Fishing Regulation Changes Taking Effect For 2026

Anglers taking advantage of the fishing opportunities in the Cowboy State are advised the updates to Wyoming Game and Fish’s Chapter 46 fishing regulations for 2026 took effect Jan. 1. New regulations include new tackle requirements on the North Platte River and expanding harvest opportunities in the Jackson Region. 

The Game and Fish are advising the public of the high-traffic stretches of the North Platte River below Seminoe Reservoir; new rules require the use of single-point, barbless hooks. The requirement covers the Miracle Mile, Alcova Afterbay, Gray Reef and Fremont Canyon areas. This was implemented to reduce the number of hook injuries with catch-and-release fish. Additionally, the use of pegged attractors is prohibited at Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef, and the section requiring the use of artificial flies and lures at Gray Reef was extended downstream to Government Bridge. Finally, a new spawning closure area was instituted for Gray Reef downstream of Ledge Creek, effective from April 1-May 15 each year to protect spawning rainbow trout in the defined areas.

In the Jackson Region, anglers have more time and higher limits on several key waters. Jackson Lake will no longer be closed to fishing in October and will remain open throughout the month. On the Snake River, the daily trout limit has doubled from three to six on the stretch between the Jackson Lake Dam and the gauging station, with length restrictions removed.

Game and Fish is reminding the public that Wyoming now has a  mandatory registration system for commercially-guided fishing boats. Guides must register their vessels annually for a $325 fee and are required to display a registration sticker or dashboard slip while operating.
For a full list of fishing regulations, visit the Game and Fish website.