Lake Life: 6 Wyoming Mountain Lakes for Boating
Wyoming, known for its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness, is home to some of the best boating lakes in the country. Whether you're looking for fishing, watersports or simply relaxing and sightseeing on the water, the state offers numerous pristine lakes to explore from marinas and private boat lift rentals. Keep reading to discover some of the top lakes in Wyoming for boating and water-based fun.
Yellowstone Lake
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views, it’s a popular spot for boating, kayaking and fishing. The lake is approximately 136 square miles and reaches depths of more than 400 feet. Be aware of cold water temperatures (the average summer water temperature is around 40 degrees) and park regulations.
One of the highlights of boating on Yellowstone Lake is the opportunity to visit places like Stevenson Island and the historic remains of the E.C. Waters steamship. Boaters can also admire the stunning Absaroka Mountains from the water and witness geothermal features along the shoreline, including the famous West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake, situated in Grand Teton National Park, is a favorite destination for boaters. The 25,000-acre glacier-carved lake offers marinas, boat rentals and incredible views of the Teton Range and diverse wildlife. Activities such as fishing, wakeboarding, kayaking, powerboating and sailing are popular. Several marinas around the lake offer fuel and docking services. A Grand Teton National Park boating permit is required for all watercraft.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Spanning across the Wyoming-Utah border, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a paradise for boaters and anglers. It spans 91 miles and covers more than 42,000 acres. Its deep waters provide excellent conditions for powerboating, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing for trout and bass. The red rock cliffs surrounding the lake add to its scenic beauty. You may spot bighorn sheep, bald eagles and mule deer.
With an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, the water remains quite cold all year. All watercraft must undergo invasive species inspections before launching.
Boysen Reservoir
Located in Boysen State Park, Boysen Reservoir is ideal for boating, water skiing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. It’s more than 19,500 acres in size and offers the amazing scenery of the Owl Creek Mountains along the lake, hiking trails and forested pathways. Catch sight of deer, eagles and pronghorn antelope as you glide across the waterways. With multiple campgrounds and marinas, the lake is a convenient getaway for outdoor enthusiasts to visit from private boat dock rentals and marinas. It’s a popular ice-fishing spot.
Glendo Reservoir
One of the best lakes in Wyoming for watersports, the 12,000-acre Glendo Reservoir offers plenty of space for jet skiing, tubing, fishing, powerboating and wakeboarding. It’s situated along the North Platte River and offers several marinas and boat ramps. Anglers enjoy casting for walleye, catfish, perch and bass.
The surrounding state park provides camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities, making it a great spot for a weekend adventure whether from home, a marina or a private boat slip rental. As with many lakes in Wyoming, all watercraft must undergo aquatic invasive species inspections before launching.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Situated near Cody, Wyoming, the 8,000-acre Buffalo Bill Reservoir sits along the Shoshone River and offers several boat ramps. It’s known for its excellent fishing, boating, windsurfing and jet-skiing conditions. Anglers cast for walleye and cutthroat, rainbow and lake trout. The nearby Buffalo Bill State Park offers picnic and camping facilities and makes the perfect spot for an extended stay whether you’re coming from a marina or a private boat slip rental.
