Diamond Lake Irrigation Canal

In order to sustain the brook trout, rainbow trout, Bonneville cutthroat, Yellowstone cutthroat and Snake River cutthroat trout, the Wyoming fishery depends on water from the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The Wheatland Irrigation District moves irrigation water through Rock Creek, into the Canon ditch and then into a pipeline that feeds Diamond Lake.

In 2016, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WFGD) and the Wheatland Irrigation District formed a partnership providing water to Diamond Lake for a period of 10 years. In August 2017, Game and Fish installed a 5,752 linear foot, 24-inch A-2000™ PVC pipeline. This pipeline minimized erosion, habitat degradation and water loss while providing a direct supply of water to the lake for fish and waterfowl. This pipeline is virtually maintenance-free and has the capability to provide water to the lake earlier in the spring and at a decreased temperature, which will also help the overall health of the fishery.

Diamond Lake is a popular fishery located off Interstate 80, north of Cooper Cove exit 279, between Laramie and Arlington. It’s a high-elevation lake sitting at 7,360 feet and is located on land owned by the Wheatland Irrigation District.

"The pipe is high quality and has served its function, exceeding our expectations. Contech's ability to efficiently deliver the pipe on demand and effectively communicate in a superior fashion was excellent. They have great customer service, and the representatives of Contech have been a pleasure to work with” commented Todd Grosskopf, Wyoming Game and Fish Habitat and Access Statewide Crew Supervisor.