Goose Creek
If you only have a short time to fish in Sheridan, go to Kendrick Park, which is adjacent to Trail End State Historic Site. Kendrick Park features convenient, in-town access to Goose Creek, where you can potentially catch rainbow, brook and brown trout, along with grayling. The park also has a swimming pool, playground, ice cream stand, and an elk and buffalo herd.
Tongue River
The Tongue River originates in the Bighorn Mountains and flows through Tongue River Canyon. Access this trout (brown, brook and rainbow) stream by heading northwest of Sheridan on Interstate 90 to Ranchester, and then taking U.S. 14 west to Dayton. From there, take Tongue River Canyon Road (Road 92) to the parking lot at its terminus. A trail leads up Tongue River Canyon, allowing multiple points of access for fishing.
You can also fish the Tongue River at Connor Battlefield State Historic Site, the site of an 1865 battle between American Indians and soldiers led by Gen. Patrick E. Connor. The quiet locale near Ranchester features not only fishing access, but also a playground and picnic area. Free for day use, the park also has 20 seasonal overnight campsites that cost $10 per night (resident), and $17 per night (nonresident) as of 2010.
Piney Creek
An easy, 20-mile drive south of Sheridan takes you to Story, a town tucked in an aromatic setting of ponderosa pine trees. Story has numerous access points for Piney Creek fishing (brook and rainbow trout), including the Piney Creek Trail. You can also stop at the Story Fish Hatchery to learn more about the fish-production process in Wyoming.
Lake De Smet
About 25 miles south of Sheridan at exits 44, 47 and 51 off Interstate 90, you can access Lake De Smet for trout (brown and rainbow), bass and crappie fishing. Named for a famous Belgian missionary, Lake De Smet provides year-round fishing opportunities. A popular ice-fishing destination in wintertime, the lake also hosts an annual fishing derby every Memorial Day weekend.
Article Written By Alli Rainey
A professional writer since 1997, Harvard graduate ('96) Alli Rainey has written several books, including "Wyoming: An Explorer's Guide" (spring 2010). Her articles have appeared in "Climbing Magazine," "Rock & Ice," and "Men's Fitness," among many others. She is also the rock climbing feature writer for an online magazine.
