There’s no doubt that there’s a concern floating around Wyoming about water. How will the summer shape up with the lack of snow melt and precipitation? It’s worrisome, but you can’t let it worry you so much that you don’t get out and enjoy Wyoming’s incredible recreation on the water.
Fishing, boating, floating, or soaking are all still available, even with the interesting water, or lack thereof, that we will potentially be experiencing this year. As the summer progresses, let’s all cross our fingers and plead to the rain gods for some good rain to help the situation out a little bit.
Matt Hahn, WGFD Casper-Region Fisheries Supervisor, says it’s going to be interesting to see what happens.
No snowpack, no water, no late-season flows in a lot of places. It will be interesting to see what happens with small streams, small ponds, and obviously the main stem of the North Platte Reservoirs, given the lack of water.
With the warmer spring-like temperatures heading our way, you may be thinking about getting out and casting a line in the water and catching fish. Before you go, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind before you hit the water.
Do you have your 2026 AIS Decal?
Each year, you’re required to purchase a new AIS decal prior to launching on any waterway in the state of Wyoming.
Motorized watercraft registered in Wyoming = $10 AIS decal
Motorized watercraft registered in any other state = $30 AIS decal
Non-motorized watercraft owned by a Wyoming resident = $5 AIS decal
Non-motorized watercraft owned by a nonresident = $15 AIS decal
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 DECAL HERE
Do you have your boat stocked with all of the required safety equipment?
Wyoming law requires that your boat have the following necessary equipment onboard when you launch your vessel.
- Flotation devices
- All boats must carry a properly-sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- Class B, C, and D boats also must carry at least one (1) U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device (ring buoy or float cushion).
- Life jackets must be worn at all times when riding a personal watercraft or when being towed by or riding in the wake of a watercraft.
- Kids 12 years of age and under must wear a life jacket while the watercraft is underway.
- Lights
- From sunset to sunrise, all motorized watercraft and sailboats must display a red-and-green combined lantern at the front of the boat, and a white light aft, visible 360 degrees when underway.
- All watercraft at anchor or adrift between sunset and sunrise must display a white light to show all around the horizon and be visible for two miles.
- Hand-powered watercraft must have lighting ready at hand to avoid collision.
- No other lights that may be mistaken for navigation lights shall be used from sunset to sunrise.
- Different classes require different lighting. Refer to the watercraft regulations for more information.
- Fire extinguishers
- All boats with inboard engines, compartments where fuel tanks or combustible material may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to hull, closed living spaces, or permanently installed fuel tanks must have the proper fire extinguisher(s).
- Sound-producing devices
- All motorized watercraft shall have an efficient sound-producing device on board. (Horn, whistle, air horn, etc)
Is your fishing license valid?
Wyoming fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Meaning, if you purchased your fishing license on May 1, 2025, your license is valid until May 1, 2026. May 2, 2026, your license has expired, and you’re in violation.
PURCHASE A FISHING LICENSE HERE
Have you looked at the new 2026 fishing regulations to ensure you’re up-to-date with new regulation changes?
How many fish can you keep at where you’re fishing? Is there a length limit on the fish you just caught? Are you allowed to fish with live bait? These questions are all answered in the 2026 regulations. If not, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages you to call the regional office closest to where you’re fishing to get your question answered.
A copy of the regulations is available for download below.
