Wind River FLy Fishing

Wind River Fly Fishing - Click here for the Wyoming Wind River Fishing Report

We have had numerous people stop in the shop and ask what the name of the river is that flows through down town Dubois. When we tell them that it's called the Wind River they usually say they have never heard of it and then the big question comes. "Does it have any good fishing?" We just smile and casually say, "yeah there are some fish to be had." The truth is the Wind River could be one of the biggest secrets in Wyoming Fly Fishing. The Wind River head waters are just west of Dubois and after feeder streams increase the volume of the river the Wind River also increases with bug life and a very abundant population of trout. The Wind River has a very long path that eventually ends up in Boysen Reservoir further down the Wind River Valley. From there it becomes a tail water and at a certain part it becomes the Big Horn River. The stretch of river that we focus on for our guided fly fishing trips near Dubois is referred to as the upper Wind River. The Wind River has some very large caddis hatches throughout the entire summer and a variety of mayflies can be seen as well.

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East Fork Drainage
If you are looking to find a Yellowstone Cutthroat to add to your Cut Slam look no further than the East Fork of the Wind River. Located just outside of Dubois, Wyoming the East Fork is a smaller watershed that also offers great fishing. Along with Yellow Stone Cutthroats you will also find a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. On the upper section of the East Fork smaller fish are always very active and willing to take a dry. The lower section has more water volume and also a heightened average size fish. The key to fishing the east fork is to cover as much water as possible. The runs are very productive but are further apart than say on the Wind River. This drainage is perfect for kids or adults wanting to learn how to fly fish on the upper section and also for the angler that loves to get out and cover some serious water.

Wiggins Fork
This could be one of our favorite drainages to fly fish in the Wind River Valley. The Wiggins Fork offers some of the most beautiful scenery and water in western Wyoming. When you get your flies in the water there really is no telling what you are going to hook. With healthy populations of Browns and Yellowstone Cutthroats and the occasional Rainbow are primarily what you will hook into on the lower section. For smaller water these fish are very healthy and will sometimes surprise the angler with their size and fight. Higher up in the Shoshone National Forrest the Wiggins in much smaller and Brook Trout are the fish you will be pulling out. They are always willing to take a dry and it's once again one of those spots that is great for beginners who are just starting out in the sport of fly fishing.

High Mountain Lakes
As mentioned before the Wind River Mountain range has more water than any other range in the lower 48 states. Some of the best fishing can be found high up in the lakes of the Winds. If you are not afraid of a little hike the fishing can be very rewarding. The fish you catch will be dependent on which lakes you are fishing. Fishing the high mountain lakes above Dubois is one way to beat the runoff in the valley every year.

Fly Fishing the Wind River

Dubois Fly Fishing Guide