Heart Lake sits in the remote backcountry of Yellowstone National Park's southwest region, accessible via the Heart Lake Trailhead. This backcountry lake offers anglers a true wilderness fishing experience in the Snake River drainage system. The lake holds both native cutthroat trout and invasive lake trout, with lake trout becoming the dominant species following their spread through the Lewis and Snake river systems. Anglers willing to make the backcountry trek will find opportunities for both trophy lake trout fishing and cutthroat trout action in a stunning mountain setting. The lake's remote location and bear activity patterns influence fishing access and timing throughout the season.
Learn what type of fish are at Heart Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Salvelinus namaycush
Learn how to get on Heart Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Heart Lake, and when to apply.
Yellowstone National Park
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
Every boat on Yellowstone's lakes needs a park boat permit, float tubes included, bought in person at Bridge Bay, Grant Village or Lewis Lake.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Yellowstone National Park
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
A fishing license is required for residents and nonresidents age 14 and over. Nonresidents under age 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
In Wyoming, landowners own the streambed. Anyone may float across private land on navigable water, but the streambed is the property of the owner. Minor and incidental contact with the streambed is not considered trespassing. As stated by Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “Anglers are not allowed to wade fish or fish from a bank or island without permission if the stream bank, island, or streambed is privately owned. Wading, bank fishing, or anchoring without permission is trespassing.”
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Heart Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Heart Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
See the best times to fish Heart Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Loading popular cities...
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.
