Wyoming Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Wind and Bighorn Region
Lake DeSmet near Buffalo is a big reservoir below the Bighorns with large rainbows, browns and perch.
Looking for the latest Lake DeSmet river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lake DeSmet.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lake DeSmet that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lake DeSmet fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall trout are cruising the shallows.
Leeches and streamers along the shoreline.
Stocking report
See the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the latest stocking at Lake DeSmet and other Wyoming waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake DeSmet, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Mini Leech #8-10, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake DeSmet lake details
| Access | Public access off I-90 north of Buffalo. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,600 ft |
| Nearest town | Buffalo, Wyoming |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, browns, perch and walleye |
| Regulations | Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations for current rules. A Wyoming fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing. |
| Camping | Camping at Lake DeSmet |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Windy afternoons. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice.
Spring
Ice-off.
Summer
Deep fish.
Fall
Shallow trout.
How to get there
From Buffalo, take I-90 north to the Lake DeSmet exit.