Ice Fishing
In the depth of winter, break the ice for some great fishing. Many people use snowmobiles or ATVs to cross frozen lake surfaces while others simply walk on in. Popular winter fishing destinations include; Fremont, Half Moon and Boulder Lakes and Green River Lakes in the Wind River Range and Middle Piney Lake in the Wyoming Range. Ice depth and conditions should be checked out by anglers with contact to the Wyoming Game and Fish before heading out at 307-367-4353.
Fremont Lake
To reach Fremont Lake, take Fremont Lake Road just east of Ridley?s in Pinedale and follow it for 3.2 miles to the turnoff. Turn left and take the left fork for Sandy Beach and the Lower Boat Ramp. You can also park at the fork and walk, or snowmobile, to the campground.
Half Moon Lake
The turnoff for Half Moon Lake is about 7 miles from town on Fremont Lake Rd. Take a right on FS 114/Half Moon Lake Road. A few miles down will be an access to the public boat ramp. Continue a little further and you will reach a second dock at Half Moon Lake.
Green River Lakes
For those looking for an all-day adventure, the Green River Lakes are a great destination to snowmobile into for a day of fishing with Dollar Lake along the way as another fishing stop. Follow the groomed miles on the CD Trail and the N Trail to fish these lakes.
Winter Fly Fishing
New Fork River
November through late December provides good opportunities for a large pre-spawn brown trout in the lower river. The New Fork River begins from New Fork Lakes on the Wind River Mountain Range and flows for fifty miles from its beginning through Pinedale. It's a tributary of the Green River known for its sly rainbows and wily, wild browns. There is only one stretch of public water just downstream from Pinedale so its best to wait until you can float by boat to fish the burrowed banks and deep runs for the trophy trout. In the meantime, practice your pulsating motion, tie you some stonefly nymphs, and before you know it the river will clear.
Green River
The Green River starts at Green River Lakes, high on the Stroud Peak on the western side of the Wind River Mountain Range and just north of Pinedale, Wyoming. November through December can be the best seasons to be on the Green River and the Blue Winged Olive hatches are bountiful. The streamers and the midge patterns tend to work best in late fall. The upper more remote sections can be easily accessed from route 352 and by access from the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail system from the Upper Green parking lot. Another popular spot that can also be easily accessed is the five mile stretch from Warren Bridge to Daniel where US 191 and US 189 intersect. Anxious anglers will have to watch conditions come late spring time before they can really have a better idea of which drainages they will be fishing at which time and their prospective flows.
Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Fishermen from all over the Rocky Mountain region add a competitive edge to ice fishing Fremont Lake. The first weekend when March falls brings the Pinedale Boat Club's annual Big Fish Ice Derby for some big money.
Fishing Licenses & Gear
Fishing licenses, bait, and gear, are available at Gannett Sports, the Great Outdoor Shop, Ace Hardware, and A to Z Hardware.
Typical Conditions
Area lakes typically freeze to 17" thick and more, plenty to hold the weight of fishermen and their snowmobiles. If you're unfamiliar with the current lake and river conditions, contact the Forest Service, Game & Fish Office, or local sporting goods store for current conditions and safety cautions. Take caution at all times and watch for lake overflow, wet areas and open water.
