What Soda Lake offers and when to fish it

Soda Lake sits about 20 miles northeast of Pinedale in the Wind River Range foothills, at roughly 8,400 feet elevation. The lake holds cutthroat trout and lake trout, with cutthroat dominating the shallower structure and lake trout deeper. Water temperature swings hard here — the lake can be ice-free by late May or early June, but afternoon thunderstorms roll in regularly through summer, and the season closes by mid-October.

The cutthroat bite is strongest in June and early July, when the water is still cool and fish are active in the shallows. Lake trout fishing picks up as summer deepens and surface water warms, pushing them to 40 to 60 feet. Fall can be excellent for both species as water cools again, but access becomes unpredictable once snow arrives.

Soda Lake is not a destination lake for most anglers — it is a solid half-day or full-day option if you are already in the Pinedale area or exploring the high country between Pinedale and the Absaroka range. The scenery is genuine high desert: sagebrush, scattered conifers, and open ridgelines. Crowds are light compared to lower-elevation reservoirs.

Key Takeaways

  • Soda Lake holds cutthroat trout in shallow water and lake trout in deeper structure, with the cutthroat bite strongest in June and early July.
  • Access is via a rough dirt road from the Pinedale area; high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, especially after rain or early snow.
  • The lake sits at 8,400 feet elevation and is typically ice-free from late May through mid-October, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer.
  • Regulations follow Wyoming Game and Fish rules for the Pinedale area; check current year regulations for cutthroat and lake trout limits before you go.
  • Camping and services are minimal at the lake itself; Pinedale has lodging, fuel, and tackle shops 20 miles south.

Getting to Soda Lake and what to bring

From Pinedale, head north on Wyoming Highway 191 toward Cora, then turn east on Forest Road 134 (also called Soda Lake Road). The road is gravel and dirt, washboarded in places, and can be rough after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is safer; four-wheel-drive is useful if snow has fallen recently or if the road is wet. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Pinedale depending on road condition.

There is a small parking area and boat launch at the lake. A canoe, kayak, or small motorboat is useful for reaching deeper water and the far shoreline, but the lake is small enough that shore fishing is productive, especially for cutthroat in the shallows. Bring water, snacks, and a headlamp — there are no services at the lake, and the high elevation means weather can turn fast.

Cell service is unreliable or absent. Tell someone in Pinedale where you are going and when you expect to return. The nearest ranger station is in Pinedale; the nearest hospital is also in Pinedale.

Cutthroat trout fishing in shallow water

Cutthroat trout in Soda Lake respond well to small spinners, spoons, and flies in the 2 to 4-inch range. The shallows along the north and east shorelines hold fish, especially where structure — fallen timber, rocky points, or weed beds — breaks up the bottom. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but cutthroat will feed throughout the day if cloud cover keeps the water cool.

Fly fishing works well with small nymphs (size 14 to 18) and dry flies during evening rises. A 5 or 6-weight rod is adequate. Wade fishing is possible in the shallows, but the bottom is soft in places and the water is cold even in July — wear waders or be prepared for a shock.

June and early July are peak months. By mid-July, as surface water warms, cutthroat move deeper or become less active during midday. Fall fishing (September and early October) can be excellent as water cools again and fish return to shallower feeding zones.

Lake trout fishing in deep structure

Lake trout in Soda Lake live deeper than cutthroat, typically 40 to 60 feet in summer. Jigging with small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) or tube jigs is the most effective method. Drop the jig to the bottom, then work it with short lifts and pauses. Lake trout often hold tight to structure — drop-offs, submerged ridges, or rocky points — so a depth finder is valuable if you have a boat.

Trolling small spoons along the deeper edges is also productive. Move slowly and stay in contact with the bottom. The lake is not large, so it does not take long to cover the deep zones and find where fish are holding on a given day.

Lake trout fishing improves as summer progresses and surface water warms. July through September is the strongest window. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, but lake trout are less light-sensitive than cutthroat, so you can fish through the day if you stay deep.

Weather, water conditions, and seasonal timing

Soda Lake is high desert water at high elevation. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms that can arrive suddenly and intensify fast. Lightning is a real hazard — if a storm approaches, get off the water and seek shelter. Wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the lake choppy and making small boats uncomfortable.

Water temperature in June is typically 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. By August, surface water can reach 65 to 70 degrees, pushing lake trout deep. Fall cooling (September and October) brings surface water back down to 50 to 60 degrees, and fish become active again in shallower zones.

Snow can arrive as early as September at this elevation. The road can become impassable or dangerous. Check weather and road conditions before you go, especially in spring and fall. The lake is typically closed to fishing by mid-October due to weather and access issues, though the official season may extend further.

Regulations and what you need to know

Soda Lake falls under Wyoming Game and Fish regulations for the Pinedale area. You need a valid Wyoming fishing license. Cutthroat and lake trout have separate daily limits and size restrictions that change year to year — check the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations guide before you fish. Some years cutthroat have a slot limit (keep only fish within a certain size range); other years the limit is a simple daily number.

The lake is open to fishing from the general opening date (usually mid-March) through mid-October, but practical access is limited to late May through mid-October due to snow and road conditions. Motorboats are allowed. No special permits are required beyond your fishing license.

Lodging and services near Pinedale

Soda Lake itself has no camping, lodging, or services. Pinedale, 20 miles south, has motels, cabins, RV parks, restaurants, and tackle shops. The Pinedale Ranger District office (on the south edge of town) has maps and current information about road conditions and fire restrictions. Several outfitters in Pinedale offer guided fishing trips and can provide local knowledge about Soda Lake and nearby waters.

If you plan to camp, dispersed camping is available on Forest Service land near the lake, though facilities are minimal. Bring your own water and pack out all trash. The nearest developed campground is Fremont Lake Campground, about 15 miles south of Pinedale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Soda Lake in winter?

The lake is typically closed to fishing by mid-October due to weather and access. Snow and ice make the road impassable for most vehicles. Some years the road may be passable in early winter if conditions are mild, but it is not reliable. Check with the Pinedale Ranger District before attempting winter access.

Do I need a boat to fish Soda Lake?

No. Shore fishing is productive, especially for cutthroat in the shallows. A boat or float tube gives you access to deeper water and the far shoreline, which can improve your chances for lake trout, but it is not required. Many anglers fish successfully from shore.

What is the best time to visit Soda Lake?

June and early July are best for cutthroat fishing. July through September are best for lake trout. September and early October can be excellent for both species as water cools and fish become active again. Avoid mid-July through mid-August if you prefer cooler water and more active fish.

Is the road to Soda Lake passable after rain?

The road can become muddy and difficult after heavy rain. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles handle it better than sedans. If you are unsure about conditions, call the Pinedale Ranger District or check with a local tackle shop before you go. It is better to wait a day than to get stuck.

What should I do if I get caught in a thunderstorm on the lake?

Get off the water immediately and seek shelter away from isolated trees or high points. Lightning is the main hazard at high elevation. If you are in a boat, head to shore. If you are wading, move to low ground away from the water. Wait for the storm to pass before returning to fishing.