Pinedale Fishing Report: Green River & New Fork Conditions

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
River fishing	Late June - October	Green: 200-400 CFS ideal wading; New Fork: 250-500 CFS
Alpine lakes	Mid-July - September	Ice-out: 8,000 ft by late June, 10,500+ ft by mid-July
Fontenelle tailwater	May-June, Sept-Oct	800-1,500 CFS ideal
Guided trips	Book by March for July	$600-700/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shop	Two Rivers Fishing Co.	(307) 367-4131, 232 W Pine St

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:

Destination	Distance	Time
Green River Lakes	52 miles	1 hr 20 min
Fremont Lake	6 miles	10 min
Elkhart Park Trailhead (Titcomb Basin)	14 miles	25 min
Big Sandy Trailhead (Cirque of Towers)	52 miles	1 hr 30 min
Fontenelle Reservoir Tailwater	70 miles	1 hr 15 min
Jackson Hole	77 miles	1 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.

Season	Timing	Conditions	Best Bet
Late Spring	May-early June	Rivers clearing from runoff, alpine still frozen	Green River below Warren Bridge, New Fork near Pinedale
Early Summer	Mid June-July	Prime river fishing, hatches peak, alpine lakes thawing	Float trips, Green River Lakes, lower elevation alpine lakes
Peak Summer	Late July-August	Alpine fully accessible, afternoon thunderstorms common	Titcomb Basin, Cirque of Towers, high alpine lakes
Early Fall	September	Best alpine weather, fall colors, fewer bugs	Backcountry trips, reservoir fishing
Late Fall	October	Rivers excellent, alpine snowed in, browns spawning	Fontenelle 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 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):

CFS	Conditions
200-400	Ideal wading - good clarity, most water accessible
400-700	Floatable, some wading limitations, fishing remains good
700-1,200	High 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:

Section	River Miles	Float Time	Notes
Green River Lakes to Warren Bridge	24 miles	1-2 days	Rapids at Moose Creek; experienced floaters only at high water
Warren Bridge to 40 Rod	~12 miles	Full day	Best public access section, BLM land
40 Rod to Daniel (Hwy 189)	~8 miles	Half day	Mix of public and private
Daniel to Sommers	~18 miles	Full day+	Mostly private, guided trips recommended
Warren Bridge to New Fork confluence	56 miles	3-4 days	Multi-day float through ranch country
Green River Lakes to Fontenelle	146 miles	7-10 days	Full 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:

Hatch	Timing	Patterns
Blue Winged Olives	Apr-May, Sept-Oct	Parachute Adams 16-20, BWO Sparkle Dun
Caddis	May-Aug	Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Goddard Caddis
Golden Stoneflies	Late June-July	Stimulator 6-10, Golden Stone Nymph
Yellow Sallies	June-July	Yellow Sally 12-16
PMDs	June-Aug	PMD Comparadun 16-18, Split-Back Emerger
Green Drakes	Late June-July	Green Drake 10-12, Extended Body patterns
Hoppers	July-Sept	Foam hoppers 8-12
Tricos	Aug-Sept	Trico 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):

CFS	Conditions
100-250	Low but fishable, concentrated fish
250-500	Ideal - good clarity, excellent fishing
500-800	High 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):

Section	Distance	Notes
Pinedale to Boulder Bridge	~11 miles	Half-day to full-day float, mostly private
Boulder Bridge to Gas Wells	~15 miles	Full day, Gas Wells has 2 miles of public water
Gas Wells to Green River confluence	~20 miles	Long 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:

River	Section	Character
Upper Green	National Forest sections	Public access, scenic mountain water
Upper Green	Warren Bridge to Fontenelle	Private ranch water, large browns
New Fork	Pinedale to confluence	Technical floating (low bridges), private water
Fontenelle Tailwater	Below dam to Seedskadee	Trophy tailwater, cutthroat and browns
Seedskadee NWR	Refuge waters	26 miles of fly-fishing water, wildlife viewing

Outfitters:

• Two Rivers Fishing Company - Pinedale's original fly shop, largest private lease selection
• Wyoming Fishing Company - Green River Basin specialists
• Imagine That Outfitters - Night mousing floats and trophy brown hunting
• Thomson Outfitters - One of Wyoming's oldest outfitters, pack trips and fishing
• Reel Deal Anglers - Licensed on 160 miles of Green and New Fork

Guided Trip Pricing (2024-2025):

Trip Type	Cost	Duration	Includes
Full-day float	$600-700	6-8 hours	Lunch, flies, gear, beverages
Half-day float	$450-550	4 hours	Snacks, flies, gear, beverages
Night mousing	$650	Evening	Trophy brown trout on mouse patterns
Private water wade	$550-650	Full day	Exclusive 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 roughly 10 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:

Season	Target Depth	Notes
Ice-out (spring)	Surface to 10 ft	Lakers cruise shallows - best shore fishing of the year
Mid-spring	20-30 ft	Fish moving deeper as water warms
Late spring	30-45 ft	Trolling becomes primary method
Summer	30-60 ft	Stay near structure; fish suspend in 53°F thermal layers
Fall	20-40 ft	Lakers 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 roughly 300-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):

CFS	Conditions
800-1,500	Ideal - consistent flows, good hatches
1,500-3,000	Higher 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

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

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 Wyoming continues to produce some of the largest golden trout anywhere.

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

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:

Type	Description
Base Camp	Ride to a furnished camp, spend the week fishing, hiking, and relaxing while guides handle logistics
Pack Trip	Move camp to different locations, pack horses carry gear
Drop Trip	Outfitter packs your gear in, you hike/fish independently, outfitter packs you out
Day Rides	Shorter horseback excursions from trailhead

Outfitters:

• Thomson Outfitters - One of Wyoming's oldest outfitters, family-run since 1927
• Diamond 4 Ranch - Guided pack trips and fly fishing in the Winds
• Feathered Hook - Horseback pack trips, spot packs, and gear drops into Bridger Wilderness
• Mule Shoe Outfitters / Kendall Valley Lodge - 3 to 14 day wilderness trips, specializing in golden trout, cutthroat, brook trout, and grayling
• Big Sandy Lodge - Guest ranch near the Cirque of Towers

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 Type	Cost
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for fly fishing in Pinedale, Wyoming?

July and August offer the best conditions with warm weather, manageable flows, and active dry fly hatches on the Green River. September brings fall colors and fewer crowds. Check RiverReports for current Green River flow windows.

What fish can you catch near Pinedale, Wyoming?

The Green and New Fork rivers hold brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. Wind River Range alpine lakes offer golden trout, brook trout, and cutthroat in remote backcountry settings.

Do you need a guide to fly fish near Pinedale?

Not for the wade-accessible upper Green River, which has 26 miles of quality fly water. However, guided float trips cover more water and access private stretches. Two Rivers Fishing Company and Rendezvous Anglers are local outfitters.

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:

Campground	Sites	Cost	Notes
Green River Lakes	39	$12/night	First-come first-served, fills early on summer weekends
Half Moon Lake	17	$15-25/night	Reservations at Recreation.gov, lake access
Fremont Lake (various)	50+	$15-25/night	Multiple campgrounds, marina nearby
Warren Bridge (BLM)	12 areas	Free	Dispersed camping along 9 miles of river
Dispersed (BTNF)	Unlimited	Free	Anywhere 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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