Saratoga Lake is a small, friendly trout lake on the edge of the town of Saratoga in south-central Wyoming – famous for its winter ice-fishing derby, its easy access, and its setting near the free hot springs and blue-ribbon trout water of the upper North Platte valley. It’s a relaxed, community-loved lake that fishes well and pairs perfectly with a soak in Saratoga’s legendary hot pool.
This guide covers Saratoga Lake: the fishing and ice derby, the hot springs nearby, and access. It’s part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
Saratoga Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~640 acres on the edge of Saratoga
- Location: Carbon County, south-central Wyoming (at Saratoga)
- Top fish: rainbow & brown trout, ling (burbot), with strong ice fishing
Fishing and the ice derby
Saratoga Lake is stocked and productive, with rainbow and brown trout and ling (burbot). A Wyoming fishing license is required. The lake is best known for its hugely popular winter ice-fishing derby, when the frozen lake fills with anglers, shanties and a festive crowd competing for trout and ling – one of the signature winter events in the region. Open-water fishing from the bank, boats and the shoreline is good spring through fall.
Hot springs and the North Platte
What makes Saratoga special is the town itself. The free public “Hobo” Hot Springs let you soak in naturally hot mineral water year-round – heavenly after a day of cold-weather fishing – and the famous upper North Platte River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, flows right through town. A campground and boat ramp serve the lake, making it an easy, welcoming basecamp.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Saratoga Lake is at the town of Saratoga in the North Platte valley, about 40 minutes north of I-80 (from Walcott Junction near Rawlins). The Snowy Range, the Sierra Madre and the blue-ribbon North Platte surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required.
- Ice derby: the winter derby is a big event – check dates and dress for serious cold.
- Soak afterward: the free Hobo Hot Springs in town are open year-round.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Saratoga Lake?
Rainbow and brown trout and ling (burbot), with especially strong ice fishing.
What is the Saratoga ice fishing derby?
A hugely popular winter event on the frozen lake, drawing crowds of anglers competing for trout and ling – one of the region’s signature winter gatherings.
Where is Saratoga Lake?
At the town of Saratoga in Carbon County, south-central Wyoming, in the North Platte valley.
Related: explore the small lakes of Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
