LARAMIE - Anglers in southeast Wyoming have a unique opportunity to catch Arctic grayling and golden trout without having to drive to the mountains.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department stocked a limited number of Arctic grayling and golden trout in Sloans Lake in Cheyenne in mid-October. These species are usually only stocked in high-mountain and alpine lakes within the state.

"This is a great opportunity to bring these unique species to community ponds where people can catch them close to home," said Steve Sharon, fish culture supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

The golden trout are brood culls from Story Hatchery breeding stock. Story Hatchery, located near Sheridan, is the only fish hatchery in the United States with a captive breeding stock of golden trout. "So it is really unique to be able to stock these large fish for anglers," Sharon said. Approximately 280 golden trout were stocked into Sloans Lake on Oct. 11. The fish are 11 inches long and weigh about a half-pound each.

Golden trout are native to California and have been introduced to many alpine lakes in Wyoming. A golden trout is distinguished from a cutthroat trout by borders of white on its paired fins, and from rainbow trout by its smaller scales and spotting only on the posterior part of its body. Golden trout are readily caught with spinning, bait, and fly-fishing gear.

The Arctic grayling are from Dubois Fish Hatchery. They are 12 inches long and also weigh about one-half pound each, although some could be bigger. Approximately 300 grayling were stocked in Sloans Lake on Oct. 14.

Arctic grayling are native to Wyoming and have been stocked into a number of high lakes throughout the state for the benefit of anglers. Grayling are easily caught on small flies and spinners.

This is the first time the Game and Fish Department has stocked these species in community ponds. "So this is a great opportunity for anglers to catch one of these unique species and not have to travel to the backcountry," Sharon said.