Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOSHONE LAKE
The largest backcountry lake in the lower 48, Shoshone Lake spells paradise for hikers
and kayakers. The serene lake is closed to motorized vessels and is lined with a dozen se-
cluded boater-only campsites. On its far western edge, Shoshone Geyser Basin's pools,
thermals and mud pots comprise the largest backcountry thermal area in the park. One-
third of all of Yellowstone's backcountry use takes place along its shores, accessible only
to hikers and hand-propelled boats.
Boaters access the lake up the channel from Lewis Lake. From mid-July to August the
channel requires portage of up to 1 mile in cold water (bring appropriate footwear),
though in spring you can often paddle through.
Of 20 lakeshore campsites, 13 sites are reserved for boaters, five for hikers and three
are shared. All have pit toilets. Rangers claim the nicest campsites are 8Q4, 8R4 and 8R1.
Wood fires are not allowed along the lakeshore.
Most boaters make their first camp on the south shore (campsites nearest to the channel
are reserved for first- and last-night use only). If you need to cross the lake, do so early in
the morning and at the Narrows in the center of the lake. The lake is icebound until mid-
June, when flooding is possible at shoreline campsites. Backcountry boating campsites at
Shoshone Lake cannot be reserved before July 1 or 15, depending on the site.
Fishing
Yellowstone is justly famous for its fly- fishing, and the park's gateway towns have
dozens of excellent fly-fishing shops that can offer expert local advice on current flows,
flies and hatches, or arrange fully guided trips. Where else can you cast your line in sight
of a grazing bison or the steam of an exploding geyser? See
Click here
f
or general inform-
ation on fishing in the region. The park concessionaire
Xanterra
( 307-344-7311)
of-
fers full- or half-day fly-fishing guide services, as well as rod and reel rental.
Cutthroat trout, grayling and mountain whitefish, among 11 species that are native to
the park, are catch-and-release only. Some areas (such as the Gibbon River below Gibbon
Falls) are open to fly-fishing only. Lead weights are prohibited; only nontoxic alternatives
are sanctioned.
Fishing season usually runs from June 15 to the first Sunday in November, except for
streams that flow into Yellowstone Lake and some tributaries of the Yellowstone River,
which open July 15. Other rivers are permanently closed to fishing, including a 6-mile
stretch of the Yellowstone River in the Hayden Valley; some may close during the season
due to bear activity. The useful
Fishing Regulations
pamphlet details the park's complex
rules and regulations.
