Fly fishing Jackson Hole for the aggressive cutthroat

Fly fishing Jackson Hole is a lot different from fly fishing
many other rivers. Because of the relatively short growing
period, the cutthroats are aggressive and will rise to the fly
more than usual. They are not so picky about the species of
food either.

Make the fly move when fly fishing Jackson Hole

I've found that a moving fly seems to attract the trout more
than the typical dead drifting one. Perhaps because the hatches
are a lively bunch, darting and skipping across the water.

Cutthroats generally lie in large, deep pools. There are
many predators looking for a tasty trout dinner, so it makes
sense that the fish will stay in deep cover as much as possible.

Fly fishing Jackson Hole's fast waters

When fly fishing Jackson Hole you need to remember that the
rivers are fast flowing. You don't often see fish rising so
it makes sense to use an attractor pattern when dry fly
fishing. Try all those places where trout normally hold. Your
fly needs to be right in the zone.

Using streamers when fly fishing Jackson Hole

When the temperature of the river is low, try fly fishing
Jackson Hole with a streamer. Slow and deep during the cool
water period, but when the water is warmer and the fish are
feeding, they'll take a streamer that's on the surface or
only a couple of inches below.

Fly fishing Jackson Hole with nymphs

You can use nymphs when fly fishing Jackson Hole with the
dead drift usually used in other places, but try making the
nymph move too. Aggressive cutthroats find it hard to resist
any moving fly.

If you have never tried fly fishing Jackson Hole, you might
like to take advantage of the many guides services that are
available. Both beginning and more experienced anglers can
learn a lot from taking one of these guided trips.

The trout of Green River fly fishing waters

The cutthroat, the native trout of these waters, and five other species of trout are likely to
take your fly when you are Green River fly fishing. Rainbow, brook, brown, lake, and
golden trout have been successfully introduced to the river.

Estimates put the density of fish in the Green River at 6 to 15 thousand per mile in some
sections. It is not surprising therefore to see a great number of anglers trying their luck.
These fish are not suckers for food – they are wary and require good presentation before
they are tempted to take a fly.

Clear waters and Green River fly fishing

Clear water, visible trout, this is the norm when Green River fly fishing. A good pair of
Polaroid sun glasses will open your view to cruising and holding trout. Especially check
out eddies and shallow riffles where trout will be lying in wait for food to drift by.

The clear water not only allows you to see the trout, but the trout to see you too. You'll
need to be extra careful that your shadow or your line doesn't spook wary fish.

Flies for Green river fly fishing

As in fly fishing everywhere, it is the presentation that makes the difference. Elk Hair
Caddis, Royal Wulff, Griffith's Gnat, Olive and Parachute Adams, Ant, Cricket, Double
Humpy, Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, these are just a few of the flies that have
been used regularly on the Green River.

The pattern of the moment can be discovered by visiting a local fly fishing store to ask a
knowledgeable sales person. On the river, other fishermen will often tell you what's
working for them, if you are considerate of their space and time.

Fish get used to certain food, they know what it looks like, and they know how it should
behave. There are standard patterns for Green River fly fishing, but patterns change and it
sometimes proves profitable to throw something different to try and provoke a reaction.

Hatches for Green River fly fishing

It's important to know what is hatching when you are Green River fly fishing. Midges
hatch from early March through late November. Use a small midge pattern, about 18-22
and you'll find trout, big and small, interested in your fly.

From May to October, caddis flies hatch morning and evening. A 10-16 sized caddis will
often bring good results.

Terrestrials sized 8-14 are best fished in the afternoons July through October when the
hatches are on.

When to go Green River fly fishing

If you don't mind the cold and you have the gear to match, winter can produce great
Green River fly fishing.

My favorite time to fish the Green is spring. The crowds are not yet out and I can cast a
line without icing up my rod guides. This is when you'll likely catch some big fish as the
spawn gets under way.

Summer brings the inevitable tourist, not all of whom are fishers. You are likely to share
your favorite fishing spot with rafters as well as a dozen other anglers. Fishing this time
of year is best during the early morning and evening periods when the water is quieter.

By fall the fish know what this business is all about and it is now that they are at their
most wary. They have been exposed to all types of fly patterns throughout the season.
They will ignore anything that is not skillfully presented. It is now that you need to throw
a perfect drift-free cast with a small fly if you want to put a fish in your creel.

Green River fly fishing for bass

If you want some exciting fishing try throwing a fly at the large and smallmouth bass that
are found in Flaming Gorge. Smallmouths are especially fun to catch. Their favorite food
is crayfish, so an imitator that looks even a close will produce a result. There are numbers
of smallmouth reaching the 15 inch size.

Whether you are fishing for grayling, trout, bass, or catfish, Green River fly fishing is
arguably the best fishery in the US. The fish are plentiful and grow to trophy size, the
waters are clear most of the year, and the magnificent scenery is an added bonus.

Its history speaks of names such as Butch Cassidy and Jim Bridger, its present boasts a
world class fishery. For the serious and recreational angler, Green River fly fishing is a
must.

Fly fishing Cody Wyoming: the Shoshone River

If you are fly fishing Cody Wyoming and cast a line in the upper reaches of the South
Fork of the Shoshone River, you’ll be looking for the famous Yellowstone cutthroat. The
lower sections of the river house some nice brown trout.

There is a lot of private land on the North Fork of the Shoshone, but there are a couple of
public fishing spots. You’ll have to be early to avoid anglers who are making their way to
Yellowstone.

This is not a place to break out your tent – grizzly bears wander through the area so tent
camping is prohibited even in designated campgrounds. Because this is grizzly country, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the bear and his habits and the ways to keep yourself safe.

The area is closed for the trout spawning run so check regulations for season times.

Fly fishing Cody Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park

If you intend on fly fishing Cody Wyoming you’ll probably have a day or two fishing in
Yellowstone National Park. Cody is one of the gateways to the park. Special regulations
are in effect in the park so make sure you are familiar with them.

You will need to have a Yellowstone fishing permit but you don’t need a state license. If
you do have a state license it is not valid in Yellowstone. The season goes from late May
to early November.

If the summers are long and dry, the park authorities will often close the rivers to fishing.
Also special season dates apply to Yellowstone Lake. Check with the rangers for any
changes or closures.

Regulations are also area specific and what applies to one spot may not apply to another.
This means that you have to be attentive to any posted signs and literature on the area you
are fishing.

Float tubes are considered boats in Yellowstone and the same restrictions apply. There
are very few areas that allow the use of any boats.

Remember that Yellowstone is bear country and a close encounter may spoil your fishing
experience. Give all wildlife a wide berth. If bears are around, choose another fishing
spot.

Fly fishing Cody Wyoming at Monster Lake

If you are fly fishing Cody Wyoming looking for big fish during your trip, you need to
have a look at Monster Lake.

Monster Lake is privately owned so you’ll need to make advanced reservations to fish
here. It’ll set you back a couple of hundred dollars for a day’s fishing, but you’ll be
casting your fly at some trophy fish and you are pretty much guaranteed a great day on
the water.

There are some strict regulations enforced at Monster Lake. You can only fly fish and
must use barbless hooks. Catch and release techniques are practiced. If you catch a trophy
trout, you can have it mounted for an extra hundred bucks or so.

You are allowed to fish from boats and float tubes, but no motors are permitted on the
lake. The season runs from April to November.

If you are excited by fly fishing for lunker trout, Monster Lake certainly has them with the
average being 20” in length. Rainbows, Brookies and Browns are all stocked in the lake.

Fly fishing Cody Wyoming and the Beartooth Plateau

The Beartooth plateau is an area to consider when you are fly fishing Cody Wyoming.
There are many lakes and rivers in this area. Access is limited by its high elevation as
snow and ice are sometimes still a problem in late June.

If you are heading into this are during the summer you will encounter some beautiful
scenery and some not so beautiful wildlife of the two legged variety. Tourists flock to the
Beartooth Plateau during the summer months. If you want solitude, be prepared to hike
into the back country.

Because of its proximity to so many blue ribbon rivers, lakes and reservoirs, fly fishing
Cody Wyoming is a must for the avid angler. Take note of the special regulations on
many of the waters here. They do not take away from your fishing pleasure and ensure
that generations to come will also enjoy the experience of fly fishing Cody wyoming.

North Fork of the Shoshone River

The North Fork of the Shoshone begins at about 8000 feet and flows for almost 15 miles through Absaroka wilderness. The upper section is accessible mostly by foot or horse.

The trout in this part of the river will average 8-12 inches. If you're going to fish the upper North Fork you'll want to take precautions because this is prime grizzly bear country.

The middle and lower sections of the North Fork are easily accessible from highways and provide fairly easy wading. Fly fishing is good for cutthroat and rainbows and in the fall browns up to 20 inches are common.

The South Fork of the Shoshone River

The South Fork of the Shoshone River starts Southwest of Cody, Wyoming in the Washakie Wilderness. From where it begins, the South Fork flows for about 25 miles through National Forest.

Fishing here is good for brook and cutthroat trout averaging 8-14 inches. In the fall some good browns will make their way into the upper section.

The upper sections of the South Fork are accessible by hiking or horse. And like the North Fork, this is prime grizzly country so take care.

Below the wilderness area the South Fork flows mostly through private land. A few access sites are scattered along the river and can provide some good fishing. Especially when the browns run in the fall.

The Shoshone's Winter Tail water

Often overlooked is the Shoshone River tail water below Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The river flows through Cody and can provide excellent fishing for rainbows, browns and cutthroats.

Because of heavy irrigation demand, there's not much going on here in the summer. However, from October thru may the flows are for the most part steady and provide some good fishing. Some big fish can be taken here so it's well worth casting a line.

What else could you want?

Fishing on the Shoshone River is open year around and offers the fly fisher everything you could want. You'll find beautiful scenery, wildlife galore, great fishing, plenty of access and a shot a lunker trout. What else could you ask for?

The Firehole River flows through lush forests and valleys, past hot pools and geysers before it finally dumps into the famous Madison River . The Firehole flows through some of the most amazing thermal features in the world.

The Firehole...a fly fishing only stream

A fly fishing only stream, the Firehole offers the angler the chance to practice their skills in a variety of conditions. Long leaders and fine tippets are recommended on the Firehole.
Start the season early

The river has the earliest spring runoff in the park. Mostly flat along it's course, the runoff is minor. When the Firehole is off color from runoff, you can bet that the other streams in the park are pushing out of their banks.

Some of the best fly fishing on the Firehole is in June. Because the river warms quickly, the hatches start early. Caddis and small yellow stonefly hatches can be hot and heavy early in the season. Your best bet is to stay with small tippets and closely match the hatch. These fish see lots of pressure and can be very selective.

The hot springs and other geothermal features in the area warm the water as summer approaches. This will send the trout into the tributaries and creeks. During the summer your best bet will be to fish the mouths of those creeks that feed the Firehole.

When the water cools off in the fall, the trout will move back into the river and the fly fishing picks up once again. From mid September through October the baetis hatches make for some decent dry fly fishing.

The Firehole River is a unique and wonderful trout stream. While fishing there you are likely to see elk and bison as well as an occasional wolf or coyote. You will also want to keep an eye out for bears. It's not uncommon to see a grizzly, so keep an eye out.

A temperamental trout stream

The Firehole can be temperamental fishing and time spent there can make you a better fly fisher. The incredible beauty of the area and the wildlife, combined with the unique geothermal features make the Firehole River a must see.

The next time you visit Yellowstone you should take time to cast a fly to the browns and rainbows in the Firehole River. You'll be glad you did.

The Encampment flows out of Colorado into Wyoming near the Encampment River Wilderness Area. It then flows through the canyon for 18 miles through Medicine Bow National Forest. It then dumps into the plains just north of Encampment, Wyoming.

This upper portion flows almost entirely through public lands and the fishing and camping access is excellent. Below the towns of Encampment and Riverside, the river snakes through private land.

Limited Access On the lower river

The only public access is 12 miles below Riverside at a one mile section of state land called Baggott Rocks. This area gets hammered by wade fishermen. Some guides will launch there in late June and early July to float the river.

A Great Hatch

This is the only time of year when there is enough water to float the river. This is also when the Encampment River has it's amazing green drake hatch. During the hatch the fly fisherman can catch browns and rainbows from 16 to 22 inches on big bushy dry flies. From Baggott Rocks down stream you can't drop an anchor or get out of the raft until you reach Treasure Island on the North Platte.

The hatches are good in the upper section of the river in the canyon at this time of year. Bring PMD's, elk hair caddis and goddard caddis as well as streamers and nymphs.

Excellent Access

The public section of water offers great fishing for browns and rainbows from 12 to 14 inches for almost 18 miles. The best time to fish the public canyon water is in the fall. Big streamers and nymphs will draw strikes from the biggest fish.

Regardless of the time of year or the section of river you decide to fish, the Encampment River is an excellent trout stream. The Encampment River offers plenty of access and great fishing, so give it a try the next time your in the area.

Even though it's a great river running through breathtaking wilderness, a scenic canyon and sage covered high plains, it receives very little fly fishing pressure. The Wind river holds a lot of trout, and some get very big. The Wind river gets fished very little because some of it's best water flows through the Wind River Indian Reservation.

The upper Wind river runs west of the reservation boundary and can be fished with a valid Wyoming fishing licence. Access is very good because much of it flows through Shoshone National Forest. In the National Forest the river is paralleled by a highway. The head waters are small and can be easily waded before and after the run off. The headwaters area can produce lots of rainbows and brooks with an occasional cutthroat or brown trout.

The Wind Rivers best water flows below Boysen reservoir for 15 miles through the Wind River canyon. This prime stretch of water offers excellent fishing. The canyon is one of the best places in the west to catch a five pound brown or rainbow or even an occasional monster cutthroat. Fish in this stretch of river often reach 20 plus inches and a few will pass 30 inches.

Fishing the Canyon requires a reservation permit which can be purchased in Riverton, Shoshone or Thermopolis. A non resident permit will run about twenty dollars for a day.

The Wind river gets very little fly fishing pressure through the canyon and yet can produce some of the biggest trout in the west. Huge trout and no competition! Anyway you look at it, the Wind River is a Wyoming fly fishing blue ribbon stream.

The Middle Fork Powder River begins in the Southern Bighorn Mountains Southwest of Kaycee. From there the river winds through a scenic canyon and then into the rolling hills near Kaycee.

a Tributary of the Yellowstone River

The Powder, a tributary of the Yellowstone River , is approximately 375 miles long and flows through southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming. The river runs through the Powder River Country on the high plains east of the Bighorn Mountains.

The stream flows north, east of the Bighorns, and into Montana. Where it's joined by the Little Powder near Broadus, Montana. The Powder then flows into the Yellowstone about fifty miles down river from Miles City, Montana. The Powder River got it's name from the sand along a portion of its banks that resembled gunpowder.

Access is limited

The Middle Fork Powder River flows through private lands and access is limited. Only a ten mile portion of the Powder that flows through the canyon is accessible. And there are only four access sites in the open area.

A four wheel drive is a necessity to get to the access sites because the roads are dirt and sand. These roads can turn into soup with a little rain. To reach the upper access sites you could find your self doing some pretty steep climbs in 4 wheel low. It's a good idea to start off with a full tank of gas. It's a 25 mile drive from Kaycee to the first trail head. You'll want to bring plenty of water, some food and emergency supplies because you probably won't see anyone else on the trip.

Once you reach the canyon, be ready for a hike on lose rock and steep inclines down to the river. Allow an hour or more to get to the bottom and then another hour or two to get back out. If your in fairly good shape this shouldn't be a problem but not recommended for the very young or old.

Is it worth it?

You're probably asking why would anyone go to this much trouble to fish the Powder River? The Powder is an incredible trout stream that is estimated to hold between 3000 and 5000 fish per mile, through the canyon. And since access is limited, only the more adventurous anglers ever cast a line there.

The Powder holds lots of rainbows and brown trout averaging 14 to 16 inches with some fish going 18 to 20 inches. Due to the lack of pressure, the Powder's trout are aggressive and will take attractors. Make sure you have a good variety in your fly box. If things get tough, tie on a hares ear or pheasant tail nymph and you'll see action.

The Middle Fork Powder River is a hidden treasure. With lots of healthy fish and no pressure, a couple of days on the Powder can spoil an angler. With lots of strong browns and rainbows, and no competition, the Powder river is a Wyoming fly fishing blue ribbon stream.

The Green River in Wyoming holds trophy brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. However, the Wyoming Green doesn't get much press. This is a blessing to the anglers that frequent Green and cast to the monsters that swim there.

The upper Green River flows through some of Wyoming's most scenic and desolate landscape. Not as well known or as heavily fished as the Green that cuts through Northeast Utah. Wyoming's Green is also not thought of in the same category as some of Wyoming's more famous trout waters. This can be a blessing for anglers that do decide fly fish there.

The Green River has it's beginnings in the Wind River Range just North of Pinedale. From there the river flows 30 miles through National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands where access is plentiful. In this upper portion of the river wade fishing for browns, rainbows and cutthroats is good. These fish will average 12 to 16 inches.

For the next 12 miles the Green cuts through private land that can only be fished from a boat or raft. This stretch of the river offers an excellent opportunity to catch trout 20 inches or larger. Fish up to 30 inches have been recorded in the private stretch of water. If you decide to float this part of the river be prepared for a long day because a 12 mile float is a very full day. The good news is, you'll have the chance to fish to some trophy trout that don't see a lot of pressure.

The next public access is at the Warren Bridge. There is plenty of access here and good fishing, even though it gets a lot of pressure. There are several access sites between Warren Bridge and Daniel Junction. This section is very popular for float fishing. If you plan to float this part of the river, you'll want to be on the water early. Other wise you'll be behind a bunch of other anglers.

From Daniel Junction down to Fontenelle Reservoir, about 70 miles, access is sparse at best. This is private land and the land owner even owns the stream bed. Take plenty of supplies because it's a long way to the next access.

The lower Green River in Wyoming, below Fontenelle Reservoir, offers one of the best shots in Wyoming at a 20 inch plus fish. This section of river has a lot of big browns, rainbows and cutthroats above 20 inches. If you're lucky or really good, you may hook a rare 30 inch fish. This stretch of river was once well known for producing lots of 15 to 20 pound trout. The big ones are still there, although not as many as in the past.

The Green from Fontenelle Reservoir to Flaming Gorge does not hold the sheer numbers of fish that it's Utah cousin does. If you're willing to work for some real lunkers, the lower green is an excellent choice.

Wyoming's Green River will not get the attention that is given to other rivers in the state. That's because the Green doesn't have the large numbers of fish that the Snake, the Bighorn and the North Platte have. But the Green offers an angler a good shot at trophy trout. The green flows through big, wild country and holds big wild trout. You will be glad that you took the time to cast a line on it because in my book, It's a true Wyoming blue ribbon stream

Any conversation about fly fishing Wyoming would be incomplete without a look at Yellowstone fly fishing. Yellowstone National Park consists of 2.2 million acres of wild, breathtaking beauty. In the park there are over 100 lakes and 1000 miles of stream to give anglers plenty of variety.

Anglers will be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world that offers so much public water in one place. Add the incredible natural beauty and abundant wildlife and Yellowstone fly fishing takes on a life of it's own.

One of the problems with Yellowstone fly fishing is that there is so much trout water in Yellowstone. You could fish in the park from now on and never really feel like you've taken advantage of the fly fishing opportunities there.

So much Great Water

The park has so much great water yet most anglers stay to the better known fisheries. There is nothing wrong with that and they probably won't leave disappointed. The angler that is willing to strap on a back pack and venture into the Yellowstone back country will find some great trout water. Most anglers have never heard of some of these back country streams. There is a lot to be said for getting away from the crowds in the park.

Some of the better known trout streams in Yellowstone include...

The Yellowstone River

The Snake River

The Firehole River

The Lamar River

A word of caution

Anytime you venture into the Yellowstone back country you should keep in mind that this is bear country. You are likely to see bears and you need to be prepared. Make lots of noise, most of the time a bear will try to avoid you. What you don't want to do is be real quiet and surprise one. Take some time and talk to a park ranger about the precautions that will keep you safe when fly fishing Yellowstone's back country.

Yellowstone provides the angler the chance to catch cutthroat , rainbow, brown and brook trout. You can also take lake trout, mountain whitefish and arctic grayling. The only true native fish to the park are cutthroat, grayling, and mountain whitefish.

Yellowstone has so much excellent public trout water to fish. Combine that with the natural beauty and abundant wildlife and it becomes a fly fisher's dream. If you are a fly fisher, a Yellowstone fly fishing trip should rank at the top of the "must do" list.