Fishing Emerald Lake in Teton County, Wyoming

• Overview

  Emerald Lake stands in Teton County, Wyoming. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. Surface area runs to about 11 acres — small enough to read in one session. 46 miles away sits Moose Wilson Road, the nearest town. Driggs is 47 miles and Jackson 47 miles. Others close at hand: Gravel Lake sits 4.1 miles out, Enos Lake 6.5 miles away, Mariposa Lake sits 6.6 miles out, Moss Lake 7.5 miles away and Divide Lake sits 9.4 miles out. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Emerald Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Teton County: mountain whitefish, lake trout and Utah sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. The shape of Emerald Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 53°F and December near 14°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Break-up comes around mid May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid May in spring and again near early November in autumn. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Emerald Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Gravel Lake, 4.1 miles out. What applies at Emerald Lake may have changed since it was mapped.