Trout Lake is a tiny, gem-like 12-acre lake in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park – a short, steep walk from the road and a legendary spot for sight-fishing big cutthroat and rainbow trout. Cradled in a grassy bowl near the Lamar Valley, with crystal-clear water and dramatic spring spawning runs, it’s a bucket-list fly-fishing lake. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Trout Lake at a glance
- A famous little fly-fishing lake
- Fishing Trout Lake
- Hiking, swimming and what to know
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in Trout Lake?
- How long is the hike to Trout Lake?
- Do you need a permit to fish Trout Lake?
- Where is Trout Lake?
Trout Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~12 acres (a small, clear lake)
- Access: a short ~0.9-mile hike with about 200 feet of climb, off the Northeast Entrance Road
- Location: northeastern Yellowstone National Park, near the Lamar Valley
- Top fish: cutthroat trout (to ~22″) and rainbow trout (rare, but recorded to ~30″)
- Permit: a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required (not a state license)
A famous little fly-fishing lake
Trout Lake is small but mighty: just 12 acres of clear water reached by a short, steep path off the Northeast Entrance Road. Its cutthroat grow to around 22 inches and its rare rainbows have been recorded near 30 inches – and because the water is so clear, you can often sight-fish to cruising trout. In late spring the spawning runs on the inlet stream are an unforgettable sight, with big trout stacked in the shallows.
Fishing Trout Lake
This is a premier fly-fishing and sight-fishing lake. A Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required (a Wyoming state license does not cover park waters), and park regulations apply – typically catch-and-release for native cutthroat, so check current rules. The best window is late June into July, after the spawn, when fish are hungry; the open, grassy shoreline makes for easy walk-and-wade casting. Because it’s popular and fragile, tread lightly and avoid disturbing spawning fish.
Hiking, swimming and what to know
The hike in is short but climbs right away, then levels at the lake – an easy outing for most visitors. There’s no camping at the lake and no developed swim area (the water is cold and clear). This is grizzly country in the Lamar region, so carry bear spray, stay alert and give wildlife plenty of room.
Getting there and what’s nearby
The Trout Lake trailhead is on the Northeast Entrance Road in northeastern Yellowstone National Park, between Tower-Roosevelt and the Lamar Valley. The Lamar Valley (famous for wolves and bison), Silver Gate and Cooke City are nearby.
Know before you go
- Park permit: a Yellowstone fishing permit is required (not a state license).
- Sight-fishing: clear water and big trout – fish carefully and follow park catch-and-release rules.
- Bear country: carry bear spray; best fishing is late June into July.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Trout Lake?
Cutthroat trout (to about 22 inches) and rainbow trout (rare, but recorded near 30 inches).
How long is the hike to Trout Lake?
About 0.9 miles each way with roughly 200 feet of climb – short but steep at the start.
Do you need a permit to fish Trout Lake?
Yes – a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required; a Wyoming state license does not cover park waters.
Where is Trout Lake?
In northeastern Yellowstone, off the Northeast Entrance Road near the Lamar Valley.
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.
