7 Best Destinations for Fly Fishing in Wyoming – Where to Fish WY

fly fishing wyoming

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Wyoming is particularly well known for its trout fly fishing. You can catch four types of native cutthroat trout as well as brown, brook, and lake trout, too. With miles upon miles of Blue Ribbon and Gold Ribbon fly fishing rivers, great fly fishing isn’t hard to find.

Anglers all over the US and further afield dream of fly fishing Wyoming’s streams, rivers, and lakes. With crystal clear water and healthy populations of more than 22 different types of game fish, there’s plenty to keep you busy when fly fishing Wyoming.

Wyoming is the least populated state in the USA. But still, it’s one of best fly fishing state and is full of promising wilderness areas to escape the hustle and focus on fly fishing.

Here’s our complete guide to Wyoming fly fishing! Read on to find out what regulations you’ll need to know about and discover the fly fishing locations in Wyoming.

Best Destinations for Fly Fishing in Wyoming

With more than 20,000 miles of fly fishing rivers in Wyoming and a huge selection of lakes, you might be stuck on where to head first! Here’s our round-up of the best locations to fly fish in Wyoming.

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

We couldn’t talk about fly fishing in Wyoming without mentioning the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Among the mountains, canyons, meadows, and geysers, you’ll find lakes, rivers, and trout streams sprawled throughout the park. The clear, alkaline water makes for a perfect environment for trout, which grow to massive sizes here.

You can fish for mountain whitefish and grayling, as well as five species of trout: cutthroat, lake trout, brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. 

In Yellowstone, you’re guaranteed to find an excellent spot to fly fish anytime from May through to October. Just make sure you stay on the lookout for brown and grizzly bears and carry bear spray too.

Where To Fish in Yellowstone National Park

There are hundreds of options when it comes to fly fishing rivers and lakes in Yellowstone but two of the most famous are the Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Lake.

The Yellowstone River is home to brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout too. A great section of the Yellowstone River is featured on the map below and you can access it with ease.

If lake trout fishing is your thing then head to Yellowstone Lake as there are some trophy lake trout to be had. Look for deep ledges while shore fishing to fly fish around or go out in a boat to access deeper waters for streamer fishing.

Slough Creek is also a lovely fly fishing spot during the fishing season as there are some big brown trout and the waters are crystal blue.

Recommended Flies For Yellowstone National Park

  • Adams
  • Parachute Adams
  • White Moth
  • Ant
  • Hopper
  • Worms
  • Nymphs
  • Green Drakes
  • Elk hair caddis
  • Streamers

2. Snake River

Snake River

The Snake River is one of the best spots to fly fish in Wyoming, especially in the Jackson Hole section of the river. Flowing through the Grand Teton National Park, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery of the Teton Mountain Range, sights of the local wildlife, and incredible fly fishing to boot.

It’s all about dry fly fishing on the Snake River! There’s nothing quite like landing a big dry fly and waiting for a rise from the finespotted cutthroat trout that lurk below the surface.

This river is known for drift boat fishing but it’s also wadeable too so you can easily do some DIY fly fishing on this Wyoming river without having to hire a guide.

The side streams and pockets make for productive and fun wade fishing. If you’re heading out on a raft, kayak, or boat, take extra care in the Snake River Canyon, where the water is fast-flowing and wild!

Where To Fish

Snake River has good public access for DIY fly fishing, especially at Emily Stevens Park which is a great place to park your car and is featured on the map below. You should focus on fly fishing all the little side streams as these are alwaysd missed by the float fishermen.

Be sure that you are dry fly fishing with big flies as the Wyoming trout who live in this river love them.

Recommended Flies For

  • Stimulators
  • Hoppers
  • Ants
  • BWOs
  • PMDs
  • Galloup’s Sex Dungeon
  • Chubby Chernobyl
  • Clouser Minnow

3. Miracle Mile, North Platte River

Miracle Mile North Platte River

If you’re looking for a fly fishing haven in Central Wyoming, Miracle Mile on the North Platte River Wyoming fits the bill. You’ll find it on the section that runs from Pathfinder Reservoir to Kortes Reservoir, about 60 miles from Casper and it is a favorite amongst local Wyoming anglers.

This stretch is easily accessible for fly anglers and home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and the occasional cutthroat trout. The riffles run, and deep pockets are great fun to fish and are home to huge rainbow trout and brown trout. Big fish of 10lbs or more is a serious possibility on this river.

If you plan on taking a trip to the Miracle Mile from Casper, make sure to check the conditions before setting out. Heavy rains and high waters can make the roads impassable, and you don’t want to get stranded. Pack plenty of nymph flies as well as a few streamers for streamer fishing and dry flies.

Where To Fish On The Miracle Mile

The easiest place to access this amazing river section is from the Miracle Mile bridge on the map below. It’s easy to get to if the weather is good and you can fly fish upstream or downstream from there.

Recommended Flies For The Miracle Mile

Catching fish on this section of the North Platte River is best done with nymphs but streamers and dry flies will catch fish too.

  • Leech patterns
  • RS2
  • Disco Midges
  • Zebra Midges
  • Tube Midges
  • Adams
  • Caddis
  • Wooly Bugger

4. Grey Reef, North Platte River

Grey Reef North Platte River

Grey Reef is another of the top Wyoming fly fishing destinations on the Upper North Platte River. It is a tailwater fishery, as the river flows through 5 different dams before becoming the Grey Reef section.

As a result, the fly fishing is consistent all year round, even during the spring runoff and there is big fishing in here as they can feed all year round.

The cold water conditions and the ample supply of scuds and leeches make this the perfect environment for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. In fact, the fish number more than 3,000 per mile on this stretch. The best section is the first 13 miles, but the whole area is suitable for trout fishing on the fly.

You stand the chance of catching trophy-size fish on the Grey Reef, with some specimens measuring 25-30 inches and weighing 15+ pounds! You can fish or drift this section, or hire one of the local guides to show you the hottest spots. 

The trout tend to prefer troughs out in the main current of the river, rather than lurking along the banks. Nymphs, emergers, and streamers are all effective flies to use!

Where To Fish On The Grey Reef

The best access point on this section is on the map below but you can also park further downstream at the bridge and then fish upstream.

Recommended Flies

  • Tricos
  • Large Streamers
  • Woolly Buggers
  • Leech Patterns
  • Copper Johns
  • Scuds

5. Flat Creek

Flat Creek

If you’re looking for a quiet, productive spot, head to Flat Creek in Jackson Hole. Flat Creek is a fly-fishing-only zone and very calm, making it one of the top Wyoming rivers for sight fishing. With no overhanging vegetation, you’ll have no trouble casting here.

Dry fly fishing is productive here, so stock up on your favorite dry fly patterns. Cutthroat trout grow to healthy sizes in this carefully managed spring creek, with many fish measuring 20 inches or more!

Flat Creek is a tricky river to fish, so you’ll need to brush up on all your best casting and presentation techniques. The water teems with insects, and there’s plentiful forage for the fish. That means that it’s essential to achieve that natural presentation to trick the fish into biting. 

You should also keep your eye out for what’s hatching, and try to match it as closely as possible. If you’re up for a challenge, Flat Creek is the perfect spot for you!

Where To Fish On Flat Creek

There are numerous options as to where to access Flat Creek and you can choose between lower Flat Creek on the map below or access it through the National Elk Refuge.

Recommended Flies For Flat Creek

  • Galloup’s Sex Dungeon
  • BWOs
  • PMDs
  • Parachute Hopper

6. The Wind River Range

Wind River Range

The Wind River Range offers mountain lake fishing for golden trout and brook trout in the midst of incredible scenery. Although it takes longer to reach these high elevation locations, the reward comes in the rich pickings, the quiet solitude, and the spectacular views. 

As well as the rare golden trout measuring 18+ inches, you’ll also find cutthroat trout as well as brookies and rainbows.

The best spot for rainbows is in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area. The best way to access this area is by entering the Wind River Indian Reservation. You’ll need to buy a tribal license and hire one of the local tribal guides to help you maneuver through this wild territory as areas like the Wind River Canyon are not easy to traverse.

7. Gros Ventre River

Gros Ventre River

The Gros Ventre is one of the top trout rivers in Wyoming. You’ll find hungry Finespotted cutthroats here, and they aren’t picky! 

Although the fish tend to be smaller here, ranging from 8 inches to around 14 inches, the action is consistent and great fun! The best time to fish the Gros Ventre River is from July until the end of the fishing season in October.

The upper stretches of the Gros Ventre at Slide Lake or beyond offer productive pockets of water and fewer anglers. There’s also easy access lower down at the National Elk Refuge. Parking here is easy, but you do have to hike through the brush. Bears and moose roam here, so don’t let your guard down!

A Rubber Leg Stimulator is an excellent fly to use to imitate the stoneflies that thrive in this river. Streamers also work wonders, and you won’t go wrong with a Purple Chubby, either!

Recommended Fly Shops

Whenever I go fly fishing somewhere new my first port of call is a local fly shop. It’s there where you get all the latest info about where to fish and you can get all the local fly patterns the local trout love. Here are some great fly shops in Wyoming to stop at.

Recommended Guides

If you’re new to fly fishing or want to get a head start when fly fishing Wyoming, a great way to do so is by spending your first day out there with a guide. They will have you learning about the right areas to fish and the right flies too. Here are some great ones:

Wyoming Fishing License

You’ll need a fishing license before you can head out on the water and get fishing. There are both resident and non-resident options available, and you can buy your license online or in many stores across Wyoming. Licenses are valid from January until December of any calendar year.

For a resident, the daily license costs $6, or you can opt for the $24 annual license. There’s an annual youth fishing license available for young people aged from 14 to 18 which is just $3, and kids 13 or younger don’t need a license at all.

The non-resident daily license costs $14, while the non-resident annual permit will set you back $102. The non-resident youth annual license costs $15.

If you decide to go for an annual license, you’ll also need a Conservation Stamp ($10 for residents and $12.50 for non-residents).

wyoming fishing

Wyoming Fishing Regulations

Before you set off on any fishing trips make sure you’re aware of the local Wyoming fly fishing regulations. You’ll need to find out daily bag limits for fish, what kind of lures/flies you can use, and where it’s catch-and-release only.

Even if you’re aware of the state regulations, the rules when fly fishing Wyoming can vary from location to location. So, it’s always a good idea to look up your chosen fishing spot to see which rules are in place. You can find out more from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website here. 

Here’s our quick overview of the fishing regulations in Wyoming (correct at time of publishing). You can possess a maximum of 3 trout from a stream or river and a maximum of 6 trout from a lake on a single day. The burbot bag limit is 3 per day, and the limit for both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is 6 per day.

There’s also an overall creel limit per day of 50 fish, which includes everything from crappies to sunfish, bass, and perch). You must not use corn as bait for fishing, fish with trout beads, or use artificial lights.

Wyoming Regulations

Wyoming Fishing Report

All anglers know that you should check out the conditions of any fishing spot before you head out. That way, you can prepare yourself, pack the right gear and flies, and catch more fish!

The easiest way to do this is by reading local fishing reports for the spot you’re planning on fishing. Dedicated fly anglers update these reports with the latest water conditions, depth of the water, and how the fish are behaving. Want to know if something’s hatching right now? The fishing reports are where to look!

You can find up-to-date fishing reports here or check out Wyoming Angler’s website here. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department also post regular updates on its website

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best spot in Wyoming?

Wyoming has some superb spots. Some of the best spots in Wyoming are Yellowstone National Park, the Wind River mountain range, Snake River, and Flat Creek.

Where is the best fishing spot in the US?

Every fly angler will have a different answer! The US has a wide range of options, but some of the best states for fly anglers are Arkansas, North Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

You can visit our guide here on trout fishing in colorado for a more in depth guide.

Where can I fish in Jackson Hole?

You’ll be spoilt for choice for excellent fishing spots near Jackson Hole. Some of the best places to go in Jackson Hole include the Gros Ventre River, Hoback River, Green River, and Jackson Lake.

Near the state of Wyoming, you can also visit and go south dakota fly fishing. It also offers lots of destinations for anglers!

wyoming casper fishing

The Wrap-Up

Fly fishing in Wyoming is a dream for any angler! From sparkling mountain streams to lakes teeming with golden trout, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for a fly fishing trip or vacation.

With stunning scenery and some of the best cutthroat trout fishing around, you’ll have an incredible fishing trip.

Now you know the best spots in WY, all you need to do is:

  • Get yourself to your local fly shop to pick up some big nymphs and streamer patterns
  • Grab your fly rod and gear
  • Buy your fishing license
  • And get out on the water

Whether you go it alone or hire a guide service, you’re all set for some epic experience. 

If you found this article helpful, give it a share on Facebook or Twitter. And don’t miss our fly fishing guides, tips, and reviews at Fly Fisher Pro!

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