Magnet Fishing Laws in Wyoming
State agency rules, waterway access, state park policy, and what happens when you find something significant.
State Agency & Regulatory Framework
Wyoming's public lands access is extensive — much of the state is federal land with public access. BLM land adjacent to and containing waterways is generally open to recreational use including magnet fishing. National Forest waterways follow USFS regulations — contact the specific ranger district. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park waterways are NPS-managed and prohibit magnet fishing. Wyoming's found property law and antiquity statutes apply to significant finds.
State Park Policy
Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources has not prohibited magnet fishing. Wyoming's public lands culture is generally open. Contact specific parks for site rules.
Waterway Access & Navigability
Wyoming's major waterways include the Green River, North Platte, Snake, Bighorn, and Powder Rivers. Many Wyoming waterways run through Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service land, creating federal land access considerations. The Snake River in Jackson Hole involves NPS Grand Teton jurisdiction on portions of the river.
If You Find a Firearm
Regardless of Wyoming state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.
Historical Artifact Reporting
Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Wyoming may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Wyoming state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.
Wyoming SHPO: State Historic Preservation Office, (307) 777-7697
Quick Reference
- Managing Agency: Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) — (307) 777-4600
- General Access Status: Generally Permitted
- State Parks: Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources has not prohibite...
- SHPO: Wyoming SHPO: State Historic Preservation Office, (307) 777-7697
- Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
- Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites