History of Hawk Springs
Hawk Springs reservoir and the surrounding area is owned by the Horse Creek Conservation District. When the word began to spread about the recreational opportunities at Hawk Springs, visitation increased dramatically. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department began to enforce regulations for recreational water usage (fishing and boating) and installed 12 picnic tables and fire grills, the boat ramp and two toilets.

The site was named a state recreation area in 1987 at which time the Wyoming Recreation Commission (now called the Division of State Parks and Historic Sites, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources) agreed to administer the site. In 1989 the agency further improved the site with additional tables and fire grills, a sprinkler drip system for trees donated by the Hawk Springs boat club and many other trees were planted. In 1990 camping fees were first collected.

The Division of State Parks and Historic Sites continues to administer and maintain the recreation site (land) while the Wyoming Game & Fish regulates the recreational usage of the water and stocks the reservoir with fish. The dirt road leading into the recreation site from Highway 85 is a county road maintained by Goshen County.

Bird Watchers

Hawk Springs reservoir boasts a blue heron rookery. At the south end of the reservoir in the reeds, patient bird watchers will be rewarded by a glimpse of the blue heron. This may only be accessed by boat.

Other birds in the area include the Canada Goose, mallard, blue–winged and green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, wood duck, avocet and great horned owl.

Fishing

Fisherman have long known that fishing is good at Hawk Springs. Game fish include walleye, large mouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish and black croppie. Walleye fishing is best in June and July. A valid fishing license is required by both residents and non-residents.

Winter ice fishing is also good at the park. Keep in mind, however, that the roads are not maintained during the winter, so be cautious when driving.

Game and fish questions can be addressed to the local game wardens: Lingle, 307-837-2840 or Torrington, 307-532-2433.

Some Important Park Rules

  1. The speed limit on all roads within the park boundaries is 20 mph.
  2. Motorized vehicles shall be operated only on roads, trails or areas designated for such use. A valid driver's license or learner's permit is required.
  3. Leaving any vehicle or other personal property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited.
  4. Camping is permitted for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
  5. No person shall camp overnight at a state park without a valid overnight camping permit.
  6. The digging or leveling of ground at any campsite is prohibited.
  7. Quiet shall be maintained in all areas used for camping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  8. The reservation of campsites by leaving a vehicle or other property unattended is prohibited.
  9. Dogs, cats and other pets must be kept on a leash.
  10. Fires are permitted in fireplaces or grills as provided and must be extinguished before leaving.
  11. The discharge or use of fireworks of any kind or nature on park lands is prohibited.
  12. Fishing and boating are permitted subject to regulations prescribed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.
  13. The use of firearms or other projectile devices is prohibited.
  14. The destroying, digging, cutting, removing, or possession of any tree, shrub or plant is prohibited.
  15. All refuge must be deposited in containers designated for that purpose.
  16. No lifeguards are provided at designated beach areas. Swimmers swim at their own risk.
  17. No glass containers are allowed on any designated beach.


The site was named a state recreation area in 1987 at which time the Wyoming Recreation Commission (now called the Division of State Parks and Historic Sites, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources) agreed to administer the site. In 1989 the agency further improved the site with additional tables and fire grills, a sprinkler drip system for trees donated by the Hawk Springs boat club and many other trees were planted. In 1990 camping fees were first collected.

The Division of State Parks and Historic Sites continues to administer and maintain the recreation site (land) while the Wyoming Game & Fish regulates the recreational usage of the water and stocks the reservoir with fish. The dirt road leading into the recreation site from Highway 85 is a county road maintained by Goshen County.

Bird Watchers

Hawk Springs reservoir boasts a blue heron rookery. At the south end of the reservoir in the reeds, patient bird watchers will be rewarded by a glimpse of the blue heron. This may only be accessed by boat.

Other birds in the area include the Canada Goose, mallard, blue–winged and green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, wood duck, avocet and great horned owl.

Fishing

Fisherman have long known that fishing is good at Hawk Springs. Game fish include walleye, large mouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish and black croppie. Walleye fishing is best in June and July. A valid fishing license is required by both residents and non-residents.

Winter ice fishing is also good at the park. Keep in mind, however, that the roads are not maintained during the winter, so be cautious when driving.

Game and fish questions can be addressed to the local game wardens: Lingle, 307-837-2840 or Torrington, 307-532-2433.

Some Important Park Rules

  1. The speed limit on all roads within the park boundaries is 20 mph.
  2. Motorized vehicles shall be operated only on roads, trails or areas designated for such use. A valid driver's license or learner's permit is required.
  3. Leaving any vehicle or other personal property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited.
  4. Camping is permitted for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
  5. No person shall camp overnight at a state park without a valid overnight camping permit.
  6. The digging or leveling of ground at any campsite is prohibited.
  7. Quiet shall be maintained in all areas used for camping between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  8. The reservation of campsites by leaving a vehicle or other property unattended is prohibited.
  9. Dogs, cats and other pets must be kept on a leash.
  10. Fires are permitted in fireplaces or grills as provided and must be extinguished before leaving.
  11. The discharge or use of fireworks of any kind or nature on park lands is prohibited.
  12. Fishing and boating are permitted subject to regulations prescribed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.
  13. The use of firearms or other projectile devices is prohibited.
  14. The destroying, digging, cutting, removing, or possession of any tree, shrub or plant is prohibited.
  15. All refuge must be deposited in containers designated for that purpose.
  16. No lifeguards are provided at designated beach areas. Swimmers swim at their own risk.
  17. No glass containers are allowed on any designated beach.


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