Lake Time: Water Lover’s Guide to Yellowstone

Visitors seeking a water-based experience need only head to Yellowstone Lake. The massive, crystal blue beauty sports 141 miles of lodgepole pine-studded shoreline. Action central is Bridge Bay Marina, just three miles south of the park’s historic Lake Hotel.

“A lot of people don’t know we’re here because we’re tucked back away from the road,” says marina manager Crystal Cassidy.

Though the water is a tad nippy for swimming, the marina offers a number of ways to experience the lake for a couple of hours, an entire day, or longer. They include:

Take a Scenic Cruise

The 41-passenger Lake Queen II plies the water on one-hour narrated tours. The route offers splendid views of the waterfront Lake Hotel. Built in 1891, it’s the park’s oldest lodging and, arguably, its most elegant. Also on the itinerary is Stevenson Island, where, if water levels cooperate, the wreckage of the steamship E.C. Waters is visible. In the early 1900s, the boat (licensed to carry 609 people) ferried passengers from stagecoaches to the Lake Hotel. But when the owner lost his operating permit, he abandoned the vessel near the island. In 1921, it broke loose from its moorings and ran aground, cracking the hull and causing it to sink.

Bird life, including eagles, can be seen on and around the island around the island. Bison sometimes make their way there via winter ice. And bears have been known to swim to the spot.

The Lake Queen II is covered and (if necessary) heated, making it a good option on bad-weather days. Park denizens recommend having an early dinner at the Lake Hotel before boarding the boat for an early evening cruise. Depending on the time of year, you’ll be treated to a sunset over the lake.

Rent a Boat

Enjoy the lake on your own with a rental boat.

Rowboats that hold up to four passengers are available. Prefer to take it easy? Go for a rental equipped with an outboard motor that seats six. (Rental boat passengers must be at least 2-years old.)

Go Fishing

The fishing in Yellowstone is regarded as some of the nation’s best. At Yellowstone Lake, there’s a catch-and-release rule for cutthroat trout. But you can catch as many of non-native lake trout as you like, due to efforts to eradicate the exotic invasive species.

No experience is needed. “We get a lot of people who are trying it for the first time,” says Cassidy. However, you will need a Yellowstone-specific fishing permit, available in the park.

Guided fishing charters (two-hour minimum) accommodate up to six people. Equipment is provided and your guide will even clean your catch. If you prefer to go out on the lake on your own, you can rent an outboard motor boat or rowboat, but in this case, you must bring your own fishing equipment as none is avaialble for rent in the park. Alternatively, you can fish on your own in Yellowstone’s blue-ribbon fishing streams, though special regulations apply.

Want help cooking your catch? Just take your fish to the Lake Hotel (by 3:30 p.m.) or the Lake Lodge (one hour in advance) and they’ll prepare it for you.

Shuttle to the Backcountry

For the truly adventurous, Xanterra runs a backcountry shuttle that ferries up to six passengers across the lake to some of the most remote spots in the Lower 48. A choice of five drop-off points is offered and you can even bring your own kayak on board. In addition, canoes are available for rent only with backcountry boat service so you can explore on your own after being dropped off by the shuttle.

Rent a Dock Slip

If you have your own boat, and want the convenience of having it available whenever you’re ready for a Yellowstone Lake experience, consider renting a dock slip at the Bridge Bay Marina. Choose from nightly, monthly, and full-season boat slip rentals. Boats up to 40 feet in length can be accommodated. There is non-ethanol gas sales and access to a sewage dump station.

Bridge Bay Marina offers non-ethanol gasoline and access to a free sewage dump station. Private boats require a permit from the National Park Service and an aquatic invasive species inspection prior to entering the water.

How to Explore

With nine unique lodging options, including the renowned historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Yellowstone National Park Lodges allows you to have the ultimate park experience. Staying in the park is the best way for visitors to experience all it has to offer. Once the day-visitors leave, Yellowstone remains for the in-park overnight guests alone. Yellowstone National Park Lodges also offers tours and activities guided by Certified Interpretive Guides that help create memorable experiences. For more information on lodging, tours, and vacation packages, visit yellowstonenationalparklodges.com or call 307-344-7311.