What Half Moon Lake offers and when to fish it

Half Moon Lake sits at 9,400 feet in the Snowy Range, about 16 miles west of Laramie. It holds cutthroat trout and lake trout, with cutthroat the primary draw for most anglers. The lake is small — roughly 40 acres — and shallow enough that it freezes solid in winter, which means the fishing season runs from late spring through early fall. Cutthroat here run 10 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish to 16 inches. Lake trout are present but less common in the catch.

The best fishing window is mid-June through September. Water temperature climbs into the 50s and 60s by mid-summer, and cutthroat feed actively along the shoreline and in the shallower bays. Early season (late May and June) can be excellent if you can reach the lake before the high-country snow clears completely — access roads may be impassable until mid-June depending on the year. Fall fishing from August onward remains solid, though afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent.

Access is via Forest Service Road 317 off Wyoming Highway 130, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. The drive from Laramie takes about 45 minutes. A small parking area sits near the lake's outlet, and a rough trail circles the shoreline. The lake has no developed campground, but dispersed camping is available nearby on national forest land.

Key Takeaways

  • Half Moon Lake holds cutthroat trout averaging 10 to 14 inches, with the best fishing from mid-June through September at 9,400 feet elevation.
  • Access is via Forest Service Road 317 off Highway 130, about 16 miles west of Laramie, though the road may not be passable until mid-June in heavy snow years.
  • Fly fishing and light spin tackle both work; cutthroat respond to small dries, soft hackles, and spinners in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range.
  • Wyoming fishing license and a Conservation Stamp are required; no special lake permit is needed, and there is no bag limit on cutthroat at this lake.
  • The lake freezes solid in winter, so plan your trip between late spring and early fall, with mid-summer offering the most stable weather and access.

Fly fishing techniques and what works

Cutthroat at Half Moon Lake respond well to small dry flies, particularly during morning and evening hours. Patterns like Parachute Adams, Stimulators, and small Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14 to 18 are reliable choices. Fish the edges where shallow water meets deeper drop-offs, and along any visible weed beds. The lake's shallow nature means cutthroat often cruise the shallows hunting, so sight-casting to cruising fish is possible on calm mornings.

Subsurface fishing with soft hackles and small nymphs works throughout the day. Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs in sizes 12 to 16, fished on a dead drift or with a slow retrieve, take fish consistently. A 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X is standard. Because the lake is small and the fish are not large, a 4-weight rod is adequate and pleasant to cast all day.

Terrestrials become important in late summer — ants and small grasshoppers in sizes 12 to 16 produce when the water warms. Fish them on the surface or just below, especially along the shoreline where insects naturally fall into the water.

Spin fishing and bait options

Light spinning tackle is equally effective. Small spinners in 1/8- to 1/4-ounce sizes — particularly silver, gold, and copper finishes — work well cast from shore or from a float tube. Panther Martin and Mepps spinners are standard choices. Retrieve steadily along drop-offs and weed edges, and pause occasionally to let the spinner flutter down.

Worms and small minnows fished under a bobber or on the bottom take cutthroat, especially early in the season when the water is still cold. A simple rig of a small hook, split shot, and a worm cast near the shoreline produces. Live minnows are harder to transport to a high-altitude lake, but if you bring them, fish them under a bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water.

Access, parking, and what to bring

Half Moon Lake is reached via Wyoming Highway 130 (the Snowy Range Scenic Byway) west from Laramie. Turn onto Forest Service Road 317 and follow it to the lake — the road is gravel and can be rough, but is passable for standard vehicles when snow is gone. A small parking area sits at the lake outlet. Arrive early in the day during summer weekends, as the lot fills quickly.

There is no developed campground at the lake itself, but dispersed camping is available on national forest land nearby. Bring water, as there are no facilities at the lake. The elevation means weather can change rapidly — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Bring rain gear and a warm layer even in summer.

Cell service is unreliable at the lake. Bring a map and know the route before you go. The nearest services (gas, food, lodging) are in Laramie, about 45 minutes away.

Regulations and licensing

A current Wyoming fishing license is required. You must also purchase a Conservation Stamp (sold with the license). Non-residents pay for a full-season license or a 1-day license; residents pay a lower rate. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores in Laramie and online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

Half Moon Lake has no special permit or fee beyond the standard license. There is no bag limit on cutthroat trout at this lake, though the Wyoming Game and Fish Department recommends catch-and-release to maintain the fishery. Lake trout, if you catch them, have a 10-fish daily limit. Check the current Wyoming fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.

When to avoid and what to expect in shoulder seasons

The lake is inaccessible from November through May due to snow and ice. Forest Service Road 317 is not plowed, and the lake itself freezes solid. Even in late May, the road may still have snow patches and may not be passable without a high-clearance vehicle. Call the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest before making the drive if you are planning a trip before mid-June.

Early season fishing (late May and early June) can be excellent if you can reach the lake, but come prepared for cold water, possible snow, and unpredictable weather. Water temperature in late May is often in the 40s, so cutthroat are slower to rise to dry flies. Nymphs and small spinners are more productive. By mid-June, conditions stabilize and the fishing becomes more predictable.

Float tubes and small boats

Float tubes and small inflatable boats are permitted and useful at Half Moon Lake. The lake is small enough that you can fish the entire shoreline from shore, but a float tube lets you reach deeper water and fish the center of the lake where larger cutthroat sometimes hold. Bring a float tube if you have one; the weight is manageable for the hike from the parking area.

No motors are allowed. Oars or fins are required. The lake is shallow and weedy in places, so watch for submerged obstacles. A personal flotation device is required by Wyoming law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Half Moon Lake in winter?

No. The lake freezes solid and is inaccessible by vehicle from November through May. The Forest Service road is not maintained in winter. Plan your trip between late May and early October.

Do I need a special permit to fish Half Moon Lake?

No. A Wyoming fishing license and Conservation Stamp are all that is required. There is no lake-specific permit or day-use fee. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores in Laramie and online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

What is the elevation and how does that affect fishing?

Half Moon Lake sits at 9,400 feet. The high elevation means water stays cold even in summer, which keeps cutthroat active and feeding. Weather changes rapidly, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Bring rain gear and a warm layer even on warm days.

Is there camping at Half Moon Lake?

There is no developed campground at the lake, but dispersed camping is available on nearby national forest land. Bring your own water and supplies. The nearest lodging and services are in Laramie, about 45 minutes away by car.

What size fish should I expect?

Cutthroat average 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 16 inches. Lake trout are present but less common in the catch. The lake is small and shallow, so it does not produce large numbers of trophy-sized fish, but it is reliable for consistent action on small to medium cutthroat.