Fishing Cone

Lakeside hot spring with quirky fish-cooking history

InsideYellowstone National Park

Overview

Fishing Cone is a petite hot spring cone perched at the edge of Yellowstone Lake in the West Thumb Geyser Basin. You’ll spot it just offshore from the boardwalk—simple to reach, photogenic, and very Yellowstone in its odd, wonderful way.

What You’ll See

A small, cream-colored cone sitting in crystal-clear lake water, often steaming on cool mornings.
Classic West Thumb scenery on the way: vivid pools and geyser cones along the lakeshore, with big water-and-mountains views.

History and Lore

This spot is famous for the 1870 tale of a freshly caught trout that slipped into the cone and came out “literally boiled,” which sparked a fad of “catch and cook on the hook.” The practice became so popular it even showed up in early guidebooks, and the feature went by names like Fish Pot, Fisherman’s Kettle, and Chowder Pot before “Fishing Cone” stuck. The stunt is long since banned for safety and resource protection.

How It Behaves Today

Fishing Cone once acted like a geyser at times—reports in the early 1900s mention occasional eruptions up to about 40 feet. Higher lake levels now often inundate and cool the cone, so it’s typically a simmering hot spring rather than a performer. Bottom line: come for the setting and story, not a show.

Visiting Logistics

There’s no standalone trail—just follow the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk loop from the main parking area. Expect an easy, mostly boardwalk stroll (roughly 0.8–1 mile depending on how much you wander). Facilities for the basin include restrooms, picnic tables, and a small information/bookstore setup at the historic ranger station; ranger talks sometimes pop up along the loop.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning: cooler air makes steam more dramatic and crowds lighter.
Spring to early summer: lake levels can partially cover the cone, changing its look and muting activity.
Peak season: the lot fills by late morning—aim for early or late in the day.

Safety

Stay on the boardwalk and keep hands, gear, and anything else out of the water. These features can severely burn, and throwing objects into springs damages them.

Pros

Striking lakeside thermal cone right off the boardwalk
Easy stop on the West Thumb Geyser Basin loop
Fun backstory that brings the place to life

Cons

Typically a quiet hot spring now—don’t expect eruptions
Parking for the basin can fill by late morning in peak season

Tips

Walk the full West Thumb loop—Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and Lakeshore Geyser are on the way.
For photos, go early when cool air makes the steam stand out.
In spring and early summer, expect high lake levels to partly submerge the cone.
Parking fills by late morning in peak season—arrive early or late.
Never put anything into the spring and don’t step off the boardwalk.