New Fork Lake is a beautiful glacial lake at the foot of the Wind River Range near Pinedale – a deep, cold mountain lake known for lake trout, kokanee and brilliant scenery, and a gateway to the Bridger Wilderness. Quieter and less developed than nearby Fremont Lake, it’s a favorite of anglers, campers and backpackers seeking the high country of western Wyoming. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
New Fork Lake at a glance
- Setting: a deep glacial lake on the New Fork River at the edge of the Wind River Range
- Depth: a deep, cold glacial lake (like its Pinedale-area neighbors)
- Elevation: ~7,900 ft, in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Location: Sublette County, north of Pinedale (near Cora)
- Top fish: lake trout (Mackinaw), rainbow & brook trout, kokanee salmon
A deep glacial lake in the Winds
Like neighboring Fremont Lake and Green River Lakes, New Fork was gouged out by Ice Age glaciers flowing off the Wind River Range, leaving a deep, cold, clear lake ringed by forest and mountains. It sits at nearly 8,000 feet in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and its upper end is a trailhead into the Bridger Wilderness – a backpacker’s gateway to one of the most spectacular alpine regions in the Lower 48.
Fishing New Fork Lake
The deep, cold water makes New Fork a fine trout fishery: lake trout (Mackinaw) in the depths, plus rainbow and brook trout and kokanee salmon. A Wyoming fishing license is required. Trolling deep is the classic approach for the Mackinaw and kokanee, while brook and rainbow trout come from the shallower margins and inlets. The clear, cold water and mountain backdrop make every outing scenic.
Camping, boating and the wilderness
Forest Service campgrounds and a boat ramp serve the lake, and the area is a hub for camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and boating. The New Fork Lakes trailhead leads into the Bridger Wilderness and its high lakes and granite peaks. It’s a quieter, more rustic alternative to the busier Pinedale lakes – bring supplies, as services are limited.
Water level
New Fork Lake’s level can vary with snowmelt and downstream irrigation use; check conditions before launching, especially late in the season.
Getting there and what’s nearby
New Fork Lake is north of Pinedale near Cora in Sublette County, western Wyoming, off US-191 and forest roads. Fremont Lake, Green River Lakes and the Wind River Range surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required.
- Deep & cold: lake trout and kokanee in clear glacial water – troll deep.
- Wilderness gateway: a trailhead into the Bridger Wilderness; come prepared.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in New Fork Lake?
Lake trout (Mackinaw), rainbow and brook trout, and kokanee salmon.
Can you camp at New Fork Lake?
Yes – there are Forest Service campgrounds and a boat ramp, plus trailheads into the Bridger Wilderness.
Where is New Fork Lake?
In Sublette County, western Wyoming, north of Pinedale near Cora, in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
Explore more Wyoming lakes: the largest lakes in Wyoming and the deepest lakes in Wyoming.
