Validity

Annual (Jan 1 – Dec 31) or 1-day / 5-day

Available online?

Yes

Wyoming is the tailwater + freestone heartland — cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout in uncrowded waters. Required for ages 14+. Conservation Stamp ($21.50) is a once-per-year add-on valid for 12 consecutive months. Yellowstone National Park requires a SEPARATE park fishing permit ($40 for 7-day), not covered by WY state license.

Closed seasons

Most waters open year-round. Some spawning-closure stretches on the Miracle Mile + Grey Reef (North Platte) catch-and-release only during brown trout spawn Oct–Nov. Sturgeon in Bighorn drainage: no-take.

Catch limits

Trout (all species combined): 6/day statewide (only 1 over 20", only 1 cutthroat). Walleye: 6/day 15" min. Lake trout: 6/day (Flaming Gorge specific regs). Kokanee: 6/day. Burbot: unlimited on Flaming Gorge (invasive).

Prohibited methods

Live minnows banned as bait east of Continental Divide + on select drainages (whirling disease control). Snagging prohibited. Spearfishing legal for non-game only.

Catch & Release

Required on designated blue-ribbon stretches of the North Platte (Miracle Mile during spawn). Mandatory for Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat in some sections.

North Platte River between Kortes + Pathfinder Dams (the 'Miracle Mile') is one of the densest trout fisheries in North America — 6,000+ trout per mile. Yellowstone cutthroat + Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat are native subspecies with conservation focus.

Best season

Trout: May–October on freestones, year-round on North Platte tailwater. Brown trout spawn: October–November. Ice fishing: December–March on Boysen + Flaming Gorge. Runoff late May–June.

Freshwater

27,000+ miles of fishable streams + 4,000 lakes. North Platte + Green River systems dominate; Bighorn + Wind River drainages hold wild trout.

Saltwater

None (landlocked).

Equipment

Orvis + several independent fly shops in Jackson, Cody, Casper. Ugly Bug Fly Shop (Casper) is the Miracle Mile hub. Rod/waders rental at most.

Fishing guides

$500–$700/day wade trip. $650–$900/day float trip drift boat. $400–$550 half-day North Platte.

Transport

JAC (Jackson Hole) for Snake River / Yellowstone. CPR (Casper) for North Platte. SLC (Salt Lake City) best for Flaming Gorge + Green River (3h drive). Rental car essential — huge distances.

Safety

Grizzly bears in Yellowstone + western WY — carry bear spray. Afternoon thunderstorms + lightning common June–August. Altitude 6,000–8,000 ft typical. Winter temps can hit −30°F.

License fees

$6–$102 + $21.50 Conservation Stamp

Guide prices

$500–$700 wade; $650–$900 float

Daily budget

Budget: $100–$150/day DIY. Guided: $600–$900/day.