# Visit Lake DeSmet

> Independent visitor guide and local lodging directory for Lake DeSmet, a reservoir in Johnson County, Wyoming, about 8 miles north of Buffalo at I-90 Exit 51. Not De Smet, South Dakota.

Visit Lake DeSmet is an independent guide and a project of Wyo Stays LLC, a licensed Wyoming real estate brokerage (license #236100), Sheridan, Wyoming. It is not affiliated with Johnson County, the State of Wyoming or any official tourism board.

## Key facts (sources on linked pages)
- About 3,400 surface acres; average depth 69 ft; maximum depth 120 ft; capacity 234,987 acre-feet; elevation about 4,570 ft.
- Operated by Johnson County (Lake DeSmet Operating Department). Wyoming Game and Fish holds a 99-year lease guaranteeing public access to the high-water mark.
- Fish: rainbow trout (primary), lake trout (increasing; limit under review in 2026), brown and cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon (stocked 2019), walleye, yellow perch, rock bass.
- Northern pike: one illegally released pike found Oct 2026 (WGFD). Anglers must kill any pike caught, keep the carcass and report it to (307) 672-7418.
- Boats: nearly every watercraft needs a current Wyoming AIS decal (non-motorized inflatables 10 ft or shorter and paddleboards exempt).
- Camping: Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area, south shore; 60+ sites at $15/night, 8 electric at $20; first come, first served; no potable water or dump station.
- Boat ramps: Mikesell-Potts (2, Exit 51) and Monument Point (Game and Fish, Exit 47 via Shell Creek Rd).
- Boats entering Wyoming Mar 1 to Nov 30 need an aquatic invasive species inspection.
- Red shoreline rock is clinker from natural burning of the Lake DeSmet coal zone.

## Pages
- [Lake DeSmet guide](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/lake-desmet-wyoming): location, size, access, who runs it
- [Where to stay](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/stay): owner-listed lodging, camping, nearby towns
- [Camping](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/stay/camping)
- [Fishing](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/fishing)
- [Ice fishing](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/ice-fishing)
- [Boating and rules](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/boating)
- [History](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/history)
- [Smetty, the lake monster legend](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/smetty)
- [Nearby: Fort Phil Kearny, Buffalo, Story, Bighorns](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/nearby)
- [Events](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/events)
- [Plan your trip: distances, weather by month, taxes](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/plan)
- [FAQ](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/faq)
- [List a rental](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/list-your-rental)
- [Property management](https://www.visitlakedesmet.com/property-management)