New Fork Lakes is a pair of high-altitude reservoirs in the Wind River Range, about 30 miles northeast of Pinedale

New Fork Lakes consists of two connected bodies of water — Lower New Fork Lake and Upper New Fork Lake — sitting at roughly 10,000 feet in the mountains above the New Fork River drainage. The drive from Pinedale takes you through sagebrush country and then into lodgepole pine forest, ending at a trailhead parking area where you'll need to hike the final 2 to 3 miles to reach the water. The lakes hold cutthroat trout and brook trout, with cutthroats dominating the catch in most seasons.

This is not a destination for a quick afternoon trip. The elevation, the hike, and the weather patterns of the high country mean you're committing to a full day or an overnight expedition. The payoff is solitude and consistent fishing in a setting that feels genuinely remote, even though you're within reasonable driving distance of town.

Key Takeaways

  • New Fork Lakes requires a 2 to 3 mile hike from the trailhead; there is no road access to the water itself.
  • Cutthroat trout are the primary species, with brook trout also present; fish respond well to small spinners, flies, and live insects throughout the summer.
  • The lakes sit above 10,000 feet and can have snow into June and weather changes in the afternoon, so plan for variable conditions.
  • A Wyoming fishing license is required; the lakes are open year-round but are practically accessible only from late June through September.
  • The trailhead is accessed via Forest Service roads that may be rough or closed depending on snow melt and maintenance.

Getting to the Trailhead from Pinedale

From Pinedale, head north on Wyoming Highway 191 toward Cora. Turn east on Forest Service Road 134 (also called New Fork Road) and follow it as it climbs into the mountains. The road is gravel and can be rough, especially in early summer when snowmelt creates washboard and soft spots. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; a standard sedan will struggle and may not make it, particularly before mid-June.

The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on road conditions. Cell service drops off quickly once you leave the highway. The trailhead parking area is unsigned but obvious — it's where the road ends and the trail begins. Arrive early if you're going on a weekend, as parking is limited to a handful of spots.

Check with the Pinedale Ranger District before you go. They can tell you whether the road is passable that week and whether snow is still blocking the upper sections of the trail. Their office is in Pinedale, and they maintain current information on road and trail conditions.

The Hike and What the Lakes Look Like

The trail to Lower New Fork Lake climbs steadily through lodgepole pine forest, gaining roughly 800 feet over 2 to 3 miles depending on which route you take. The path is well-used and marked, but it's not maintained as aggressively as lower-elevation trails, so expect some deadfall and rocky sections. The hike takes most people 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Lower New Fork Lake is the first water you'll reach. It's a modest-sized alpine lake with rocky shores and shallow bays on the north end. Upper New Fork Lake sits another mile or so beyond, accessible by trail or by scrambling around the eastern shore. Both lakes have similar characteristics — cold, clear water; rocky bottoms; and limited vegetation around the margins.

The setting is high-country typical: sparse trees, exposed rock, and views back down the drainage toward the valley. Weather can change rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and wind can pick up without warning. The sun is intense at this elevation, so bring sunscreen and a hat even if the morning is cool.

Fish Species and What Works

Cutthroat trout are the primary fish in both lakes, with brook trout present in smaller numbers. The cutthroats range from 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches. They're not huge, but they're willing and they fight well in cold water. Brook trout tend to be smaller and less numerous but show up consistently in deeper sections and near inlet streams.

Small spinners — size 0 and 1 Panther Martins and Mepps — work throughout the day. Flies work well if you're equipped for it; small nymphs like Hare's Ears and Prince nymphs produce, and dry flies like Adams and Parachute Adams draw strikes during evening hours. Live insects — grasshoppers and crickets — are effective if you can keep them alive at elevation and in a pack.

The fish are not selective, but they're also not aggressive. Cast near structure — rocky points, inlet streams, deeper bays — and work your lure or fly slowly. Early morning and evening are most productive, but you can catch fish throughout the day if you're patient. The water is cold enough that fish don't shut down completely in midday heat the way they do in lower-elevation reservoirs.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a current Wyoming fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores in Pinedale, or at the ranger station. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're only making one trip.

New Fork Lakes are open year-round, but the practical fishing season runs from late June through September. Before that, snow blocks the trail and the road may be impassable. After September, weather becomes unpredictable and the hike is harder. There are no special restrictions on tackle or catch limits beyond standard Wyoming regulations — check the current regulations booklet for specifics on cutthroat and brook trout rules, as these can change.

No motorboats are allowed on either lake. Rafts, float tubes, and wading are all permitted. If you're planning to float, pack your gear carefully — the hike is long enough that extra weight matters.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

This is a high-altitude hike with limited services. Bring more water than you think you'll need — at least 3 liters per person. The sun is intense and dehydration happens fast. Pack food for the full day plus extra; there's nowhere to resupply once you leave Pinedale. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you're staying late or hiking out in low light.

Layers are essential. The morning can be cold — 40 degrees or lower — and the afternoon can warm to 70 degrees. Bring a rain jacket; afternoon thunderstorms are common and can be intense. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are not optional at this elevation. Insect repellent helps with mosquitoes, which can be heavy in July and August.

A map and compass or GPS device are good insurance. The trail is marked, but if you're exploring off-trail or if visibility drops, navigation tools keep you oriented. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. Cell service is unreliable, so don't count on it for emergencies.

When to Fish and What the Seasons Are Like

Late June through early July is when the trail first becomes reliably passable. The road may still be rough, and there may be patches of snow on the trail, but fishing is possible. The water is cold and fish are active. Mosquitoes are present but not yet at their peak.

July and August are peak season. The weather is most stable, the trail is in best condition, and the fishing is consistent. Mosquitoes are heavy, especially in the mornings and evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent but usually brief. This is when you'll see the most other anglers, though "most" still means a handful per day.

September is excellent for fishing — fewer bugs, clearer weather, and fish feeding actively as they prepare for winter. The hike is pleasant. The downside is that weather can turn quickly, and snow can return without warning. By late September, the road may become difficult again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish New Fork Lakes in winter?

Technically yes, but practically no. The road is closed by snow, the trail is buried, and the lakes freeze. Winter access would require snowmobiling or cross-country skiing several miles in, which is a specialized expedition. Most anglers do not attempt it.

Do I need a boat to fish these lakes?

No. You can catch fish from shore, especially around the rocky points and inlet streams. A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it's not necessary. If you bring a float tube, pack it carefully — the hike is long.

What's the cell service like out there?

Unreliable to nonexistent. You may get a signal at the trailhead parking area, but once you're on the trail or at the lakes, assume you have no service. Bring a map and compass, tell someone where you're going, and don't rely on your phone for emergencies.

How crowded does it get?

Not very. You might see a few other anglers on a busy weekend, but it's nothing like lower-elevation reservoirs near town. The hike keeps casual anglers away. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

What if the road is still snowy when I want to go?

Call the Pinedale Ranger District before you drive. They know current conditions and can tell you whether the road is passable. If it's not, wait a week or two. Trying to force a standard vehicle through snow and mud wastes time and risks getting stuck.