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When people think of wildlife in Wyoming, it's tough to ignore Yellowstone National Park. However, there are several amazing spots in and around Casper that are teeming with diverse wildlife, from birds and deer to the famous Pronghorn antelope and gray wolves. If you're in the area looking for something to do outdoors, check out these best places to see wildlife near Casper, Wyoming. Casper Mountain Casper Mountain in Central Wyoming boasts amazing nature and wildlife views within its forests, and outdoor enthusiasts can spot myriad native fauna, including bear, elk, red deer, foxes, and countless species of birds. Home to several nature walks, campgrounds, and activity areas, Casper Mountain has plenty to offer. It is also home to Garden Creek Falls and Rotary Park, where visitors can enjoy nature all year round. more Platte River Trails Platte River Trails is one of Casper's most-loved central Wyoming spots for birdwatching. On the trails, you can spot several types of birds of pretty, including bald eagles, red-tail and red-shoulder hawks, and owls. Set up a picnic in Platte River's many recreation areas or keep your eye out at one of the designated wildlife viewing spots to catch glimpses of Wyoming's legendary animals. You can also bring your dog on your hike or kayak on the Platte River. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, just 6 miles from Casper, is one of Audubon Wyoming's designated bird habitats. You can see around 100 different migratory species in a given season, and you can pick a spot from over 40 different picnic areas to relax and watch for Wyoming's native birds. Enjoy your hike along scenic trails and watch for whitetail and mule deer, antelope, prairie dogs, squirrels, and three different fox species. Little Red Creek Little Red Creek is a local nature hub for fishing enthusiasts in Natrona County, Wyoming. With a large variety of native freshwater fish, like river trout and freshwater bass, the stream offers some amazing fly fishing and catch-and-release opportunities. While you're waiting for a catch, keep a lookout for deer species, hares, foxes, bear, moose, and elk. Reshaw Park Reshaw Park in Evansville, Wyoming, is an 8-minute drive from Casper and has a long history spanning back to the days of the Oregon Trail. With historical Fort Clay and the Reshaw Bridge within the park, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike will fall in love with the beautiful landscape. You can spot a multitude of Wyoming's native and migratory bird species and pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and even grizzly bears and gray wolves. Martin's Cove Martin's Cove is another awesome historical site for nature and history enthusiasts. With over 933 acres of rugged landscape, you can explore the legend of the Mormon and Oregon Trails. Watch for antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, foxes, and the many bird species flying in Wyoming's open skies. It may be a 55-mile trek outside of Casper's city limits, but Martin's Cove in Natrona County is something you won't want to pass up. Image via Pixabay.com

If you're looking for a great place to fish this winter, look no further than Casper, Wyoming, which is situated beside the North Platte River and the perfect place to float, wade, or fly fish for trout no matter what time of year it is. Named the number one Big Fish Destinations by American Angler Magazine, Casper offers beauty and abundant fishing that make it the destination on most anglers bucket lists. Wintering fish feed on a hardy mixture of insects and make nymphing productive this time of year. Consider streamer fishing Miracle Mile or dry-fly fishing Grey Reef. Winter fishing draws fewer crowds and calm conditions make the potential for big catches worth it. While you're in Casper this winter, check out some of the best fishing spots located in Wyoming's rugged country. The trout may be biting year-round, but winter fishing promises an unforgettable experience. more North Platte River Located in town, the historic North Platte is a freestone river whose abundant bug life and ecosystem make it an ideal location for fly fishing year-round. A great river for novice and expert anglers, the North Platte boasts an average of 4,000 fish per mile. In winter, wade fishing is great here since less windy conditions make for easier casting. Locals recommend checking out the stretch downstream from the Tate Pumphouse. Miracle Mile The name is deceiving since this section of the North Platte runs anywhere from 5.5 to 15 miles depending on water levels. Featuring plenty of camping and access points, this fertile tailwater is sandwiched between the Seminoe and Pathfinder reservoirs. Located in isolated, rugged country, the Miracle Mile offers year-round catches, but fly fishing for brown or cutthroat trout is best in late October through December. Pathfinder Reservoir Surrounded by granite canyon and 117 miles of rocky shoreline, the Pathfinder Reservoir is an ideal location to fish for brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, ohrid trout and walleye. A popular ice fishing destination, Pathfinder hosts the annual HAWG ice fishing derby in January. Grey Reef A little farther out of town is the Grey Reef section of the North Platte River. Come here in February to wade fish for rainbow trout or fly fish April through June. Grey Reef is situated in desert country with little cover from the elements, so come prepared for changing conditions. Grey Reef offers plenty of access points for fishing and nearby lodging if it gets too chilly. Alcova Reservoir Covering over 2,470 surface acres and located 35 miles southwest of Casper, Alcova Reservoir is home to some of Wyoming's best ice fishing. Anglers find plenty of rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon and walleye in these waters. Find shelters and restrooms at Black Beach, or head downstream via boat, kayak or canoe to fish Fremont Canyon. Casper, Wyoming offers some of the best trout fishing in the lower 48, and some of the best fall and winter fishing around. This winter, pack your tackle box and load your rod to take advantage of Casper's abundant catches and breathtaking scenery. Image via Pixabay.com

Casper, WY attracts many outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to some of the most amazing natural sites in the country. If you're an avid angler, you'll be glad to know that the area offers many excellent fishing opportunities too. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to find a fishing location that suits you. Check out these four great fishing spots around Casper. more The North Platte Lodge Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper in Alcova, North Platte Lodge is a favorite spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. It's situated in the Grey Reef area on the banks of the lower part of North Platte River, providing access to 17 miles of privately owned river frontage for fishing. Grey Reef is a tailwater fishery that's known for its exceptionally large trout. While you can do other forms of fishing, it's highly recommended that you fly fish. There are many fly fishing shops around North Platte Lodge offering fishing gear, equipment rental, boat rental, river reports, and licenses. If you're planning to fish there, it's a good idea to book in advance because the lodge can only accommodate eight guests at a time. North Platte River in the City Many anglers who want to catch big fish in the North Platte River make the short trip to the Grey Reef area. What they don't realize is that there's a large number of big fish living in the waters of the river that flows through Casper. There's an abundance of rainbow, brown, and cutbow trout in this part of the river. Water levels and clarity vary depending on the location and time of the year. When the water is clear to lightly stained, fishing in the city can be fantastic. Bryan Stock Trail Pond Situated on Bryan Stock Trail road just north of the North Platte River, Bryan Stock Trail Pond is another great place to fish within city limits. This pond contains a wide variety of fish. It was stocked with rainbow trout in 2017 and catfish in 2015, providing fun and rewarding fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels for many years to come. Bear in mind that gas motors are not permitted on the pond. You can use a motor-less boat, inflatable boat, or float tube instead. Miracle Mile Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper, the Miracle Mile is one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. This 5.5-mile stretch on the North Platte River is situated just below the Seminoe Reservoir dam. With about 4,000 fish per mile, it's a fertile tailwater that gives you an opportunity to catch trophy trout and walleye. While you can fish from a boat, you'll get better results with wade fishing. Fishing is a favorite pastime among the locals in Casper. As such, you can expect to find many fishing shops, amenities, and tour agencies in and around the city. If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to sign up for an instructional fishing tour. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bugeaters/2501399689/sizes/l Image via Flickr by bugeaters