Fishing & Camping in Southwestern Wyoming in the Spring
Ah, spring is finally here, or at least according to the calendar it is. With the warmer weather, comes the urge to get outside and become one with nature. Many have been anxiously awaiting the rise in the temperatures as they battle cabin fever.
With some of the lakes and ponds thawed, it is a great time for fisherman to try out their lures and reels.
According to Wyoming Game and Fish information specialist Jeff Obrecht, Rainbow Trout have been very good at Flaming Gorge in Sweetwater County.
“The game and fish department would like to remind anglers, although the weather is nice and warm, the water temperature is still dangerously cold,” Obercht said. “Everyone should get out of the water if the wind starts up and should wear life jackets while in the boat. It’s a lot easier to put on a life jacket on dry land then after a boat has capsized.
“People should also be aware of the higher water, the swift currents and debris, such as logs, in the water due to run-off.”
Obrecht added there are limits on all game fish but not on non-game fish such as Carp and suckers. Anyone seeking more information can contact Wyoming Game and Fish in Green River at 800-843-8096 or visit their website at http://gf.state.wy.us.
The 2006-07 fishing license fees are (as listed on the Wyoming Game and Fish website):
Residents -$19
Resident daily – $4
Resident youth (agess14 to 18) – $3
Resident lifetime – $251
Resident lifetime and conservation stamp $401.50
Wyoming conservation stamp – $10.50
Lifetime conservation stamp – $150.50
Flaming Gorge Reservoir reciprocal stamp – $10
Balt Minnow Seining and trapping – $16
Balt Minnow dealer – $56
Nonresident – $76
Nonresident daily – $11
Nonresident youth annual (ages 14 to 18) – $15
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish website, a conservation stamp is not required for a resident daily, nonresident daily, balt minnow seining and trapping or a balt minnow dealer license. Resident lifetime fishing and resident lifetime fishing license and conservation stamps are available only from the Cheyenne headquarters office and a person must have continuously resided in Wyoming for at least 10 years immediately preceding the date of the application to be eligible for lifetime licenses.
The Wyoming Game and Fish will also be accepting applications for the 2006 elk, deer and antelope hunting season during the month of May. The date and quotas for elk, deer and antelope will be available within the coming weeks.
Application fees range from:
Elk – $9 to $47
Deer – $6 to $35
Antelope – $6 to $31
A person must be a resident of Wyoming for one year before being eligible for a resident license. With the warmer weather the thought of spending the weekend camping is very alluring. Campers need to be aware of fire dangers by being aware of the wind – a fire under control can quickly become out of control and making sure all fires are completely out before leaving a campsite. Campers should also check the weather forecast for the area they are going. The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is expected to open by the end of May or the first part of June, but depends on the weather.
“Right now we are in a transition stage,” Wasatch-Cache National Forest supervisor forestry technician earl J. O’Driscoll said. “We don’t have enough snow for ‘snow activities’ and we have too much for other activities like hiking.”
According to O’Driscoll, the forest is still very snow packed. The south gate is open but the road is only passable to the ranger station. The ranger station will open May 26, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
“We don’t anticipate the Mirror Lake Highway to open before the end of May or the first part of June,” O’Driscoll said. “Rangers are constantly assessing the situation and will make decisions on opening campgrounds and other areas as the conditions and weather warrant.”
Anyone wanting information on the forest can call the Wasatch-Cache National Forest information station at 789-3194. There is a $3 fee for any car parked anywhere in the National Forest.
Now, get out and enjoy the clean, fresh air and warmer temperatures but use caution and common sense so your fun, stays fun and doesn’t turn into a trip to the emergency room and your camping experience doesn’t turn into a forest fire!
