Description: Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake at high elevation (i.e., more than 7,000 ft.) in North America with a surface area of 136 square miles. It is a natural lake, situated at 7,733 ft. above sea level. It is roughly 20 miles long and 14 miles wide with 110 miles of shoreline and is frozen nearly half the year. It freezes in late December or early January and thaws in late May or early June. Hot springs and thermal vents do enter the lake bottom, but the average summer temperature of the lake is still 45 degrees.
Outboards and rowboats may be rented (first come, first served) from AmFac Parks & Resorts at Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake (a short drive from the West Thumb Basin area). AmFac also provides guided fishing boats which may be reserved in advance by calling (307) 344-7311. Private boats may be launched from the marina, too.
Fishing is allowed. The native fish are on a catch and release basis only. Lake trout are to be killed if caught. Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to purchase either a $10 ten-day or $20 season permit. Anglers 12 to 15 years of age are required to obtain a non-fee permit. Children 11 years of age or younger may fish without a permit when supervised by an adult. Fishing permits are available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Hamilton General Stores. Yellowstone National Park has implemented a non-toxic fishing program. Tackle such as leaded split shot sinkers, weighted jigs, and soft weighted ribbon for fly fishing are prohibited.
Since we only had 3 days in the park, we didn't spend much time by the lake. But we were able to enjoy a lot of beautiful views of it's northern shore while driving from the West Thumb Basin on to the Canyon area.
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