Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable fly fishing adventure in Wyoming? Look no further, as we unveil the crème de la crème of fly fishing rivers in this magnificent state. From the majestic Snake River with its legendary cutthroat trout, to the pristine Green River renowned for its abundance of large brown and rainbow trout, Wyoming offers an idyllic haven for anglers of all levels. Get ready to cast your line and indulge in the beauty of nature as we take you on a journey through the top fly fishing rivers that Wyoming has to offer.
Yellowstone River
Overview
The Yellowstone River, located in northwestern Wyoming, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and exceptional fly fishing opportunities. As the longest undammed river in the United States, it offers a truly wild and pristine fishing experience. The river stretches for approximately 692 miles, making it a haven for anglers seeking a diverse range of species.
Fishing Opportunities
The Yellowstone River is home to a variety of fish species, including Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and native mountain whitefish. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant insect life, the river provides an ideal habitat for these coveted trout species. Whether you prefer dry fly fishing or nymphing, the Yellowstone River offers something for every angler.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Yellowstone River is during the summer months, from June through September. During this period, the river is teeming with insect hatches, attracting hungry trout to the surface. Additionally, early mornings and evenings tend to be the most productive times of the day, as fish are more active and feeding during these cooler hours.
Access Points
There are numerous access points along the Yellowstone River, providing anglers with ample opportunities to explore different stretches of the river. Some popular access points include Gardiner, Livingston, and Big Timber. These access points offer parking facilities, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, making it convenient for anglers of all preferences.
Flies to Use
When fishing the Yellowstone River, it’s important to have a wide variety of flies in your tackle box. Some popular fly patterns for this river include Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Prince Nymph, and Woolly Bugger. It’s advisable to consult with local fly shops or experienced anglers to get the most up-to-date suggestions on effective fly patterns for the Yellowstone River.
North Platte River
Overview
The North Platte River, located in south-central Wyoming, is renowned for its world-class trout fishing. The river offers stunning scenery, calm waters, and exceptional fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for both novice and experienced anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience.
Fishing Opportunities
The North Platte River is primarily known for its excellent trout population, with an abundance of brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. The river’s steady flow and deep pools provide the perfect habitat for these prized game fish. Anglers have the option to fish from the banks, wade into the river, or float in a boat, catering to different fishing preferences.
Best Time to Fish
The North Platte River offers great fishing opportunities year-round, but the best time to fish varies depending on the specific stretch of the river. Spring and fall are generally considered prime fishing seasons, as the water temperatures are optimal, and fish are more active. However, summer can also be productive, especially early mornings and late evenings when the temperatures are cooler.
Access Points
There are several access points along the North Platte River, allowing anglers to choose from a range of fishing locations. Popular access points include Saratoga, Casper, and Encampment. These locations offer various amenities, including access to boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic areas, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable fishing trip.
Flies to Use
When fishing the North Platte River, it’s important to have an assortment of fly patterns to match the hatches and conditions. Some recommended fly patterns for this river include Adams Parachute, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Sculpin Streamer, and San Juan Worm. Local fly shops and experienced anglers can provide further guidance on the most effective fly patterns for the North Platte River.
Snake River
Overview
The Snake River, located in western Wyoming, is a destination that should be on every fly angler’s bucket list. With its stunning mountain backdrop and diverse fishing opportunities, this river offers an unforgettable fishing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Fishing Opportunities
The Snake River boasts an impressive array of fish species, including native cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and the elusive Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. Anglers can choose to fish from the banks, float by raft or drift boat, or wade into the river depending on their preference. The river’s renowned clear waters also make it a popular destination for sight fishing.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Snake River depends on the specific stretch and targeted species. Generally, late spring through early fall offers prime fishing conditions, with May and June being particularly productive for catching cutthroat trout. Summer months are ideal for dry fly fishing, while fall brings exciting opportunities to target larger brown trout as they prepare for spawning.
Access Points
Numerous access points are available along the Snake River, allowing anglers to explore different sections of the river. Popular access points include Jackson, Alpine, and Moran. These locations offer convenient parking, boat ramps, and wading access, ensuring easy entry into the river and the ability to access prime fishing spots.
Flies to Use
When fly fishing on the Snake River, it’s essential to have a selection of flies that mimic the local insect life. Effective fly patterns often include Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Woolly Bugger, and Hopper patterns. As always, local knowledge and advice from fly shops or experienced anglers can greatly enhance your chances of success on the Snake River.
Green River
Overview
As it meanders through the picturesque Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, the Green River in Wyoming offers unparalleled beauty and superb fly fishing opportunities. With its emerald green waters and bountiful fish population, this river is truly a gem for anglers seeking a serene and productive fishing experience.
Fishing Opportunities
The Green River is renowned for its excellent trout population, particularly brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. Fishing on this river can be done from the banks or by floating in a drift boat, allowing access to the prime stretches that offer the greatest opportunities to catch these coveted fish.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Green River is typically during the summer months, from June through September. These months coincide with the most abundant insect hatches, attracting hungry trout to the surface. The river’s clear waters also make sight fishing a popular technique, as anglers can observe trout feeding and target them with precision.
Access Points
There are various access points along the Green River, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different sections of the river. Popular access points include Greendale, Little Hole, and Browns Park. These access points provide parking facilities, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, ensuring that anglers can easily access their desired fishing locations.
Flies to Use
When fishing the Green River, it’s crucial to have a diverse selection of flies to match the hatches and conditions. Some recommended fly patterns for this river include Pale Morning Dun, Caddis Emerger, Midge Nymph, and Woolly Worm. Consulting local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide valuable insights into the most effective fly patterns for the Green River.
Big Horn River
Overview
Flowing through the scenic Big Horn Basin, the Big Horn River in Wyoming is a world-class fly fishing destination known for its pristine waters and trophy-sized trout. With its consistent river flows and breathtaking surroundings, it offers an unforgettable experience for anglers of all backgrounds.
Fishing Opportunities
The Big Horn River is teeming with a variety of trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Anglers can choose to fish from the banks or drift along the river in a boat, allowing access to the prime stretches that harbor the largest and most prized fish.
Best Time to Fish
The Big Horn River is known for its exceptional year-round fishing opportunities. However, the prime time to fish for trophy-sized trout is from late spring to early fall. During this period, insect hatches are plentiful, attracting voracious trout to the surface. Anglers can also find success during the winter months, as the river is less crowded, and fish can be enticed with nymphing techniques.
Access Points
There are several access points along the Big Horn River, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing options. Popular access points include Fort Smith, Thermopolis, and Yellowtail Dam. These locations offer amenities such as parking, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, ensuring convenience and ease of entry into the river.
Flies to Use
Effective fly patterns on the Big Horn River often include Blue Wing Olive, Griffith’s Gnat, Woolly Bugger, and San Juan Worm. These patterns mimic the various insect species found in the river and have proven to be successful in enticing trout to strike. Consulting local fly shops or experienced anglers for additional advice can greatly enhance your fishing experience on the Big Horn River.
Wind River
Overview
Flowing through the scenic Wind River Canyon, the Wind River in Wyoming offers breathtaking beauty, abundant wildlife, and exceptional fly fishing opportunities. With its wild and remote surroundings, this river provides anglers with a truly authentic and immersive fishing experience.
Fishing Opportunities
The Wind River is home to a diverse range of trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The river’s fluctuating flows and varied habitat offer a dynamic fishing experience, appealing to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer to fish from the banks or float along the river in a drift boat, the Wind River has something to offer.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Wind River depends on the specific stretch and targeted species. Spring and fall are generally prime fishing seasons, as fish are more active and the insect hatches are more abundant. Summer months can also be productive, with early mornings and evenings offering a cooler and more favorable fishing experience.
Access Points
There are numerous access points along the Wind River, allowing anglers to explore different sections of the river. Popular access points include Boysen State Park, Thermopolis, and Dubois. These locations provide amenities such as parking, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, ensuring convenience and easy entry into the river.
Flies to Use
When fishing the Wind River, it’s important to have a variety of flies to match the prevalent insect hatches. Effective fly patterns often include Adams Parachute, Hare’s Ear Nymph, Woolly Bugger, and Griffith’s Gnat. Seeking advice from local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide valuable insights into the most successful fly patterns for the Wind River.
Gros Ventre River
Overview
Nestled in the scenic Jackson Hole Valley, the Gros Ventre River in Wyoming offers tranquility and exceptional fly fishing opportunities. With its meandering course and picturesque surroundings, this river provides a peaceful retreat for anglers seeking solitude and abundant fish.
Fishing Opportunities
The Gros Ventre River is known for its healthy population of native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat Trout, making it a must-visit destination for anglers seeking a unique and rewarding fishing experience. The river’s clear waters and diverse insect life provide the perfect habitat for these prized trout, offering anglers the chance to test their skills and target a native species.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Gros Ventre River is from late spring through early fall, when the trout are most active and the insect hatches are abundant. Spring and early summer offer optimal conditions for dry fly fishing, as trout eagerly rise to the surface to feed on various hatches. Autumn can be equally rewarding, with trout preparing for winter and actively feeding to store energy.
Access Points
The Gros Ventre River offers several access points, allowing anglers to explore different stretches of the river. Jackson, Kelly, and Bridger-Teton National Forest are popular access points that provide parking facilities, wade fishing access, and scenic spots to fish. These locations offer anglers the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the river while targeting native cutthroat trout.
Flies to Use
Effective fly patterns for the Gros Ventre River include Pale Morning Dun, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, and Caddis Emerger. These patterns emulate the insects commonly found on the river, enticing the native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat Trout to strike. Seeking advice from local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide further guidance on the most successful fly patterns for the Gros Ventre River.
Grey Reef
Overview
Located near Casper, Wyoming, Grey Reef is the go-to destination for fly anglers seeking trophy-sized trout and a memorable fishing adventure. With its prolific fish population and stunning surroundings, Grey Reef offers an exceptional fly fishing experience.
Fishing Opportunities
Grey Reef is known for its robust population of rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. The river’s nutrient-rich waters and various habitat types create a prime environment for these sizable fish to thrive. Anglers can find success by wading into the river or floating in a drift boat, depending on their preferred approach.
Best Time to Fish
Grey Reef offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round. Spring and fall are traditionally the most popular seasons for fly fishing, as fish are more active and the insect hatches are more abundant. Summer months can also be productive, particularly early mornings and late evenings when temperatures are cooler and fish are actively feeding.
Access Points
Grey Reef provides several access points for anglers to choose from. Popular access points include Alcova, Casper, and Government Bridge. These locations offer convenient parking, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, allowing anglers to access the prime stretches of the river and maximize their chances of success.
Flies to Use
Fly patterns that have proven effective on Grey Reef include RS2, Zebra Midge, San Juan Worm, and Woolly Bugger. These patterns mimic the prevalent insect species and food sources, enticing trout to strike. Seeking advice from local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide additional insights and recommendations on successful fly patterns for Grey Reef.
Salt River
Overview
Nestled in western Wyoming, the Salt River offers a picturesque and serene fly fishing experience. With its remote location and tranquil atmosphere, this river is a hidden gem for anglers seeking solitude and pristine waters.
Fishing Opportunities
The Salt River is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The river’s clear waters and gentle currents provide an optimal habitat for these fish to thrive. Fly anglers can choose to wade into the river or explore its depths from a float tube or small boat.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Salt River is during the summer months, from June through August. During this period, the river experiences an abundance of insect hatches, attracting hungry trout to the surface. Additionally, early mornings and late evenings tend to be the most productive times of the day, as fish are more active and feeding during these cooler hours.
Access Points
There are several access points along the Salt River, offering anglers the opportunity to explore different stretches and enjoy the tranquility of the river. Some popular access points include Afton, Thayne, and Freedom. These locations offer parking facilities, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, ensuring easy entry into the river and the ability to access prime fishing spots.
Flies to Use
When fishing the Salt River, it is essential to have a selection of flies that imitate the local insect life. Effective patterns often include Parachute Adams, Hare’s Ear Nymph, Woolly Bugger, and Blue Wing Olive. Consulting local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide valuable recommendations on the most effective fly patterns for the Salt River.
Laramie River
Overview
The Laramie River, winding through southeastern Wyoming, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and striking natural beauty. With its serene atmosphere and exceptional trout population, this river attracts anglers seeking a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience.
Fishing Opportunities
The Laramie River is home to several trout species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The river’s varying flows, deep pools, and riffles create a dynamic fishing environment that appeals to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer to fish from the banks or wade into the river, the Laramie River offers abundant opportunities to catch these prized trout.
Best Time to Fish
The best time to fish the Laramie River is typically during the summer months, from June through September. During this period, insect hatches are abundant, attracting hungry trout to the surface. Additionally, early mornings and evenings tend to be the most productive times of the day, as fish are more active and feeding during these cooler hours.
Access Points
There are several access points along the Laramie River, allowing anglers to explore different sections and discover their favorite fishing spots. Popular access points include Woods Landing, Wheatland, and the Happy Jack Recreation Area. These access points provide parking facilities, boat ramps, and wade fishing access, ensuring ease of entry and convenience for anglers.
Flies to Use
When fishing the Laramie River, it’s important to have a selection of flies that mimic the prevalent insect hatches. Some effective fly patterns for this river include Elk Hair Caddis, Prince Nymph, Parachute Adams, and Hopper patterns. Seeking advice from local fly shops or experienced anglers can provide valuable insights into the most successful fly patterns for the Laramie River.
In conclusion, Wyoming’s rivers offer incredible fly fishing opportunities for angling enthusiasts. From the legendary Yellowstone River to the lesser-known gems like the Salt River, each waterway provides a unique fishing experience with different fish species and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, these rivers offer something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear, explore the rivers of Wyoming, and create unforgettable fishing memories.