There are several gorgeous lakes in the Yellowstone region.
Inside Yellowstone Park, brace yourself for the beauty of Yellowstone Lake, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. Situated at 7,733 feet and measuring 136 square miles with 110 miles of shoreline, it is the largest high altitude lake in North America.
Yellowstone Lake is also home to the largest inland population of wild cutthroat trout on the continent. The average depth of the lake is 140 feet, with its most significant depth—400 feet— located in the West Thumb area.
To best explore Yellowstone Lake, talk to the folks at Yellowstone National Park Lodges. You can take a scenic boat cruise, rent a boat or hire a fishing guide.
For those with their own boat, permits are required for all vessels and must be obtained in person at one of the following locations: South Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground, Grant Village Visitor Center, Bridge Bay Marina, Lake Ranger Station, or Mammoth Visitor Center.
A separate additional permit for Yellowstone is required to fish Yellowstone waters. All vessels are prohibited on the park’s rivers and streams, except on the channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes, where only hand propelled vessels are permitted.
The gorgeous Jackson Lake lies in Grand Teton National Park. It is arguably the most beautiful lake in the Yellowstone region.
The majestic Tetons—the region’s most rugged mountain peaks—tower over much of the 15-mile-long lake. Fishing, campsites, showers, restrooms, dump stations, and a launch ramp are available. Jackson Lake features many coves with excellent fishing. Three recreational sites offer camping, including Lizard Creek, Colter Bay and a site near the dam.
At Jackson Lake, visit lakeside Signal Mountain Lodge, which provides a wide variety of boat rentals and nightly buoy rentals in addition to dining and shopping.
Grand Teton Lodge Company
offers various boat cruises on Jackson Lake. Choose from a narrated scenic cruise, a breakfast cruise or an evening cookout at a private site on Elk Island. Boat rentals are also available through Grand Teton Lodge Company.
Go to the Colter Bay Village Marina, where you can ply the waters of Jackson Lake by canoe or by motorboat. Fishing enthusiasts can hire a guide to point them to where the fish are.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, in southwest Wyoming and northeast Utah, is in a National Recreation Area—and for good reason. Recreational opportunities abound on this 91-mile reservoir. Enjoy this huge lake and its phenomenal fishing, boating and other water sports. Campsites are available, along with a complete range of services.
Popular recreational sites include Squaw Hollow and Buckboard Crossing on the western shoreline, and Firehole Canyon and Upper Marsh Creek on the eastern shoreline.
From I-80, take the Green River Exit (near the Information Center). If you wish to see the western shoreline and visit access points, follow Wyoming State Route 530.
While at Flaming Gorge, include time at Lucerne Valley Marina and campgrounds, where you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your outing on this incredible body of water. With slip and boat rentals, cabins and campsites, and a fully stocked marina with mechanical services, Lucerne is a great base in Flaming Gorge. Rent houseboats, or fishing or ski boats along with all the equipment needed to enjoy a day on the lake. Enjoy incredible wildlife, and mountain and lake scenery during your stay with Lucerne Valley Marina and campgrounds.
Boysen Reservoir, located in Wind River Country between Riverton and Thermopolis, is another great lake in Wyoming. This reservoir offers many services around the lake, and two campgrounds are located below the dam along the Wind River.
Located in Boysen State Park, this 19,000-acre reservoir is a recreation mecca. Not only does it provide boating and water sport enthusiasts with plenty to do, but the fishing is dynamite as well. The lake holds the state record for walleye—17 pounds, 6.75 ounces.
Access the east side of Boysen Reservoir from U.S. Highway 20, or the south and west sides from U.S. Highway 26.
Six miles west of Cody is Buffalo Bill Reservoir in Buffalo Bill State Park, named for Colonel William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. In 1910, the Buffalo Bill Dam was the tallest in the world at 325- feet. The cost of building the dam was just under $1 million.
Last but not least are the beautiful lakes in the Pinedale region of south-central Wyoming, on the western flanks of the rugged Wind River Range.
