Lake DeSmet

Lake Desmet occupies a natural un-drained basin on the divide between Piney Creek, and one of its tributaries, Boxelder Creek. It is one of several basins in the Buffalo area that were formed by coal seam fires. After the coal deposits burned, the clinker and other sediments collapsed into the space vacated by the burned coal forming a natural basin. It is located along I-90, approximately 10 miles north of Buffalo.

The lake was known to Native American Tribes long before the Europeans came to Wyoming. The lake was named for the Jesuit Priest, Father Pierre-Jean DeSmet, who stopped by the lake in July of 1851, on his way to Fort Laramie to help negotiate the Fort Laramie Treaty of 185 He said that it was about six miles long and a lovely little lake. There is a monument near the lake honoring Father DeSmet.

Rainbow trout are the most plentiful species in Lake DeSmet with fish commonly between 14-18 inches. There are brown trout and an expanding population of lake trout with several in the 14-20-inch range and some trophy-sized fish in deeper water. There also are trophy-sized walleye with some fish more than 10 pounds, and yellow perch to add to fishing variety.

The annual Lake DeSmet Buffalo Lion’s Club fishing derby is held over Memorial Day Weekend has been a destination for anglers for over 40 years. There are tagged fish worth cash prizes and other awards during the weekend derby.

During the winter, Lake DeSmet is a popular ice-fishing destination, with an annual Ice-Fishing Derby sponsored by the Sheridan Rotary Club in February, with tagged fish and awards in several categories.

It is also the site of the local Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day.

The nearby Lake Stop Resort has gas, meals, a convenience store and lodging during the summer months.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department fish division personnel are happy to provide information about fishing in their respective regions. Wyoming lakes offer something for everyone, from beginner anglers to the most skilled and experienced.