The Shoshone River offers excellent trout fishing and good access
The Shoshone River has some of the best fly fishing in the state for rainbows, browns and cutthroats. The Shoshone flows out of the Absaroka Mountains near the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park . Both the north and south forks are true freestone streams with plenty of public access.
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?
Tags: 
Loading ...