Jackson Lake is the largest and grandest lake in Grand Teton National Park – a deep, 25,000-acre glacial lake on the Snake River, backed by the soaring wall of the Teton Range and the great bulk of Mount Moran. Unlike the park’s smaller lakes, Jackson allows motorboats, making it Wyoming’s premier mountain lake for boating, sailing and trophy lake-trout fishing, all beneath some of the most famous scenery in America.
This guide covers Jackson Lake: the scenery and history, the fishing, the marinas and boating, and how to visit. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Jackson Lake at a glance
- A glacial lake beneath the Tetons
- Fishing Jackson Lake
- Marinas, boating and cruises
- Lodging and the lakeshore
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Jackson Lake?
- What fish are in Jackson Lake?
- Can you boat on Jackson Lake?
- Where is Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~25,500 acres – the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park
- Depth: deep and cold, with a maximum around 438 ft
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, northwestern Wyoming
- History: a natural glacial lake, enlarged by Jackson Lake Dam (1916)
- Top fish: lake trout (Mackinaw), cutthroat trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish
A glacial lake beneath the Tetons
Jackson Lake was carved by glaciers and sits right at the base of the Teton Range, with Mount Moran reflected in its surface – one of the iconic views of the American West. Though natural, the lake was enlarged in 1916 when the Jackson Lake Dam raised it about 39 feet to store Snake River water for Idaho irrigation, decades before the national park grew up around it. Today the dam and lake are managed within Grand Teton, their water still feeding farms far downstream.
Fishing Jackson Lake
Jackson is a deep, cold trophy fishery, fished under a Wyoming state license (Grand Teton, unlike Yellowstone, uses the state license):
- Lake trout (Mackinaw) – the big draw, with large fish in the deep water; troll or jig deep.
- Cutthroat and brown trout along the shorelines and inlets.
- Mountain whitefish round out the catch.
Guided fishing trips run from the marinas, and the lake’s size and depth reward anglers who know it – or who hire someone who does.
Marinas, boating and cruises
Jackson Lake is the boating heart of Grand Teton, and one of the few park lakes open to motorboats. Three marinas – Colter Bay, Signal Mountain and Leeks – offer ramps, rentals, fuel and guided trips, and scenic cruises run from Colter Bay. Sailing, kayaking and canoeing are popular, and boaters explore the islands (like Elk Island) and quiet bays beneath the peaks. Boats require an aquatic-invasive-species inspection and a park permit.
Lodging and the lakeshore
The lake is ringed by classic park destinations: Colter Bay Village (cabins, campground, marina, swimming), Signal Mountain Lodge on the shore, and the grand Jackson Lake Lodge on the bluff above, whose vast window wall frames the lake and Tetons. Swimming is possible (the water is cold), and the shoreline trails and beaches offer endless views. This is bear country – carry bear spray and store food properly.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Jackson Lake is in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, about 45 minutes north of Jackson, Wyoming, and just south of Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the same trip.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: Grand Teton uses a Wyoming state license (not a park permit like Yellowstone).
- Motorboats allowed: with a park boat permit and AIS inspection – one of the few Teton lakes that permit them.
- Cold water & bears: dress for cold water, wear a life jacket, and carry bear spray on shore.
- Best seasons: summer and early fall for boating and fishing; the high country has a short season.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Jackson Lake?
About 25,500 acres and up to 438 feet deep – the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park.
What fish are in Jackson Lake?
Lake trout (Mackinaw, the trophy draw), cutthroat trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish, fished with a Wyoming state license.
Can you boat on Jackson Lake?
Yes – it’s one of the few Grand Teton lakes that allows motorboats, with marinas at Colter Bay, Signal Mountain and Leeks, plus scenic cruises. Boats need a park permit and AIS inspection.
Where is Jackson Lake?
In the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, about 45 minutes north of Jackson, Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
