Gardner Lake fishing

Fishing at Gardner Lake has Tiger Trout on the stocking report. It is stocked once in 2025, most often in July. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

July 1, 2025

Plants on record

1

Since 2025

Species recorded

1

Average size

3.4 in

Elevation

9,947 ft

Access and facts

Reached via the Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail: a steep hike down from a pullout on the Beartooth Highway (US-212) near Beartooth Pass. No road access. One of the loop's three named lakes, described as holding small, eager trout.

Sources: shore_notes , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Gardner Lake is stocked

Long Lake (2.9 mi) was stocked more recently.

Fish at Gardner Lake

Fishing Gardner Lake is most likely to be for Tiger Trout. The one plant on record is Tiger Trout.

Tiger Trout 1 plant
Plants
1 of 1
Last stocked
July 1, 2025
Average length
3.4 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Tiger Trout guide.

Fishing Gardner Lake

Along the Beartooth Loop Trail, Gardner Lake is one of "three large lakes" known for their "small but eager fish." Anglers can access the lake after "a relatively steep descent from the highway to Gardner Lake." The trail then follows "a gentler grade in a large loop" past these lakes.

Sources: americantrails.org

What to watch for

Anglers in the area should be aware of wildlife, as "grizzly bears or wolves" occasionally "roam the wilderness adjacent to the trail." Access to Gardner Lake involves "a relatively steep descent from the highway."

Stocking history

Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
July 1, 2025 Tiger Trout 1,099 3.4 in report

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes