Willow Lake fishing

Fishing at Willow Lake has Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout on the stocking report. It is stocked about 1.9 times a year since 2020, most often in June and July. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

June 1, 2026

Plants on record

13

Since 2020

Species recorded

2

Average size

6.6 in

Elevation

7,700 ft

Access and facts

Nearest town
Pinedale, WY
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, camping

Willow Lake Campground sits on the lake's south shore, 14 miles north of Pinedale on a dirt road, with Wind River Range views. Nine sites, a vault toilet in the campground and another at the boat launch. $12/night, first come first served.

Sources: access.boat_ramp , access.fee , access.shore , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Willow Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of July. In 2026 it was June 1, 2026, earlier than usual.

Fremont Lake (4.9 mi), New Fork Lake (7.4 mi), and Half Moon Lake (8.6 mi) were stocked more recently. Fremont Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, New Fork Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, and Half Moon Lake is also stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.

Fish at Willow Lake

Fishing Willow Lake is most likely to be for Cutthroat Trout. Cutthroat Trout accounts for 12 of 13 plants on record, ahead of Rainbow Trout.

Cutthroat Trout 12 plants
Plants
12 of 13
Last stocked
June 1, 2026
Average length
6.9 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Cutthroat Trout guide.

Rainbow Trout 1 plant
Plants
1 of 13
Last stocked
October 1, 2022
Average length
2.9 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Fishing Willow Lake

Willow Lake is a popular destination for fishing. This lake offers great views of the Wind River Range, providing a scenic backdrop for anglers. It is popular for its fishing and boating activities, making it a well-regarded spot for water-based recreation.

Sources: fs.usda.gov

What to watch for

Proper Food Storage is required at Willow Lake. All sites have metal bear boxes available.

Fish stocked per year

  • 512020
  • 26,4582021
  • 47,5862022
  • 24,9782023
  • 25,0842024
  • 27,2792025
  • 522026

Stocking history

Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 1, 2026 Cutthroat Trout 52 8 in report
September 1, 2025 Cutthroat Trout 27,229 9.3 in report
June 1, 2025 Cutthroat Trout 50 8.9 in report
October 1, 2024 Cutthroat Trout 25,034 4.1 in report
July 1, 2024 Cutthroat Trout 50 8 in report
October 1, 2023 Cutthroat Trout 24,927 3.7 in report
July 1, 2023 Cutthroat Trout 51 7.6 in report
October 1, 2022 Rainbow Trout 20,019 2.9 in report
October 1, 2022 Cutthroat Trout 27,522 3.9 in report
July 1, 2022 Cutthroat Trout 45 7 in report
June 1, 2021 Cutthroat Trout 45 7 in report
June 1, 2021 Cutthroat Trout 26,413 8.5 in report
July 1, 2020 Cutthroat Trout 51 7 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