Shoshone River
Wyoming · Cody Area
Brown TroutRainbow TroutCutthroat Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Shoshone River
Cody Area
The North Fork Shoshone near Cody is Wyoming's most accessible wild trout fishery east of Yellowstone. Brown and rainbow trout thrive in this cold clear river with excellent hatch activity throughout summer. Multiple access points around Cody make this an ideal base camp for exploring the greater Yellowstone region.
💧 Ideal flow: 300–800 CFS. The North Fork near Yellowstone fishes best at moderate flows in a spectacular volcanic canyon setting.
Wapiti Valley
The Shoshone through Wapiti Valley between Cody and Yellowstone's east entrance offers spectacular scenery and good wild trout fishing. Brown and rainbow trout average 12-16 inches throughout this beautiful canyon. Evening PMD and caddis hatches from July through September are reliable.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–600 CFS. The Cody area fishes well at moderate flows — Buffalo Bill Reservoir tailwater provides consistent conditions.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Buffalo Bill Reservoir Tailwater
Below Buffalo Bill Reservoir cold dam releases create productive tailwater conditions for brown and rainbow trout. The reservoir's cold bottom water maintains prime trout temperatures through summer. Fish in this section average larger than in the free-flowing sections above.
💧 Ideal flow: 250–700 CFS. The lower Shoshone fishes best at moderate flows in fall — large browns move into the river before winter.
South Fork Shoshone
The South Fork of the Shoshone above Cody flows through remote terrain with excellent wild cutthroat trout. Native Yellowstone cutthroat are the dominant species in the upper watershed. The remote setting requires significant hiking to access the best water.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at low to moderate stable flows — check TroutBible live gauge as Shoshone canyon flows can vary with reservoir releases.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Greybull Confluence
Near the Greybull River confluence on the lower Shoshone large brown trout inhabit the slower deeper water. This section transitions toward warmwater species while still holding quality trout in cooler periods. Spring and fall are the best seasons for trophy brown trout here.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–600 CFS. Fishes best after spring runoff subsides in July — the canyon clears quickly for excellent late summer fishing.
About Shoshone River Fishing
The Shoshone River flows from Yellowstone National Park through the dramatic Shoshone Canyon near Cody, Wyoming, offering fly fishers a spectacular setting with fewer crowds than nearby famous waters. The North Fork near the park boundary showcases wild trout in a stunning volcanic canyon, while the Buffalo Bill Reservoir tailwater section below provides consistent flows and reliable fishing conditions.
Best Time to Fish Shoshone River
Spring runoff from snowmelt can make conditions challenging, but by early summer the river stabilizes and fishing becomes excellent through fall. The tailwater section below Buffalo Bill Reservoir maintains more consistent conditions year-round due to controlled water releases, making it a dependable option during seasonal fluctuations.
Species
Brown trout and rainbow trout thrive throughout the Shoshone River, with wild populations in the North Fork canyon section offering excellent dry fly and nymph opportunities. The tailwater below the reservoir produces strong populations of both species, with browns averaging solid sizes due to the nutrient-rich water and consistent flows.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Wyoming fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Shoshone River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live flow and gauge readings are sourced from the USGS National Water Information System and updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height give you a current snapshot of river conditions before your trip.