- The South Fork of the Shoshone River is a popular spot for fly-fishing
- Not far from Cody, Wyoming off of Highway 291
- Catch plenty of rainbow, brook and brown trout
- Try the canyon for some of the best trout fishing on the South Fork
Overview of Location
The South Fork of the Shoshone River in the Wapiti Ranger District of Wyoming is a scenic river winding out of the Absaroka Range in the Central Rockies. It’s well known for the many fly-fishing opportunities for wild trout.
Type of waterway
This river provides great wading, but floating is not an option.
Fishing seasons
Fishing is permitted all year, but the best time to come is from June to October. From about the beginning of July through mid-October, dry flies are the favorite pattern.
Most common fish species
On the South Fork of the Shoshone, you’ll catch plenty of rainbow, brook and brown trout, as well as Yellowstone cutthroat, lake trout and mountain whitefish.
Directions for access
Access to the South Fork of the Shoshone is somewhat limited as much of its length is bordered by private property, from the Buffalo Bill Reservoir to the Shoshone National Forest boundary. However, driving on State Highway 291 out of Cody will get you to some great spots on the lower 32 miles of the river.
Hiring a guide might be the best idea for your fishing adventure. A guide knows the lay of the land, where the fish are biting, and what flies are best. It can make your trip the best ever.