Wyoming’s lakes are as varied as its landscapes – from the largest high-elevation lake in North America to deep glacial pools beneath the Tetons, trophy trout reservoirs, and walleye lakes on the wide-open plains. This is our running guide to the best lakes in Wyoming; every lake links to a full guide in our Wyoming Lakes Database.
The most famous lakes
Yellowstone Lake is the wild heart of Yellowstone and the largest high-elevation lake on the continent. In Grand Teton, Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake sit beneath the peaks, and Flaming Gorge winds through red-rock canyons in the south.
Best lakes for fishing
For trophy lake trout, Flaming Gorge and Fremont Lake lead. For walleye, hit Boysen and Glendo. Lake DeSmet grows trophy trout, and Grayrocks is the state’s surprise bass lake. See our fishing in Wyoming guide for the full rundown.
Best scenic & hiking lakes
For pure scenery, nothing beats the Tetons: Green River Lakes with Squaretop Mountain, Leigh Lake below Mount Moran, and Phelps Lake with its famous Jumping Rock. String Lake is the best swimming spot in Grand Teton.
Best for boating & water sports
Glendo and Alcova are the top water-sports lakes, with beaches and warm summer water, while Flaming Gorge is made for houseboating.
Best wilderness & backcountry lakes
Shoshone Lake is the largest backcountry lake in the Lower 48 – a canoe-in Yellowstone wilderness gem – and Bighorn Lake threads a spectacular canyon on the Montana line.
This guide grows as we add lakes. Browse the full database by Largest Lakes and Small Lakes, or see our national-park lakes guide.
