What You'll Find at Willow Lake

Willow Lake sits in the Wind River Range foothills about 20 miles northeast of Pinedale, accessible by a 3-mile hike from the Elkhart Park trailhead. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout in water cold enough year-round that fish stay active even in midsummer. The setting is high alpine—roughly 9,500 feet—with granite peaks visible across the water and lodgepole pine forest backing the shoreline. Most anglers fish the outlet and the shallower eastern end where trout cruise in 8 to 15 feet of water.

The lake is small enough that you can cover productive water in a morning, but deep enough in the center basin that fish have refuge during midday heat. Wind comes up predictably in afternoon, which can make casting difficult but also pushes insects toward the lee shore. The hike is steep in sections but well-maintained, and the trail passes several smaller lakes if you want to fish multiple waters in one trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Willow Lake holds native cutthroat and brook trout in cold, clear water at 9,500 feet elevation near Pinedale.
  • The 3-mile hike from Elkhart Park trailhead is steep but straightforward, and the lake is small enough to fish thoroughly in one day.
  • Early morning and late evening produce best when the water is calm; afternoon wind pushes insects to the lee shore but makes casting harder.
  • Cutthroat respond to small dry flies and nymphs; brook trout take larger patterns and are less selective than the native cutthroat.
  • The lake sits in designated wilderness, so only foot traffic is allowed and camping requires a permit from the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Getting There and What to Bring

The Elkhart Park trailhead is the standard approach. From Pinedale, take US 191 north about 12 miles, then turn east on Forest Road 134 (Fremont Lake Road). Follow it roughly 8 miles to the Elkhart Park parking area. The road is gravel and passable in a standard vehicle when dry, but can be rough after rain or snowmelt. Arrive early—the lot fills on weekends, especially in July and August.

The hike gains about 1,500 feet over 3 miles, with the steepest section in the first mile. Willow Lake is the second major lake you encounter; the trail is marked and other hikers make the route obvious. Bring more water than you think you need—the trail has no reliable sources until you reach the lake. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish the evening rise and hike out in twilight. The elevation means weather changes fast; a light rain jacket takes up almost no space and can save the day.

Cutthroat Behavior and Fly Patterns

The cutthroat in Willow Lake are small—most run 8 to 12 inches—but they are wild fish and selective about what they eat. They respond best to small dry flies that match the insects actually hatching. In July and August, look for pale morning duns (size 16 to 18), small caddis (size 16 to 20), and terrestrials like ants and small grasshoppers. Fish the dries during the morning hatch and again in the last hour before dark.

When the surface is quiet, switch to nymphs. A small pheasant tail or hare's ear in size 16 to 18, fished on a dead drift near the bottom, takes cutthroat consistently. The outlet stream is often more productive than open water because current concentrates food and gives trout a reason to hold in one spot. Brook trout, which are also present, are less picky and will take larger nymphs and even small streamers, but they tend to be smaller than the cutthroat and less numerous.

Best Times to Fish

Early morning—first light through mid-morning—is prime time. The water is calm, insects are active, and trout feed aggressively before the sun climbs high. The hatch typically peaks between 7 and 10 a.m. depending on the season and weather. Fishing slows during midday as the sun warms the water and trout retreat to deeper zones.

The evening rise begins around 6 p.m. and can last until dark, especially on overcast days. Afternoon wind usually picks up between 2 and 5 p.m., which makes casting frustrating but does push insects toward the western and northern shores. If you are willing to hike in the dark, fishing the evening rise and walking out by headlamp can be more productive than leaving at midday. The lake rarely gets crowded enough that you need to worry about other anglers, even on weekends.

Seasonal Considerations

Willow Lake is accessible from late June through September. Snow typically blocks the trail until mid-June, and the first significant snow usually arrives by late September. July and August are the most reliable months—the trail is clear, the weather is most stable, and the hatch is consistent. Early July can still have afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the high country.

June fishing can be excellent if you can reach the lake, but water levels are high from snowmelt and the hatch is less predictable. September brings cooler nights, fewer bugs, and fewer anglers, but the cutthroat still feed actively and the scenery is often clearer. Bring a warm layer even in August—the elevation and wind can make evening temperatures drop 20 degrees in an hour.

Regulations and Wilderness Rules

Willow Lake is in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and falls under Wyoming fishing regulations. The lake is open year-round on paper, but snow closes the trail from October through May. The general season allows cutthroat and brook trout, with a possession limit of 10 fish per day and no minimum size. Check the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The lake sits in designated wilderness, which means no motors, no mountain bikes, and no mechanized equipment. Camping is allowed but requires a free permit from the Bridger-Teton National Forest. You can pick up a permit at the Pinedale ranger station or self-issue at the trailhead. Pack out everything you pack in—there are no services at the lake and the area is lightly used enough that trash is visible and unwelcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the hike to Willow Lake?

The 3-mile hike gains about 1,500 feet, with the steepest section in the first mile. It is a solid day hike for someone in reasonable shape, but not a casual stroll. The trail is well-marked and maintained. Most anglers reach the lake in 60 to 90 minutes depending on fitness and how often they stop.

Can I camp at Willow Lake overnight?

Yes, camping is allowed in the wilderness area. You need a free permit from the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which you can self-issue at the Elkhart Park trailhead or pick up in advance at the Pinedale ranger station. Campsites are not designated, so choose a spot at least 100 feet from the water and pack out all waste.

What if I can't catch fish on dry flies?

Switch to nymphs fished on a dead drift near the bottom. A small pheasant tail or hare's ear in size 16 to 18 works consistently when the surface is quiet. If nymphs are slow, try the outlet stream where current concentrates food. Brook trout are also present and less selective than cutthroat, so they may take larger patterns when cutthroat ignore small flies.

Is Willow Lake crowded?

No. The hike is long enough and the lake remote enough that you will rarely see more than a handful of other anglers, even on summer weekends. The Elkhart Park trailhead parking lot can fill, but that does not mean the lake itself is crowded—many hikers are headed to other lakes in the range.

What should I do if weather turns bad on the trail?

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country, especially July through August. If lightning is nearby, get off ridges and away from isolated trees. If rain is heavy, the trail can become slick. A light rain jacket and headlamp take minimal space. If conditions are dangerous, turn back—the lake will be there another day.