North Fork Shoshone Fishing Forecast
The North Fork Shoshone anchors Wyoming trout culture for anglers who want a forecast that respects real hydrology—not a generic “fish today” badge. Species mix centers on rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, with tactics shifting from weighted nymphs in cold water to dries and terrestrials as afternoons warm during late June through September. Because it is not a manicured park stretch, the North Fork Shoshone rewards map work, respectful access, and leaders sized for the clarity you will actually see. USGS gauge 06281000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
Local Knowledge: North Fork Shoshone
Based on local angler reports · Wyoming · always verify before traveling
A regional note specific to this water: the river's most productive hatches begin at the headwaters and move downstream, and the headwaters fish are different from the downstream fish, and the headwaters flies are different from the downstream flies, and the only way to learn the differences is to fish the entire river. the river's most productive water is the water you walk past the first time, and walking past the water the first time is the mistake every new angler makes, and the mistake is the reason the locals catch more fish than the visitors, and the locals know the water you walk past the first time.
Below the dam, the North Fork Shoshone is running at 1260 CFS through 61°F water — 6/10 today. Top pick: a Humpy.
Open year-round (check section regs)
Generally open year-round. Check WGFD special regs
Forecast and on-page guide updated June 24, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 3:11 AM
61°F
1260 CFS
2 PM - 4 PM
Humpy
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June Hatches
Salmonfly
Stonefly
Giant stonefly hatch, moves upstream as water warms above 52F
Golden Stone
Stonefly
Follows salmonfly hatch, active during midday
PMD
Mayfly
Pale Morning Duns, morning hatches on sunny days
Green Drake
Mayfly
Large mayfly, best on cloudy humid days
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis hatches prolific through summer
June Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June(Now) | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
freestone
54°F - 64°F
What Makes the North Fork Shoshone Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Salmonfly (Stonefly) is a headline hatch to watch in June. Peak activity often tracks 48–58°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Yellowstone East Entrance: Upper river near park boundary.
Rules anglers miss
Regulations may vary by section.
When is the Best Time to Fish North Fork Shoshone?
Spring
Runoff limits fishing. Late spring improves.
Summer
Prime season. Highway provides access.
Fall
Excellent conditions. Less crowded.
Winter
Limited - winter conditions challenging.
Recommended Equipment for North Fork Shoshone
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold mountain water.
Essential Flies
How to Fish North Fork Shoshone: Tips & Tactics
The North Fork Shoshone flows from Yellowstone's eastern boundary through stunning canyon country to Buffalo Bill Reservoir, offering excellent cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing after spring runoff. Fall brings excellent conditions with aggressive fish. The canyon scenery is spectacular.
Recommended Techniques
Freestone techniques work well. Match the hatches. Nymphing in faster water. Streamers for larger fish.
Water Conditions
The canyon is dramatic and beautiful. Clear mountain water. Access from the scenic highway to Yellowstone.
Fly Selection
Caddis and stonefly patterns. PMD and BWO for mayflies. Attractor dries in pocket water.
Local Knowledge
Cody is the gateway to Yellowstone's east entrance. The scenic highway parallels the river. Buffalo Bill historical significance.
Local Tips
Cody is a classic western town. Buffalo Bill history is everywhere. Gateway to Yellowstone's east entrance.
Access Points & Parking for North Fork Shoshone
Yellowstone East Entrance
Upper river near park boundary.
Wapiti
Mid-river access.
Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Above reservoir access.
Cody
Town access near the reservoir.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
400 - 1000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
North Fork Shoshone Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Wyoming Game and Fish.
Limits
Trout limits apply.
Special Regulations
Regulations may vary by section.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations.
Notes
Gateway to Yellowstone's east entrance.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near North Fork Shoshone
Local Fly Shops
- North Fork Anglers - Cody
- Sunlight Sports - Cody
- Wyoming Fly Fishing
Guide Services
- North Fork Guides
- Cody Anglers
- Shoshone River Guides
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North Fork Shoshone — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the North Fork Shoshone?
Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.
What flies should I bring to the North Fork Shoshone?
For the North Fork Shoshone (freestone), carry: Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, PMD, Stonefly, Woolly Bugger.
What water temperature is best for trout on the North Fork Shoshone?
On the North Fork Shoshone, trout hold between 50° and 62°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.
Do I need a fishing license for the North Fork Shoshone?
Yes — you need a valid Wyoming fishing license to fish the North Fork Shoshone. Local season: Check Wyoming Game and Fish.. Daily limit: Trout limits apply..
What hatches should I watch for on the North Fork Shoshone in June?
Salmonfly is the signature hatch on the North Fork Shoshone in June. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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