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Green River Lakes with Squaretop Mountain rising above clear blue waters in Wyoming Wind River Range

Pinedale Wyoming Fishing Guide - Rivers, Lakes, and Wind River Range Alpine Adventures

Quick Reference

WhatWhenKey Numbers
River fishingLate June - OctoberGreen: 200-400 CFS ideal wading; New Fork: 250-500 CFS
Alpine lakesMid-July - SeptemberIce-out: 8,000 ft by late June, 10,500+ ft by mid-July
Fontenelle tailwaterMay-June, Sept-Oct800-1,500 CFS ideal
Guided tripsBook by March for July$600-700/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shopTwo Rivers Fishing Co.(307) 367-4131, 232 W Pine St
FISHABLE
Updated yesterday

Dec 28: Classic winter tailwater fishing. Green River below Fontenelle at ~850-860 CFS—stable winter releases with crystal-clear water. Water temps 40-42°F. Fish stacked in deep runs and seams. Euro nymphing with small tungsten flies and micro midges effective. Streamers move big browns in low light. Tiny dries (midges/BWOs) on long leaders for rising fish. Best window: midday when sun warms banks. Icy ramps early morning. Lakes icing over—ice fishing underway. Two Rivers Fishing Co. has current conditions.

Overview

Pinedale sits at the base of the Wind River Range in western Wyoming - a small town of 2,000 people serving as the gateway to over 1,300 named lakes, hundreds of miles of fishable streams, and genuine alpine wilderness. This is where you catch golden trout in granite basins at 11,000 feet, float freestone rivers through sagebrush country, or hire a horse packer to drop you at a lake no one else will visit all week.

The Upper Green River begins its 730-mile journey to the Colorado River system right here, flowing from Green River Lakes beneath the iconic profile of Squaretop Mountain. The New Fork River drains another swath of the Wind River Range. Both offer float fishing through private ranch land, wade-fishing on public stretches, and quality brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.

But the real draw lies in the backcountry. The Bridger Wilderness encompasses 428,000 acres of the western Wind River Range - 48 peaks over 12,000 feet, seven of the largest glaciers in the contiguous U.S., and alpine lakes holding brook trout, cutthroat, grayling, and golden trout. Few places in the Lower 48 offer this combination of remote fishing and genuine wilderness.

Drive Times from Pinedale:

DestinationDistanceTime
Green River Lakes52 miles1 hr 20 min
Fremont Lake6 miles10 min
Elkhart Park Trailhead (Titcomb Basin)14 miles25 min
Big Sandy Trailhead (Cirque of Towers)52 miles1 hr 30 min
Fontenelle Reservoir Tailwater70 miles1 hr 15 min
Jackson Hole77 miles1 hr 30 min

Seasons and Timing

Pinedale's fishing calendar is dictated by elevation. The rivers fish from late May through October, but the alpine lakes don't fully thaw until mid-July most years.

SeasonTimingConditionsBest Bet
Late SpringMay-early JuneRivers clearing from runoff, alpine still frozenGreen River below Warren Bridge, New Fork near Pinedale
Early SummerMid June-JulyPrime river fishing, hatches peak, alpine lakes thawingFloat trips, Green River Lakes, lower elevation alpine lakes
Peak SummerLate July-AugustAlpine fully accessible, afternoon thunderstorms commonTitcomb Basin, Cirque of Towers, high alpine lakes
Early FallSeptemberBest alpine weather, fall colors, fewer bugsBackcountry trips, reservoir fishing
Late FallOctoberRivers excellent, alpine snowed in, browns spawningFontenelle tailwater, lower Green River

Key timing notes:

  • The Green clears earlier than most freestones during runoff (mid-May to mid-June)
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm July-August - plan to be off ridges by early afternoon
  • September offers the best backcountry weather: stable, cool, fewer bugs
  • First significant alpine snow typically hits by late September

Water temps: Rivers 50-65°F in summer; alpine lakes 45-55°F even in August.

The Rivers

Upper Green River

The Green River valley in Wyoming - a classic freestone river flowing through ranch country

The Green River valley in Wyoming - a classic freestone river flowing through ranch country

The Green River begins at Green River Lakes, 52 miles north of Pinedale, and flows south through a mix of National Forest, BLM, and private land. This is a classic freestone river - cobble bottom, riffles and runs, undercut banks holding brown trout.

Flow Windows (Green River at Warren Bridge):

CFSConditions
200-400Ideal wading - good clarity, most water accessible
400-700Floatable, some wading limitations, fishing remains good
700-1,200High but runnable, faster floats, fish holding tight to banks
1,200+Runoff conditions - difficult fishing, dangerous wading

Character: The Upper Green is all about hatches. Rendezvous Anglers notes that Green Drakes, Golden Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, Caddis, Tricos, and Callibaetis all make strong showings. During the late June/July hatch season, this river rivals anything in Montana.

Float Sections and Distances:

SectionRiver MilesFloat TimeNotes
Green River Lakes to Warren Bridge24 miles1-2 daysRapids at Moose Creek; experienced floaters only at high water
Warren Bridge to 40 Rod~12 milesFull dayBest public access section, BLM land
40 Rod to Daniel (Hwy 189)~8 milesHalf dayMix of public and private
Daniel to Sommers~18 milesFull day+Mostly private, guided trips recommended
Warren Bridge to New Fork confluence56 miles3-4 daysMulti-day float through ranch country
Green River Lakes to Fontenelle146 miles7-10 daysFull upper river expedition

Sections:

Green River Lakes to Warren Bridge (24 miles)

  • Low gradient initially, then Class II rapids at Moose Creek
  • Experienced floaters only during high flows
  • Low water limits this to canoes, kayaks, or float tubes - not drift boats
  • Excellent cutthroat and brook trout in upper reaches
  • Camping at Green River Lakes Campground (39 sites, first-come first-served, $12/night)

Warren Bridge Area (11 miles of public water)

  • Best public access on the entire river
  • BLM Road 5201 parallels river with 12 separate access points and boat ramps
  • Brown and rainbow trout average 14-16 inches
  • Entirely public land - no permission needed
  • Good day float: Put in at Warren Bridge #12, take out at 40 Rod (approximately 12 miles)

Below Warren Bridge to Fontenelle (56+ miles)

  • Mostly private ranch land
  • Float trips required to access best water - stay in your boat through private sections
  • Trophy brown trout potential - big fish hold in deep bends, undercut willows, and around bridge pilings
  • Popular guided float section
  • Best fishing early morning and evening; midday fish hold tight to structure

Access Points:

  • Green River Lakes: End of road access, campground, trailhead
  • Warren Bridge: Primary public access - 12 riverside camps along 9 miles, boat ramps at sites 1, 2, 4, and 12
  • 40 Rod Creek / Daniel Fish Hatchery: Take-out west of Hwy 191 on Pape Road
  • Daniel Junction: Private boat access (small fee at Stanley's Junction Conoco)
  • Sommers: Common take-out for day floats from Daniel area
  • Seedskadee NWR: Lower river public access (see Fontenelle section)

Major Hatches:

HatchTimingPatterns
Blue Winged OlivesApr-May, Sept-OctParachute Adams 16-20, BWO Sparkle Dun
CaddisMay-AugElk Hair Caddis 14-18, Goddard Caddis
Golden StonefliesLate June-JulyStimulator 6-10, Golden Stone Nymph
Yellow SalliesJune-JulyYellow Sally 12-16
PMDsJune-AugPMD Comparadun 16-18, Split-Back Emerger
Green DrakesLate June-JulyGreen Drake 10-12, Extended Body patterns
HoppersJuly-SeptFoam hoppers 8-12
TricosAug-SeptTrico Spinner 18-22

New Fork River

The New Fork originates at New Fork Lakes in the Wind River Range and flows past Cora, Pinedale, and Boulder before joining the Green River. It's smaller than the Green, with more intimate water and good populations of brown and rainbow trout.

Flow Windows (New Fork River near Big Piney):

CFSConditions
100-250Low but fishable, concentrated fish
250-500Ideal - good clarity, excellent fishing
500-800High but fishable
800+Runoff, difficult conditions

Character: The New Fork is mostly private water - nearly the entire river flows through ranch land after leaving National Forest. This makes guided float trips or wade leases the only realistic way to fish most of it. Two Rivers Fishing Company holds private access leases and offers guided trips.

Important: The New Fork has low bridge clearance (old railroad car bridges on ranches) that eliminates standard drift boats. Guides use aluminum jon boats, small rafts, or low-profile fishing craft.

Float Sections (70 river miles total):

SectionDistanceNotes
Pinedale to Boulder Bridge~11 milesHalf-day to full-day float, mostly private
Boulder Bridge to Gas Wells~15 milesFull day, Gas Wells has 2 miles of public water
Gas Wells to Green River confluence~20 milesLong float, ends ~6 miles east of Big Piney

Public Access Points:

  • Pinedale / Pine Creek: Walk-in access at Boyd Skinner Park
  • Mesa Bridge: 2 miles south of Pinedale via South Tyler Street - WY Game & Fish access
  • Boulder Bridge: 11 miles south of Pinedale on Paradise Rd - boat ramp and trailer parking
  • Gas Wells: Only significant public water on lower river (~2 miles)
  • Olsen Bridge: Lower river take-out

Float maps: Wyoming Game and Fish provides detailed maps showing put-ins, take-outs, easements, and camping areas for both rivers.

Small Creeks and Tributaries

Several smaller streams offer walk-in fishing without the need for a drift boat:

Pine Creek

  • Flows right through Pinedale
  • Wyoming Game and Fish maintains access in Boyd Skinner Park
  • Rainbow and brown trout
  • Perfect for an evening session if you're staying in town

Pole Creek, Willow Creek, Boulder Creek

  • Tributaries to the New Fork River
  • Brook trout in upper reaches
  • Access via Forest Service roads and trails
  • Small water, small flies, easy wading

East Fork River

  • Joins Green River downstream
  • Less pressure than main rivers
  • Good brook and brown trout fishing

Float Trips

Due to limited public access, guided float trips are the best way to experience the Green and New Fork Rivers. Two Rivers Fishing Company has operated in the area for over 20 years and holds the most extensive private water leases.

Float Trip Options:

RiverSectionCharacter
Upper GreenNational Forest sectionsPublic access, scenic mountain water
Upper GreenWarren Bridge to FontenellePrivate ranch water, large browns
New ForkPinedale to confluenceTechnical floating (low bridges), private water
Fontenelle TailwaterBelow dam to SeedskadeeTrophy tailwater, cutthroat and browns
Seedskadee NWRRefuge waters26 miles of fly-fishing water, wildlife viewing

Outfitters:

Guided Trip Pricing (2024-2025):

Trip TypeCostDurationIncludes
Full-day float$600-7006-8 hoursLunch, flies, gear, beverages
Half-day float$450-5504 hoursSnacks, flies, gear, beverages
Night mousing$650EveningTrophy brown trout on mouse patterns
Private water wade$550-650Full dayExclusive lease access, lunch

Prices are per boat (1-2 anglers). Book well ahead for July - prime season fills early. Most outfitters require 50% deposit and have 60-day cancellation policies.

The Big Reservoirs

Fremont Lake

Wyoming's second-largest natural lake sits just 6 miles from downtown Pinedale. At 600 feet deep and 12 miles long, Fremont offers a completely different fishing experience than the rivers.

Species:

  • Lake trout (Mackinaw) - the main draw, fish to 20+ pounds
  • Kokanee salmon - good numbers, especially for jigging
  • Rainbow trout
  • Brown trout

Character: Fremont is a deep, cold, glacial lake with steep drop-offs and glacial origins that sustain trophy fish year-round. Lake trout hold deep much of the year - trolling and jigging are the primary methods.

Lake Trout Fishing Techniques:

SeasonTarget DepthNotes
Ice-out (spring)Surface to 10 ftLakers cruise shallows - best shore fishing of the year
Mid-spring20-30 ftFish moving deeper as water warms
Late spring30-45 ftTrolling becomes primary method
Summer30-60 ftStay near structure; fish suspend in 53°F thermal layers
Fall20-40 ftLakers move shallower again

Trolling tips:

  • Troll parallel to drop-offs and shoals, not over them - lake trout like edges
  • Small lures outproduce large ones: Sutton Silver Spoons, #0-1 Mepps, Panther Martins, small Cleos
  • Keep speed slow - just enough for lure action
  • Use 1-oz weight for depths to 40 ft, 2-oz for depths to 65 ft
  • Watch your depth finder for baitfish schools - lakers sit underneath waiting for strays

Shore fishing: Best during ice-out when road access opens while lake trout still cruise the shallows. Wyoming Game and Fish notes Boulder, Fremont, and Half Moon lakes all fish well from shore in early spring.

Facilities:

  • Boat ramp and marina at Fremont Lake Lodge
  • Lakeside camping
  • Ice fishing in winter (ice typically safe by late December)

Boulder Lake

Located near the town of Boulder, this 3,500-acre reservoir offers a quieter alternative to Fremont.

Species: Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon

Character: Shallower than Fremont (50-70 feet), making it more accessible for fly rodders. Spring and fall bring trout within casting range of shore anglers.

Half Moon Lake

A smaller "finger lake" 10 miles from Pinedale in a forested mountain pocket.

Species: Rainbow, brown, and lake trout

Fishing: Good shore access, excellent ice fishing in winter. Half Moon Lake Campground offers 17 sites at 7,600 feet elevation.

Soda Lake

This unusual lake just outside Pinedale produces trophy-class brook and brown trout despite marginal water chemistry. Fish kills occur periodically due to low oxygen and extreme temperatures, but survivors grow large.

Regulations: One fish per day limit, trout and brook trout combined. Closed November 15 - April 30.

Note: No motorized watercraft May 1-31. Trophy brook trout to 18+ inches reported.

Willow Lake

Another quality lake in the Pinedale "finger lake" chain with good brook and brown trout fishing.

Fontenelle Reservoir and Tailwater

The Green River below Fontenelle Dam, about 70 miles south of Pinedale, offers some of Wyoming's best tailwater fishing.

The Tailwater

Flow Windows (Green River below Fontenelle):

CFSConditions
800-1,500Ideal - consistent flows, good hatches
1,500-3,000Higher but fishable
3,000+Fast water, more technical

Species:

  • Brown trout - trophy potential, fish to 24+ inches
  • Snake River cutthroat
  • Bonneville cutthroat
  • Rainbow trout
  • Kokanee salmon (fall run)

Character: This 40-mile tailwater from the dam through Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge recovered dramatically after management changes in the 2000s. "I think it's as good as it was in the mid-90s or better," says veteran guide Dan Parson.

Best timing: May-June and September-October. Late August through mid-November brings the kokanee salmon run - thousands of fish stage in the river.

Key flies: Streamers for big browns, egg patterns during kokanee spawn, nymphs (Pat's Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tails), hopper-dropper setups in summer.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge - 36 miles of Green River flowing through high desert sagebrush country

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge - 36 miles of Green River flowing through high desert sagebrush country

The refuge encompasses 36 miles of Green River downstream from Fontenelle Dam. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages the area primarily for wildlife, but fishing is excellent.

Character: Class I floating - mellow, family-friendly, highly recommended for paddlers. Boat ramps spaced about a half-day float apart make multi-day trips easy.

Regulations: Half the refuge restricts fishing to artificial flies only.

Camping: Not allowed within the refuge, but free primitive campgrounds exist near Fontenelle Dam (15-minute drive).

Bug warning: Mosquitoes can be overwhelming late spring through early summer. Pack head nets and long sleeves.

The Alpine Lakes: Wind River Range Backcountry

Wind River Range in summer - alpine peaks, clear waters, and over 2,300 fishable lakes

Wind River Range in summer - alpine peaks, clear waters, and over 2,300 fishable lakes

The Wind River Range contains over 2,300 lakes and ponds spread across 2.25 million acres of wilderness. This is what sets Pinedale apart from other Western fishing destinations.

What Lives Up There

Brook trout: The most common species in Wind River lakes. Eager, colorful, and abundant - perfect for introducing kids or new anglers to high-country fishing.

Cutthroat trout: Native to the region, found in many lakes and connecting streams.

Rainbow trout: Stocked in some lakes, less common than brookies and cutthroats.

Grayling: Arctic grayling were introduced to select high lakes and have established self-sustaining populations in several basins.

Golden trout: The prize. Named for their stunning coloration - gold flanks with swaths of red and pink - golden trout exist in few places outside California's High Sierra. Wyoming Game and Fish manages over 133 alpine lakes holding golden trout, with the highest concentrations in the Wind River Range. Goldens now grow bigger in Wyoming than anywhere else on earth - the world record (28 inches, 11+ pounds) came from Cook Lake in 1948, and the all-tackle length record (53 inches) was set at Golden Lake in 2012.

Known golden trout lakes: Wyoming Game and Fish reports that Leg Lake, Thumb Lake, Windy Lake, Upper Saddlebags Lake, Lower Saddlebags Lake, Lower Tayo Lake, and Coon Lake all hold healthy golden trout populations with fish to 16-19 inches. Cook Lake is famous but Upper Cook Lake has been invaded by brook trout. Many of the better golden trout lakes are off-trail and require cross-country navigation to reach.

The Fishing Experience

Fly Fisherman Magazine describes Wind River fishing perfectly: "With remote waterways and unpressured trout, Wyoming's Wind River Range is the backcountry fly angler's mecca. In the alpine lakes and streams, trout may approach a dry fly two or more at a time, and an angler can cast for days without seeing another person."

What to expect:

  • Eager fish that haven't seen many flies
  • Clear water, visible fish
  • Small flies work (14-18 for most patterns)
  • Attractor dry flies produce well - Royal Wulffs, Stimulators, Parachute Adams
  • Small streamers like Woolly Buggers effective in larger lakes
  • Terrestrials (ants, beetles) excellent late summer

Tackle notes: A 4 or 5-weight rod handles everything. Pack light - you're carrying it on your back or a horse. Floating line, 9-foot leader, a small selection of dry flies and nymphs.

Popular Destinations

Titcomb Basin

Perhaps the most spectacular destination in the range. A 14-16 mile hike from Elkhart Park Trailhead leads through dense forest, flowery meadows, and past Island Lake and Seneca Lake before entering the basin - a granite cirque surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks.

  • Golden trout opportunity in basin lakes
  • Excellent brook and cutthroat fishing in lakes along the trail
  • Grayling in some waters
  • Permits not required for individual hikers (groups and stock users need permits)
  • CleverHiker calls it "unforgettable"

Best timing: Late August to early September for weather. Mid-July through August accessible but busy with afternoon storms.

Cirque of the Towers

A ring of 12,000-foot granite peaks crowning the Continental Divide, accessed via Big Sandy Trailhead. The classic route runs 18 miles out-and-back via Big Sandy Lake over Jackass Pass.

  • Lonesome Lake sits at the base of the towers
  • Good cutthroat fishing in area lakes
  • Important: No camping within ¼ mile of Lonesome Lake. Water contaminated by human waste - drink from other sources.

Green River Lakes

The easiest alpine experience - you can drive to it. Two glacial lakes beneath Squaretop Mountain mark the Green River's headwaters.

  • Brook trout, cutthroat, rainbow, and lake trout
  • Campground at Lower Lake (39 sites, $12/night)
  • Small motorized boats allowed on Lower Lake; non-motorized only on Upper Lake
  • Continental Divide Trail and Highline Trail begin here
  • 14-mile out-and-back day hike gets you close to Squaretop

Island Lake and Seneca Lake

Along the Titcomb Basin trail, these lakes offer excellent fishing with shorter hikes than going all the way to Titcomb.

  • Good brook and cutthroat populations
  • Scenic camping spots
  • Popular basecamp for exploring surrounding lakes

Pole Creek Drainage

Tommy Lake, Peter Lake, Don Lake, and others in this drainage hold healthy brook trout populations - Wyoming Game and Fish specifically mentions these waters.

Getting Into the Backcountry

Backpacking

The most common method. Trailheads are well-marked and trails generally maintained.

Key trailheads:

  • Elkhart Park: Access to Titcomb Basin, Seneca Lake, Island Lake (14 miles from Pinedale)
  • Green River Lakes: Access to Highline Trail, Continental Divide Trail
  • Big Sandy: Access to Cirque of the Towers, Big Sandy Lake

Permits: Individual backpackers do not need permits for the Bridger Wilderness. Permits required for:

  • Organized groups (scouts, church groups, clubs)
  • Overnight stock use (horses, mules)
  • Commercial operations

Camping rules:

  • Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
  • No fires above timberline
  • Bear-proof food storage required March 1 - December 1

Horseback Pack Trips

Horseback pack trips into the Wind River Range - the classic way to explore remote alpine wilderness

Horseback pack trips into the Wind River Range - the classic way to explore remote alpine wilderness

This is the classic way to experience the Wind River Range - ride in on horseback, let pack horses carry your gear, fish remote lakes all week. Several Pinedale outfitters specialize in these trips.

Trip Types:

TypeDescription
Base CampRide to a furnished camp, spend the week fishing, hiking, and relaxing while guides handle logistics
Pack TripMove camp to different locations, pack horses carry gear
Drop TripOutfitter packs your gear in, you hike/fish independently, outfitter packs you out
Day RidesShorter horseback excursions from trailhead

Outfitters:

What to expect: Trips range from 3 days to two weeks. Pack trips typically provide all camping gear, food, and fishing equipment. Expect to pay $400-600+ per person per day for fully outfitted trips. Drop trips are more economical if you have your own camping gear.

Regulations and Licenses

Wyoming Fishing License (Non-Resident, 2025):

License TypeCost
1 Day$16
5 Day$56
Season$110
Youth (under 14)Free with licensed adult

Purchase online at Wyoming Game and Fish or at local shops in Pinedale.

Key Regulations (Area 4):

  • Statewide creel limit: 6 trout per day from lakes, 3 from streams, or total 6 in possession. No more than 1 may exceed 16 inches. No more than 1 cutthroat may exceed 12 inches.
  • Soda Lake: 1 trout per day (trout and brook trout combined). Closed Nov 15 - Apr 30.
  • Fontenelle tailwater (first mile below dam): Closed October 1 - December 31.
  • Green River 4.5 miles below Fontenelle to Big Sandy River: 1 trout per day, all under 20 inches released, artificial flies and lures only.

Wind River Reservation: Anyone traveling on or within the boundaries of the Wind River Indian Reservation needs a Wind River Tribal Fishing/Trespass Permit - regardless of whether you're fishing or just hiking. The reservation boundary touches the eastern edge of the Wind River Range; verify your route doesn't cross reservation land.

Safety and Hazards

Altitude

Pinedale sits at 7,200 feet. Alpine destinations range from 9,000 to 12,000+ feet. Altitude sickness affects some visitors - stay hydrated, take it slow on arrival, watch for headaches and nausea.

Weather

The Winds are notorious for rapid weather changes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August - expect hail, lightning, and sudden temperature drops even on bluebird mornings. Plan hikes to be below treeline by early afternoon during storm season.

Lightning: Get off ridges and open water if storms approach. Avoid isolated trees. Crouch low if caught in the open.

Bears

Both grizzly and black bears inhabit the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Wind River Range. The Bridger-Teton National Forest requires proper food storage March 1 - December 1 (extended to January 15 in northern areas).

  • Carry bear spray
  • Store food in bear canisters or hang properly
  • Make noise on trails
  • Never approach or feed bears

Cold Water

Extended immersion leads to hypothermia even in summer. Waders recommended for river fishing. Don't underestimate cold water on float trips.

Remoteness

Backcountry destinations in the Winds are genuinely remote. Cell service doesn't exist. Self-rescue may be necessary. Carry first aid, navigation tools, emergency shelter, and extra food. Tell someone your itinerary.

Using RiverReports

RiverReports helps you time your Pinedale trip:

  • Check current flows on the Green and New Fork against the ideal windows above
  • Track trends: Rising, falling, or stable conditions matter for trip planning
  • Compare options: If the Green is running high, the Fontenelle tailwater might be perfect

Track Wyoming river conditions on RiverReports Wyoming.

Getting There

Airports: Jackson Hole (JAC) 77 miles/1.5 hrs; Rock Springs (RKS) 100 miles/1.5 hrs; Salt Lake City (SLC) 280 miles/4.5 hrs.

Vehicle: Essential. Most trailheads require gravel Forest Service roads. High-clearance recommended for Green River Lakes and alpine trailheads.

In town: Grocery, restaurants, gas, hospital. Two Rivers Fishing Company (see Quick Reference) is the primary fly shop.

Where to Stay

In Pinedale:

  • Budget: Sundance Motel, Pinedale Lodge - basic but clean rooms, $80-120/night
  • Mid-range: Best Western, Hampton Inn - standard amenities, $120-180/night
  • Vacation rentals: VRBO and Airbnb options available, especially useful for groups
  • Book early for July and August - Pinedale fills up during peak season

Camping:

CampgroundSitesCostNotes
Green River Lakes39$12/nightFirst-come first-served, fills early on summer weekends
Half Moon Lake17$15-25/nightReservations at Recreation.gov, lake access
Fremont Lake (various)50+$15-25/nightMultiple campgrounds, marina nearby
Warren Bridge (BLM)12 areasFreeDispersed camping along 9 miles of river
Dispersed (BTNF)UnlimitedFreeAnywhere on National Forest land outside developed sites

Tip: If you're doing a multi-day float or alpine trip, Warren Bridge dispersed camping puts you right on the river with no fees.

Lodges and Guest Ranches:

  • Half Moon Lake Lodge: Lakeside cabins, boat rentals, restaurant
  • Diamond 4 Ranch: Full-service guest ranch with guided fishing and pack trips
  • Big Sandy Lodge: Near Cirque of Towers trailhead, good basecamp for alpine trips
  • Lakeside Lodge (Fremont Lake): Marina access, cabin rentals

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