YNP Thermal Feature: Fishing Cone

Thermal Map; West Thumb (Map) -> West Thumb Geyser Basin (Map) -> Lower Group -> Fishing Cone


Enlarge		Credit: NPS

Approximate Location of Fishing Cone:

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Fishing Cone
YNP Thermal Inventory ID: WTLG124
Lat: 44.4172652
Lon: -110.5702776
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Mountain men told of a geyser on the shore of a high alpine lake where one could catch a trout, swing the pole around, dip it into the boiling pool, and cook the fish without taking it off the line.

This cooking-on-the-hook feat at Fishing Cone became famous after it was described by a member of the 1870 Washburn Expedition. Visitors often dressed in a cook's hat and apron to have their picture taken at the "Chowder Pot" or the "Fish Pot." Anglers often injured themselves while straddling the boiling water, and their feet damaged the geyser's cone. Fishing is no longer allowed from Fishing Cone.

Visitors are sometimes surprised to find Fishing Cone underwater. During the spring and early summer, lake levels rise from melting snow and cover the vent. When exposed, the temperature of the cone's water averages just above boiling (199°F/93°C).

*Adapted from the NPS West Thumb Geyser Bain Trail Guide and the West Thumb Interactive Map

Data Available:

YNP Thermal Inventory Data

Date	Description	pH	Temp (°C)	Vent Temp (°C)	Conductance (µmhos/cm)
06/22/2000	Built up cone with crater. Approx. 10 m offshore into Yellowstone Lake. Crater is circular approx. 1.25 m diameter.	0	0	0	0

*Indicates an unofficial name

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