Boysen State Park Docks Are Open For The Season

For an angler, boater, or water lover, the day the docks go into the lake is almost like Christmas morning. If you're one of those people, start celebrating! The boat ramps at Boysen State Park are in both Brannon and Tough Creek.

That's right, put the boat in, and start catching some fish.

There are a couple of minor setbacks, though. If you catch the fish, you're going to have to clean them without the assistance of the cleaning stations. I mean, obviously, we're still officially in winter, and you never know when there could be a freeze.

I've been talking with a lot of anglers who are used to ice fishing at this time of year but haven't even taken their ice fishing gear out of the garage. Even though some places around the state had good ice, safety was on everyone's mind, and they decided not to chance it.

If you're thinking about a fishing trip to Boysen, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Make sure you allow your boat motor to completely drain after every trip on the water, especially if the temperatures are expected to fall below zero at night.
• Don't unhook your boat from the trailer until it's fully in the water; it could be slippery.
• Even though the docks are open, we are in Wyoming, and the weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers and have your cold-weather gear handy.
• Always wear your lifejacket. Air temperature is different than water temperature, and falling in could cause issues.
• Ensure someone else is aware of your potential fishing plans for the day.