Beartooth Lake
Beartooth Lake
(Clarks Fork Ranger District)
Species Present:
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Artic Grayling, and Yellowstone Cutthroat.
Seasons:
This high elevation area receives significant snow pack. Many trails and lakes are still snow or ice covered far into June.
Access:
The Beartooth Plateau is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. The Beartooth Plateau is reached by taking State Highway 120 north out of Cody for 16 miles to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (296). When the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway comes to a "T", turn right or east onto State Highway 212. more info
This road is not maintained in the winter but is usually plowed open by Memorial Day. State Highway 212 usually remains open until the first major snowfall in the fall. Beartooth Lake will be on your left approximately 8 miles after turning onto State Highway 212. The Beartooths are primarily a shore fishery with boat ramps located on only few lakes. (Beartooth Lake being one of them). This highway receives a lot of snowmobile use in the winter with some people going in to the Beartooth Plateau lakes to try their luck ice fishing.
Camping:
Beartooth Lake Campground is located on this lake.
Comments:
The Beartooth Plateau is a very popular summer destination. The drive is very scenic with spectacular drop-offs and waterfalls viewable from the road. Plan to bring mosquito spray if spending time outside in the early part of summer. Many lakes are accessible from the road and are excellent for children learning to fish. The Beartooths are primarily a brook trout and rainbow trout fishery. Fish are generally small due to the short growing season. More successful fishing may be had by the angler willing to walk even a half to one mile from the road. The chance to catch a trophy lake trout and/or near state record artic grayling exists in the Beartooth Lake. State wide creel limits apply and all legal methods of fishing are allowed (check Wyoming Game and Fish fishing regulations before fishing.)
For further camping and access information, contact:
Clark's Fork Ranger District
203A Yellowstone Highway, Cody WY 82414
Tel: 307.527.6921
For specific fishing regulations or species and size information, contact:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
2620 State Highway 120, Cody WY 82414
Tel: 307.527.7125 - content from US Forest Service
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