Shoal Lake in Teton County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Shoal Lake sits in Teton County, out in Wyoming. The country here is mixed forest. At 8 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Nearest town is Jackson, 21 miles off. Billings is the closest city, 190 miles away. Close neighbours run: MacLeod Lake just 0.9 miles, Brewster Lake 4.1 miles away, Chateau Lake just 5.7 miles, Lunch Lake 6.3 miles away and Box Lake just 7 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Shoal Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Teton County include mountain whitefish, lake trout, Utah sucker, brown trout and brook trout. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Shoal Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 50°F; by December the average is down near 14°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late May. Ice clears near late May and comes back about early November in a typical year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on Shoal Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. MacLeod Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat Shoal Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.