What You'll Find at Willow Lake

Willow Lake sits in the Wind River Range at roughly 10,000 feet, a high-altitude destination that holds cutthroat trout and lake trout. The lake spans about 40 acres and stays cold enough year-round to support both species, though the season is short — most anglers fish from mid-July through September when snow clears the access trail and water temperatures allow fish to feed actively.

The cutthroat here are native to the range and tend to be smaller, typically 8 to 12 inches, but they rise readily to dry flies and small spinners. Lake trout grow larger — you may encounter fish in the 14 to 18-inch range — but they stay deeper and require sinking lines or trolling to reach consistently. The lake's elevation and remote location mean fewer anglers than lower-elevation reservoirs, which translates to less pressure on the fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Willow Lake requires a 3 to 4-mile hike from the trailhead, so plan for a full day of travel and fishing rather than a quick afternoon trip.
  • The lake is accessible only from mid-July through September; snow blocks the trail before and after, and winter ice makes the water unreachable.
  • You need a Wyoming fishing license and must follow state regulations, including catch limits that vary by species — check the current year's regulations before you go.
  • Cutthroat trout respond well to dry flies and small spinners, while lake trout require deeper presentations like sinking lines or trolling.
  • No motorized boats are permitted; float tubes, rafts, and wading are your options for reaching fish beyond the shoreline.

Access and the Hike In

Willow Lake is reached via the Glacier Trail, which departs from Glacier Lake Trailhead near the town of Pinedale. The trailhead sits about 30 miles northeast of Pinedale on Forest Road 134 — a gravel road that can be rough in early summer but is passable by standard vehicle. Parking is available at the trailhead, though spaces fill on weekends during peak season.

The hike to Willow Lake covers roughly 3 to 4 miles depending on your exact route and how you navigate the final approach. The trail gains elevation steadily but is well-marked and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Most anglers plan 90 minutes to two hours for the hike in, which means leaving early to have daylight for fishing. The return hike takes similar time, so a full day of fishing typically means arriving at the lake by mid-morning and leaving by mid-afternoon.

Snow blocks the trail from October through mid-July most years. Check with the Pinedale Ranger District before driving to the trailhead — they can tell you whether the trail is passable and whether snow still covers the lake itself. Even when the lower trail is clear, snow may linger at the lake's elevation.

What Regulations Apply

Willow Lake falls under Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations. You must carry a valid Wyoming fishing license, which non-residents can purchase for one day, three days, or a full year. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores in Pinedale and online through the Wyoming Game and Fish website.

Catch limits and size restrictions change annually and may differ between cutthroat and lake trout. The current regulations are printed in the Wyoming Fishing Guide, available free from Game and Fish or at license vendors. Typical rules allow you to keep a certain number of each species, but regulations can shift based on population surveys, so do not assume last year's limits apply. Possession limits — the number of fish you can have in your possession at any time — are separate from daily catch limits and are also listed in the guide.

Bait restrictions may apply; some high-altitude lakes in Wyoming prohibit live bait to prevent the spread of disease. Check the regulations for Willow Lake specifically before packing your gear.

Fishing Seasons and Water Conditions

The practical fishing season runs from mid-July through September. July is typically the best month because water temperatures are rising, fish are actively feeding after spawning, and the weather is most stable. August remains productive, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country and can arrive suddenly. September sees cooler water and shorter days, but fish often feed more aggressively as they prepare for winter.

Water temperature at 10,000 feet rarely exceeds the low 60s Fahrenheit even at the height of summer. Cutthroat trout are active in this range and will take dry flies throughout the day. Lake trout prefer slightly cooler water and often move deeper during midday, making early morning and evening the most productive times for them.

The lake typically freezes by November and remains frozen until June or July. Winter access is not practical for most anglers, and the lake is closed to fishing during spawning periods — check the regulations for exact dates.

Tackle and Technique for Cutthroat and Lake Trout

For cutthroat trout, bring a 4 to 6-weight fly rod and a floating line. Small dry flies — sizes 14 to 18 — work well, particularly patterns that imitate mayflies or midges. Cutthroat will also take small nymphs fished under an indicator, and small spinners (sizes 0 to 2) cast from shore or waded shallows produce strikes. The cutthroat here are not large, so light tippet (4X to 5X) is adequate and improves your presentation.

Lake trout require a different approach. They spend most of their time in deeper water, so a sinking line or sink-tip line is necessary. Trolling with small spoons or plugs works if you have a float tube or raft. From shore, you can cast sinking lines and retrieve slowly, but you will cover less water and hook fewer fish than someone working the deeper zones. If you do not have float tube experience, focus on the cutthroat, which are more accessible from shore.

Bring more flies and lures than you think you will need — the high altitude and wind can make you careless with gear, and resupply is not an option once you leave Pinedale. A small backpack, waders, and a net round out the essentials. Sunscreen and a hat are critical; the sun reflects off water and snow, and the thin air at 10,000 feet offers little protection.

Camping and Overnight Trips

Willow Lake is remote enough that many anglers camp nearby rather than hiking in and out the same day. The Glacier Lake area has established campsites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Camping is permitted in designated areas; dispersed camping (camping outside marked sites) is not allowed in this part of the Wind River Range. Sites fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday trip.

Campsites have no water, power, or facilities — you are responsible for packing out all waste and treating or carrying water for drinking and cooking. A lightweight tent, sleeping bag rated for temperatures near freezing, and a camp stove are standard gear. The weather at 10,000 feet can turn cold even in August, so do not underestimate your insulation needs.

If you camp, you can fish Willow Lake for a full day or split your time between Willow Lake and nearby Glacier Lake, which holds similar species and is closer to the trailhead. A two-day trip allows you to explore both without rushing.

Getting to Pinedale and Nearby Services

Pinedale is the nearest town with gas, food, and lodging. It sits about 120 miles northwest of Rawlins on U.S. Highway 287. From Jackson, it is roughly 80 miles south on Highway 191. The drive from Rawlins takes about two hours; from Jackson, about 90 minutes.

Pinedale has motels, restaurants, and a grocery store. The Pinedale Ranger District office, located in town, is your best source for current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and fishing information. Stop there before driving to the trailhead if you have questions about access or regulations.

Gas up in Pinedale before heading to the trailhead — there are no services at Glacier Lake Trailhead or anywhere along Forest Road 134. Cell service is unreliable in the high country, so do not count on it for navigation or emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Willow Lake in June or October?

The trail is usually blocked by snow in June and October. Even if the lower trail is passable, snow often covers the lake itself or makes camping impossible. Mid-July through September is the reliable window. Call the Pinedale Ranger District to confirm conditions before making the drive.

Do I need a float tube to catch fish?

No. Cutthroat trout are accessible from shore with fly rods and spinners, and you can catch them without ever leaving the bank. Lake trout are harder to reach from shore, but if you focus on cutthroat, you will have a productive day without a float tube.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and evening are most productive for lake trout. Cutthroat feed throughout the day, but they are most active in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the last two hours before sunset. Midday can be slow, especially in August when the sun is intense.

Are there bears at Willow Lake?

Black bears inhabit the Wind River Range. Store food in bear canisters or hang it from a tree at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from the trunk. Do not leave food, trash, or scented items at your campsite. Bear encounters are rare, but proper food storage is essential.

What should I do if the trail is still snowy?

Do not attempt to hike a snow-covered trail without experience and proper gear — navigation is difficult, and a fall can be serious. Wait until the trail is clear, or contact the Pinedale Ranger District for advice on alternative routes or timing.