Lake Viva Naughton | Kemmerer

Lake Viva Naughton, located in southwestern Wyoming near the town of Kemmerer, is a man-made reservoir created as part of the Naughton Dam and power project along the Hams Fork River. The lake offers a blend of recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and wildlife habitat, framed by rolling prairie, gentle hills, and distant mountain ridges.

Geography and First Impressions
The lake stretches across a broad valley, its calm surface reflecting the open Wyoming sky and surrounding hills. Gentle slopes lead to the water’s edge, where patches of grasses and willows create soft, natural borders. From a distance, the lake appears as a striking blue expanse amid the muted sagebrush and golden grasses of the plains, punctuated by the rugged outlines of nearby hills and ridges.

Recreational Opportunities
Lake Viva Naughton is popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Anglers are drawn to its waters for trout, bass, and other freshwater species, while kayakers and small boaters enjoy the calm conditions and scenic surroundings. Shoreline areas provide quiet spots for relaxation, wildlife observation, or family outings, and the lake’s accessibility from nearby roads and parking areas encourages casual visitation. Trails and open areas along the lake allow walking, jogging, and photography, particularly during sunrise or sunset when light plays across the water’s surface.

Natural Environment and Wildlife
The lake supports a variety of birds, including ducks, geese, and herons, as well as mammals such as deer and small rodents in surrounding grasslands. Riparian vegetation lines portions of the shoreline, providing shelter and feeding areas for wildlife. Seasonal changes dramatically affect the atmosphere: spring brings lush growth and migratory birds, summer highlights sparkling water under warm sunlight, autumn casts golden reflections on calm waters, and winter introduces frost and occasional snow that quiets the landscape and accentuates the lake’s contours.

Cultural and Historical Context
Lake Viva Naughton was created for water management, flood control, and power generation, illustrating the interplay between human engineering and natural landscapes. Its presence has shaped both recreational use and ecological conditions in the area, providing a controlled water source that supports local agriculture, wildlife, and energy infrastructure.

Overall Impression
Lake Viva Naughton offers a layered experience of natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and human ingenuity. Its tranquil waters, scenic surroundings, and accessible shoreline create a space where visitors can observe wildlife, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate the interplay between engineered landscapes and Wyoming’s expansive high plains. The combination of prairie openness, reflective water, and distant ridges provides a striking visual and sensory experience throughout the seasons.