Lake De Smet
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Lake De Smet is a freshwater inland lake near Buffalo, Wyoming, known for clean water and a mix of flatwater with choppy conditions. It’s directly accessible from Interstate 90 between Buffalo and Sheridan, with public recreation-area access points and parking. For wind sports, the spot is primarily used for kitesurfing, with strong emphasis on frontal wind days. Typical sessions are in the roughly 15–30 knots range, with moderate gustiness and potentially turbulent flow near hills (especially on the western side). The spot’s best months for wind are generally late spring and early autumn: May, June, September, and October. Cold water is the main differentiator. The water is extremely cold year-round (an average around 8.4), so riders need full thermal protection and must plan around swim survival rather than just riding comfort. Local guidance emphasizes riding with a buddy due to hypothermia risk and keeping watch for fast-changing Wyoming weather and approaching storms. Operationally, conditions can demand self-sufficiency: there’s no dedicated on-water kite rescue service, and nearby emergency care is in Buffalo or Sheridan. With this in mind, the spot is best approached by intermediate riders who are prepared for gusts, cold-water contingency planning, and self-rescue.
- Clean inland lake water
- Flat-to-choppy conditions
- Frontally driven winds with moderate gusts
- Easy highway access from I-90 between Buffalo and Sheridan
- Cold-water riding requires serious thermal protection
- Clean inland water with flat-to-choppy conditions
- Accessible directly from Interstate 90 between Buffalo and Sheridan
- Sufficient depth for foiling
- Cold water year-round requires full thermal protection
- Weather and wind can change quickly, with gusty frontal conditions
- No dedicated on-water rescue service
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, SE, N, S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Front-driven winds are typical for the spot; conditions can shift quickly with Wyoming weather.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Often gusty; expect non-uniform flow.
- Best Months
- May, June, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed beach composition reported.
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported; overall conditions are flat to choppy.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Reported as chop/flat-chop mix; prioritize chop readiness.
- Launch
- Medium — Grassy and gravelly areas at public access points, notably around recreation areas.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.
Through the year
Generally low; more popular with boaters and fishers during mid-summer weekends.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Large open water for high-wind sessions with flat-to-choppy conditions. The combination of cold water and gusty frontal winds makes the spot best suited to intermediate riders with strong cold-water and self-rescue readiness.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Works well for slalom and freeride when frontal winds strengthen.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Foil-friendly due to significant depth, but watch for rocks near launch.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly with adequate depth after launching.
- Min Depth
- 2-3 meters shortly after launching
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lake De Smet in the full forecast view.
Lake De Smet wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ESE118°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 0–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lake De Smet is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Cold water
- Rocks along some shoreline sections
- Fast-changing weather
- Gusty winds
- Potential driftwood
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-water kite rescue service; emergency response is handled through county authorities and search and rescue, with 911 for emergencies.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest full-service medical facility is in Buffalo or Sheridan; dial 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Wyoming Game and Fish regulations apply. AIS inspections are required for watercraft in the state.
- Seasonal access rules may apply at specific recreation areas.
- Dress for the swim: the water stays very cold year-round, and Wyoming weather can change rapidly.
- Keep an eye on the horizon for approaching storms.
- Ride with a buddy due to hypothermia risk in cold water.
- Plan for self-rescue skills; there is no dedicated rescue service on the lake.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Buffalo
- Nearest Town
- Buffalo
- Nearest Airport
- Sheridan County Airport (SHR)
- Parking
- Available at Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area and other public access sites.
- Access
- Right on I-90 between Buffalo and Sheridan.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — On-site camping is available; hotels are located in nearby Buffalo.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options at the lake; fuller services in Buffalo.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals available for wind sports; riders must bring their own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Museum in Buffalo detailing the history of the American West and the Bozeman Trail.
Well-preserved frontier hotel associated with Butch Cassidy and Buffalo Bill.
Massive mountain range offering hiking, climbing, and high-altitude scenery.
High-altitude hiking and backpacking in the Bighorn Mountains.
Local staple for classic American food in Buffalo.
Lake known for trout and walleye fishing, with many accessible shore spots.
Swimming and boating available.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lake De Smet?
The best overall months at Lake De Smet are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Lake De Smet?
Lake De Smet works with NW, SE, N, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lake De Smet?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lake De Smet: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Lake De Smet suitable for?
Lake De Smet suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.