Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Pinedale, Wyoming
Pinedale sits at the edge of the Wind River Range, and the fishing around it reflects that geography — a dense cluster of high-country lakes and a handful of moving-water options that together cover most of what an angler could want.
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Pinedale sits at the edge of the Wind River Range, and the fishing around it reflects that geography — a dense cluster of high-country lakes and a handful of moving-water options that together cover most of what an angler could want. The lake count alone is striking: Fremont Lake, Soda Lake, Little Soda Lake, Coyote Lake, Spider Lake, Glacier Lake, Long Lake, Full Moon Lake, Little Half Moon Lake, and a dozen more are all within reasonable reach of town. Most of these are natural alpine and foothill lakes that hold trout, and access ranges from drive-up easy (Fremont Lake is right outside Pinedale) to a solid hike for places like Glacier Lake or Europe Creek Lake #8. For anglers who prefer moving water, the New Fork River runs through the area at around 7,100 feet and supports brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout on fly fishing setups at a moderate difficulty level. The Pinedale Ranger District also manages river fishing access across a broader stretch of the region. With 27 active fishing listings in and around Pinedale, this is a place where you can fish a different water almost every day of a week-long trip without repeating yourself.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish around Pinedale?
Late June through September is the most reliable window. Many of the higher lakes, including Glacier Lake and the backcountry options, stay ice-covered into June, so access before mid-June can be limited or impossible depending on the snowpack year. Late summer and early fall tend to offer stable weather and active fish, and the crowds thin out noticeably after Labor Day.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and are there any special regulations I should know about?
Yes, a Wyoming fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. Several of the lakes and the New Fork River fall within the Pinedale Ranger District, which can have specific access rules or seasonal closures, so check the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations before your trip rather than assuming standard statewide rules apply everywhere.
What gear should I bring for the New Fork River?
The New Fork River is listed as a fly fishing location at moderate difficulty, so a 9-foot 5-weight rod is a practical all-around choice. It holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout, so standard dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers all have a place in your box. Waders are worth bringing since wade access is typical on this type of river.
How hard is it to reach the backcountry lakes like Glacier Lake or Europe Creek Lake #8?
These require hiking into the Wind River Range foothills or beyond, and trail conditions vary by season. A topographic map or a GPS track downloaded before you leave cell service is genuinely useful here, not optional. Check with the Pinedale Ranger District for current trail conditions, especially early in the season when snow can obscure routes.
Are the lakes around Pinedale suitable for beginners, or is this more of an experienced-angler destination?
Both. Drive-up lakes like Fremont Lake and Soda Lake are accessible and forgiving for newer anglers using basic spinning gear. The New Fork River fly fishing is rated moderate, meaning it rewards some casting experience but is not technical water that requires years of practice. If you are just starting out, the lake options give you plenty of room to learn without committing to a long hike.
