Lander, Wyoming

Forget what you heard about never escaping the wind in Wyoming—it’s possible in Lander, where the average wind speed rates just 6.8 miles an hour. Top that off with copious cloud-free days and a plethora of local trout streams, and this is a fisherman’s paradise. In addition to local stream options, which include the Popo Agie, the Little Popo Agie, Red Creek, the Sweetwater and Bull Lake Creek, Lander offers a backyard wilderness fishing paradise.

The Wind River Mountains rise dramatically from the west side of town and hundreds of trout-laden mountain lakes offer golden trout, rainbows, browns and brookies to good size. In fact, the world-record golden, which measured 28 inches and weighed 11.5 pounds, was taken in the Winds; some lakes still offer legitimate five-pound goldens. When hiking through the mountains or tipping a few in town at Lander Bar, anglers rub elbows with hardcore backpackers, mountain climbers and real cowboys.

With such varied landscape and so many quality trout options, it would be difficult to find a better trout town in the Rockies. To top things off, the average Joe can own a quality home with a killer view without overextending the budget, because Lander, if there is such a thing in the Rockies anymore, is a mostly undiscovered angling paradise.

■ Pitfalls: If you need a Home Depot or airport it’s 30 miles to Riverton, the largest town in the general area. Also, some of the area’s best fishing rests on the Wind River Indian Reservation. You’ll need a reservation license to access some big trout.

■ Big Draws: Residents take advantage of Wyoming’s gracious tax structure (no state income tax) and the low cost of living. Also, a two-hour drive to Pinedale places anglers on more great water, meaning the Green and New Fork rivers.

■ Best Eats: Cowfish is the place to be. Try the pasta bowls and steaks. The attached bar is the place to dine if a quality Monday-night game is on TV. In addition to great meals, the wine and beer offerings are impressive.

■ After Hours: Lander Bar is a totally western authentic drinking establishment where locals of all varieties hang out while tipping domestics and a selection of micro-brews. If you’re hungry, order pizza from the attached restaurant, the Gannett Grill, and eat it outside on a patio. Put on your dancing boots for Friday and Saturday nights.

■ Kick-Start with Caffeine: After a big night at Lander Bar, the Magpie is a natural place to hang out, eat breakfast and caffeinate before heading out on the stream.

■ Kicking the Dirt: Wild Iris Mountain Sports: (307) 332-4541; www.wildirisclimbing.com.