What Half Moon Lake offers and how to fish it

Half Moon Lake sits in the Wind River Range foothills about 15 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, at roughly 8,000 feet elevation. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout in cold, clear water that stays productive year-round for anglers willing to hike in. The main draw is the cutthroat — they run 10 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches — and the relative solitude compared to closer-in waters around Pinedale.

Access is foot traffic only. The trailhead sits at the end of Forest Road 134 (the Scab Creek Road), which branches off Wyoming Highway 191 north of town. The hike is roughly 4 miles one way on a well-maintained trail with moderate elevation gain. Most anglers fish from shore or wade the shallow inlet and outlet areas where cutthroat congregate. The lake itself is roughly 40 acres, so you can cover productive water in a half day if you focus on structure — drop-offs, inlet channels, and the deeper basin on the north end.

Key Takeaways

  • Half Moon Lake holds native cutthroat trout averaging 10 to 14 inches, accessible only by a 4-mile hike from the Scab Creek Road trailhead north of Pinedale.
  • The lake sits at 8,000 feet elevation and stays fishable year-round, though snow closes the access road from November through April in most years.
  • Cutthroat respond to small dry flies in summer mornings, nymphs and streamers during midday, and attractor patterns near the inlet and outlet channels.
  • Wyoming fishing regulations require a valid license and allow two cutthroat per day; check current rules before you go because restrictions can change seasonally.

Getting to the trailhead and timing your visit

From Pinedale, drive north on Highway 191 for about 12 miles. Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 134, marked for Scab Creek. The road is gravel and passable in a standard vehicle during summer and early fall, though high-clearance is safer after rain. The trailhead parking area is small — typically room for 4 to 6 vehicles — so arrive early on weekends or plan a weekday trip if possible.

The access road closes seasonally. Snow typically blocks Forest Road 134 from November through April, though the exact timing depends on snowfall and road maintenance. Call the Pinedale Ranger District at (307) 367-4326 before you drive out to confirm the road is open. Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most reliable access and the best weather for hiking.

The hike itself takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. The elevation gain is steady but not steep. Bring water, sun protection, and a headlamp if you plan to fish into evening — the trail can be dark on the return trip. The lake is open to day use and overnight camping, though campsites are primitive and water sources are limited to the lake itself.

What flies and techniques work at Half Moon

Cutthroat at Half Moon respond to small dry flies during summer mornings, particularly size 16 to 20 Adams, Parachute Adams, and Pale Morning Dun patterns. Fish the inlet channel first — cutthroat often hold in the current where water enters the lake. Cast upstream and let the fly drift naturally. Strikes are often gentle, so watch your line closely.

During midday when surface activity slows, switch to nymphs. Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small Copper Johns in sizes 14 to 18 work well. Fish them on a dead drift near the bottom in deeper water, or with a slight twitch to imitate movement. The outlet channel and the drop-off on the north shore are productive zones during the heat of the day.

Streamers can be effective early and late in the day, especially if you're targeting the larger fish. Small Woolly Buggers and Muddler Minnows in black or olive, sizes 8 to 10, work when stripped slowly along the deeper edges. Brook trout in the lake are less selective than cutthroat and will chase streamers more aggressively, so if you want cutthroat specifically, stick with smaller nymphs and dries.

Wyoming regulations and what you need to bring

You must carry a valid Wyoming fishing license. Nonresident licenses are available for 1 day, 10 days, or a full year through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at sporting goods stores in Pinedale. The current daily limit for cutthroat trout is two fish per day, though regulations can change seasonally — check the current rules before you go.

Bring a fishing license, a valid form of identification, and your own gear. There are no services at the lake — no rentals, no food, no water treatment. Pack everything you need for the hike and the day on the water. A small backpack with your rod, flies, a net, sunscreen, and water is standard. If you plan to camp overnight, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and a camp stove; fires are not permitted in the alpine zone.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect

Summer (June through August) is the most popular season. Water temperatures are coolest in early morning, and that's when dry fly fishing is most reliable. Afternoons warm the lake surface, pushing cutthroat deeper. Mornings are also when you'll see the fewest other anglers, so plan to fish from dawn until mid-morning if solitude matters to you.

Fall (September through early October) can be excellent. Water temperatures drop again, and cutthroat feed more aggressively as they prepare for winter. Nymphs and small streamers produce well throughout the day. The hike is less crowded, and the weather is typically stable, though afternoon thunderstorms are still possible at elevation.

Winter access is limited by snow, but if the road is open and you're equipped for cold-weather hiking, the lake can fish well. Cutthroat are less active in very cold water, but they're still present and will take nymphs fished slowly near the bottom. Spring (April and May) is unpredictable — the road may be open but snow may still be present on the trail, and water temperatures are very cold.

Nearby alternatives if Half Moon is crowded or closed

If the Scab Creek Road is closed or you want a shorter hike, Fremont Lake and New Fork Lake near Pinedale offer similar cutthroat fishing with easier access. Fremont Lake has a developed boat launch and shore access; New Fork Lake is smaller and less crowded. Both are drive-to fisheries with no hiking required.

If you want alpine lake fishing without the drive north, Willow Lake and Pole Creek Lake are accessible from the Elkhart Park trailhead, also about 15 miles from Pinedale but on the west side of the range. These lakes hold cutthroat and brook trout and offer similar solitude to Half Moon, though the hike is longer and the elevation higher.

What to watch for on the water

Cutthroat at Half Moon can be spooky in clear water. Use a long leader — 9 to 12 feet — and approach the water slowly. Wade carefully and avoid casting shadows across the fish. Early morning and late evening are best not just for feeding activity but also because low light makes you less visible to the trout.

Weather changes fast at 8,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and early fall. If you see clouds building, head back to the trailhead — lightning is a real hazard in the open alpine zone. Bring a rain jacket and plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon if storms are forecast.

Brook trout in the lake are smaller and less selective than cutthroat. If you're catching mostly brookies on your flies, move to deeper water or switch to smaller patterns. The cutthroat tend to hold in slightly deeper zones and are more particular about fly size and presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Half Moon Lake in winter?

The Scab Creek Road is typically closed by snow from November through April, so winter access is limited. If the road is open and you're equipped for snow hiking, the lake can fish, but cutthroat are less active in very cold water. Call the Pinedale Ranger District to confirm road conditions before attempting a winter trip.

Do I need a boat or can I fish from shore?

You can fish effectively from shore and by wading. Most anglers work the inlet and outlet channels and the shallow edges. The lake is small enough that you can cover productive water without a boat, and pack-in boats are rarely worth the effort for a 4-mile hike.

What's the difference between the cutthroat and brook trout in Half Moon?

Cutthroat average 10 to 14 inches and are more selective about fly size and presentation. Brook trout are typically smaller (8 to 11 inches) and will chase larger, flashier patterns more readily. If you want cutthroat specifically, fish small dries and nymphs in the deeper zones.

How long does the hike take and how hard is it?

The hike is roughly 4 miles one way with steady elevation gain but no steep sections. Most anglers take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake. It's moderate difficulty — not a scramble, but not flat either. Bring water and take your time.

What if the Scab Creek Road is closed?

Fremont Lake and New Fork Lake near Pinedale offer similar cutthroat fishing with drive-to access and no hiking required. Willow Lake and Pole Creek Lake on the west side of the range are longer hikes but offer comparable alpine lake fishing if you want solitude and elevation.