Jackson Lake

Boating & Paddling Paradise

Jackson Lake is the only lake in Grand Teton National Park that allows motorized water sports like water-skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. Jet skis are not permitted anywhere in the park, keeping the atmosphere adventurous yet peaceful.

No boat? Head to Colter Bay or Signal Mountain Marinas for canoes, kayaks (single and double), motorboats (15-foot aluminum with 9.9 HP engines), and pontoons, rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early in summer—we're talking 7 or 8 a.m. during peak season. Drivers must be 18, kids need to fit infant life jackets (typically 12 months or older), and pets stay ashore on rental boats.

For a slower pace, take a scenic cruise from Colter Bay, some with dinner stops at Elk Island.

Before launching anything—even a paddleboard—you'll need a Grand Teton Boat Permit and a Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal. Out-of-state boats must pass an AIS inspection to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride. Park regulations require US Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone on board, with mandatory wear for all passengers under 13. Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise, and motorized boats need fire extinguishers and sound-producing devices.

Local tip: mornings offer the calmest water before the afternoon wind picks up.

Fishing the Deep Waters

If you love to fish, Jackson Lake delivers. Its clear waters hold Cutthroat, Brook, and Brown Trout, plus Salmon, Pike, Lake Trout, and Mountain Whitefish.

Starting January 1, 2026, Jackson Lake will be open for fishing year-round, ending a 70-year October closure that was previously in place to protect spawning fish. Unlike some park waters that restrict anglers to artificial lures and flies, Jackson Lake permits the use of bait including dead non-game fish, worms, and insects—making it more flexible for families and casual anglers. However, always check current park-specific regulations, as rules for other waters within Grand Teton may differ.

Grab a Wyoming fishing license online or at Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge, or Flagg Ranch. Note that guided fishing trips typically include all gear and local expertise, but you'll need to purchase your fishing license separately before your trip.

Catch and release when you can. Water temperature matters: 45°F is ideal, minimize handling above 60°F, and skip fishing entirely if water exceeds 65°F to protect the fish.

Taking a Dip

Swimming here is the real deal—pure, invigorating mountain water that makes you gasp the first time you dive in. The Colter Bay Picnic Area is the favorite family spot, with gentle access and jaw-dropping views at the designated public swim beach.

The water? "Catch-your-breath cold," as locals like to say. The lake's clarity means you can see those beautiful rocks along the bottom, but wear swim shoes for the rocky shoreline and maybe pack a thermos of cocoa for afterward. If you prefer something warmer, String Lake, just south of Jackson Lake, is often called the "most comfortable" swimming lake in the area due to its slightly higher water temperature.

Ice Fishing: Serenity on Ice

When the lake freezes, a whole new world opens up. Ice fishing on Jackson Lake is quiet and contemplative—just you, the ice auger, and the distant echo of the Tetons. The same fishing licenses and general regulations apply year-round, even when the lake is covered in ice.

Dress warm, bring traction cleats, and always check ice thickness before venturing out—a minimum of 4 inches is recommended for walking on ice.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

Winter around Jackson Lake feels like stepping into a snow globe. Hermitage Point is the go-to destination, offering loops from one to ten miles with panoramic views of Mt. Moran and the northern Tetons. Expect 3-6 hours for the full peninsula loop, rated moderate difficulty.

Other winter favorites include the Moose-Wilson Road (moderate, 4 miles round trip when closed to vehicles), Two Ocean Lake Road, Emma Matilda Lake loop, and the Teton Park Road, which transforms into a peaceful corridor ranging from easy to strenuous depending on how far you venture (1-25 miles round trip options).

For extra ease, book a guided snowshoe or ski tour—gear, hot cocoa, and transportation often included.

Layers, waterproof boots, and a neck gaiter go a long way toward turning "cold" into "cozy."

Marinas & Rentals: Your Gateway to the Water

Three marinas serve as gateways to the lake: Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Leeks.

Signal Mountain Marina offers full-service rentals, buoy space for private boats, and guided fishing tours directly on Jackson Lake.

Colter Bay Marina is a family favorite for canoes, kayaks, motorboat rentals, and scenic cruises (some with meal options).

Leeks Marina caters mainly to private boaters with a boat launch and services, but doesn't offer rentals. Its lakeside pizzeria is legendary for a post-paddle slice with a view.

Arrive early for rentals at Colter Bay and Signal Mountain—they're first-come, first-served during peak season, with a two-hour minimum rental period.

Lodging & Amenities: Stay Close to the Action

Stay close to the action with lakeside options at Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Village, and Jackson Lake Lodge—each with its own charm, from rustic cabins to modern comfort. Colter Bay Village feels like summer camp for the whole family, complete with showers, laundry facilities, multiple restaurants, a gift shop, groceries, gas, a visitor center, and even horse corrals.

If you prefer camping, you'll find developed campgrounds at Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Lizard Creek. For pet owners, Spalding Bay is a notable exception allowing overnight lakeshore camping with furry friends, though pets typically aren't permitted at most lakeshore campsites due to wildlife activity.

Wherever you stay, follow park wildlife and food-storage rules—bears are regular neighbors here.

Getting Here & Around: Roads and Visitor Centers

The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone—a scenic corridor of forests, lava flows, and river bends that's as beautiful as the destinations themselves. This protected area carries major US Routes 89, 191, and 287, and serves as both a vital wildlife corridor within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and a living tribute to Rockefeller's conservation legacy, commemorating his instrumental role in preserving lands that became part of Grand Teton National Park.

Start your trip at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose. It's open year-round (closed only on Christmas) and your go-to for maps, permits, and up-to-date conditions. Fishing and boating permits can be obtained here, at Jenny Lake Visitor Center, or Colter Bay Visitor Center.

Driving north, you'll pass the Jenny Lake and Colter Bay Visitor Centers, both open seasonally, each offering local tips and ranger-led insights.