What You'll Find at Fremont Lake

Fremont Lake is a 9,470-acre alpine reservoir sitting at 8,047 feet in the Wind River Range foothills, about 15 miles north of Pinedale. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and lake trout, with cutthroat running 10 to 14 inches on average and occasional fish pushing 18 inches. The water stays cold year-round — it freezes solid by December — which keeps the trout active and the fishing consistent through the open season from late May through November.

The lake's size and depth (it reaches 600 feet) mean you can fish from shore or boat, and both methods work. Shore anglers do well along the eastern bank near the boat launch and around the inlet where Fremont Creek feeds the lake. Boat anglers can reach deeper structure and the lake's center, where cutthroat suspend in summer. The scenery is genuine high country: granite peaks, subalpine forest, and water so clear you can see 30 feet down on calm days.

Key Takeaways

  • Fremont Lake holds native cutthroat trout and lake trout at 8,047 feet elevation, with cutthroat averaging 10 to 14 inches and the lake freezing solid by December.
  • The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages the lake and requires a valid Wyoming fishing license; nonresident licenses are available for 10 days or the full year.
  • Shore fishing works well near the boat launch and creek inlet, while boat anglers can reach deeper structure where cutthroat suspend in summer months.
  • Fremont Lake Road is the only access route and closes seasonally; check current conditions before driving, especially in spring and fall.

When to Fish Fremont Lake

The lake opens to fishing in late May, once the ice clears and the Forest Service opens Fremont Lake Road. Early season (late May through June) brings the most consistent shore fishing — cutthroat move shallow to feed after ice-out, and you can catch them on small spinners, spoons, and dry flies from the bank. Water temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, which keeps fish active all day.

July and August are the warmest months, and cutthroat move deeper during midday. This is when a boat becomes valuable — you can reach the thermocline and find fish 40 to 80 feet down. Early morning and evening shore fishing still works, especially if you fish the inlet or shaded banks. By September, water temperatures drop again and cutthroat return to shallower water, making late fall one of the best times to fish from shore.

The lake closes to fishing November 30. Winter access is not possible — Fremont Lake Road closes when snow makes it impassable, usually by mid-November, and the lake freezes solid by December.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Cutthroat at Fremont Lake respond to small offerings. Spinners in sizes 0 and 1 — especially in silver, gold, and copper — work year-round from shore. Spoons like the Kastmaster and Krocodile in 1/4 to 1/2 ounce cover water fast and reach deeper fish from a boat. Fly anglers do well with small nymphs (size 14 to 18 pheasant tail and hare's ear) and dry flies (size 16 to 20 Adams and parachute patterns) during evening rises in June and September.

Lake trout are present but less common in the catch. They prefer larger offerings — spoons in 3/4 to 1 ounce and jigged tube jigs — and live deeper than cutthroat. If you're targeting them, fish the deepest structure you can reach and work vertically.

The water is clear, so use light line (4 to 6 pound test for spinning, 4x to 5x for fly) and approach quietly. Cutthroat spook easily in shallow water, especially on calm days. Early morning and overcast conditions give you the best chance at aggressive strikes.

Getting There and What to Bring

Fremont Lake Road is the only vehicle access, and it is a rough, narrow dirt road that climbs 2,000 feet from Pinedale. The drive takes 45 minutes to an hour from town. The road is passable in summer and early fall, but spring runoff and early snow can close it without warning. Check with the Pinedale Ranger District or the Sublette County Road and Bridge Department before you go, especially if you're visiting in May, June, or October.

The boat launch is at the south end of the lake, near the parking area. There is no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself. Bring everything you need: water, snacks, sunscreen, and a headlamp if you plan to fish into evening. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. Weather changes fast at this elevation — bring a jacket even in summer.

A boat is not required, but if you have one, launch fees are minimal and the lake is large enough to explore. Canoes and kayaks work well for reaching quieter sections away from the main launch area.

Licensing and Regulations

You need a valid Wyoming fishing license. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department issues nonresident licenses for 10 consecutive days or for the full calendar year. You can buy them online at wgfd.wyo.gov or at sporting goods stores in Pinedale. The daily limit for cutthroat is 10 fish, and the possession limit is 20. Lake trout have the same daily and possession limits.

Fremont Lake is in a general fishing area with no special restrictions beyond the statewide rules. Bait is allowed, but most anglers use lures or flies. Check the current Wyoming fishing regulations before you go — rules can change year to year.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Fremont Lake Road is closed or you want to fish lower elevation water, Pinedale Reservoir is 15 minutes south and stays accessible longer into fall. It holds cutthroat and lake trout at a lower elevation (7,100 feet) and warms faster in spring. Half Moon Lake, another 20 minutes north, is smaller but less crowded and has good early-season cutthroat fishing.

For stream fishing, Fremont Creek (which feeds the lake) has cutthroat and brook trout in its upper reaches. The creek is small and technical, but it's a good option if you want to avoid the lake or if the road is marginal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Fremont Lake in winter?

No. The lake freezes solid by December, and Fremont Lake Road closes when snow makes it impassable, usually by mid-November. The lake is not accessible again until late May.

Do I need a boat to catch fish at Fremont Lake?

No. Shore fishing works well, especially near the boat launch and where Fremont Creek enters the lake. A boat lets you reach deeper water and fish during summer when cutthroat suspend, but it is not required for a successful trip.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

September and early October see fewer anglers than June and July, and the fishing is often better because water temperatures drop and cutthroat move back to shallow water. The road is still open, and weather is usually stable.

Is the road to Fremont Lake safe for regular cars?

The road is rough and narrow, with steep sections and no guardrails. High-clearance vehicles handle it better than sedans. Check road conditions before you go — spring runoff and early snow can make it impassable without warning, even if it looks open from town.

What should I do if I catch a lake trout instead of a cutthroat?

Lake trout are native to Fremont Lake and count toward your daily limit. They're good eating and fight hard. If you prefer to release them, that's your choice — there's no requirement to keep them.