Located 50 miles east of Yellowstone National Park Cody, Wyoming boasts easy access to arguably some of the best trout fishing in the Rocky Mountains. With dozens of miles of rivers and numerous foothill and mountain lakes and reservoirs the fishing around Cody offers something for every trout fishing taste. Whether you fish with flies, spinners, lures or bait you're sure to find the right river or stream to catch trout the way you prefer.
The Shoshone River
The Shoshone River boasts both proximity to town and excellent populations of healthy cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout and whitefish. The Shoshone is divided into three major sections each with its own character. The North Fork, South Fork and Lower Shoshone River all offer ample access for both wade and float fishing.
The North Fork of the Shoshone is the most popular of all the sections and the most heavily used throughout the spring, summer and fall. The popularity and use are well expected due to the very prolific population of wild Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Add in a good population of rainbow and brown trout, spice it all up with scores of whitefish and the reputation of the North Fork is well deserved. If that’s not enough to whet an angler’s appetite throw in a few brook trout and lake trout on the river just upstream of the reservoir just to ice the cake.
The South Fork is the section of river to fish if an angler is looking for brown trout. Though this section of river flows into Buffalo Bill Reservoir where it joins with the North Fork, the character is quite different. Supporting the same species save lake trout, a mixed bag exists on the South Fork. Brown trout however seem to prefer this fork of the river.
The lower section of the Shoshone flows from the Buffalo Bill Dam just 4 miles from downtown Cody. This section of river offers all the previously mentioned species save the lake trout. This section of river offers some of the premier winter fly-fishing in the country.
The Bighorn and Greybull Rivers
Located south of Cody, near the town of Thermopolis, the Bighorn River flows out of Boysen Reservoir. This extremely fertile tailwater river offers anglers an opportunity to catch brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. If trout are not enough, whitefish, walleye, catfish and suckers round out the possibilities here. Not to be confused with the section of the Bighorn River located in southern Montana, this is a highly underrated fishery.
Midway between Cody and Thermopolis, flowing through the town of Meeteetse is the Greybull River. Though access to the Greybull is limited, the wild trout and spectacular high desert scenery are well worth the effort.
Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River
North of Cody in the Absaroka Mountains the Clark’s Fork runs through some of the most spectacular scenery in northwest Wyoming. This is no small statement given that it lies only miles from Yellowstone National Park. Like the Shoshone River the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone has three distinct sections.
The upper section is a typical freestone river. Flowing out of Montana along State Hwy 212, access is plentiful and the river is easily wadeable. Expect to find rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout as well as whitefish eager to strike during the short high altitude summers.
Near the intersection of State Hwy 292 and State Hwy 212 the river changes character drastically. The riverbed drops from the surrounding terrain and becomes more canyon-like over the next several miles. Though river access is available it requires more effort to reach the water. Anglers willing to put forth the extra effort are rewarded with larger and more plentiful trout.
Farther downstream the river exits the canyon to a high desert setting. Accessed near the town of Clark anglers can expect some of the best trophy brown trout fishing in the area. Though the real trophies are few, as a general rule the high populations of cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as whitefish can make fishing fast and furious between the big ones.
Other Opportunities
Not to be overlooked are the numerous tributaries that feed the major rivers. On the North Fork of the Shoshone tributaries such as the Elk and Middle Forks as well as Clear, Fish and Eagle Creeks, to name a few, offer excellent small stream fishing where you'll find brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. A note of caution however the North Fork drainage from the Shoshone National Forest boundary all the way into Yellowstone Park is bear country. Good bear country safety practices are essential.
Adding to the volume of the upper and middle Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone; Crandall, Dead Indian and Sunlight Creeks offer some of the most secluded fishing in the state. Many areas of these creeks require a serious trek but the rewards can be tremendous. Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout inhabit these creeks in very good numbers.
As for other small creeks and rivers, well some waters need to remain unnamed. Besides if I name them all where will I fish this summer?
For up to date reports, information, equipment and guided trips contact North Fork Anglers in Cody.
Join the Conversation