North Fork Shoshone Fishing Forecast
Wild canyon river near Yellowstone
Open year-round (check section regs)
Generally open year-round. Check WGFD special regs
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 5:41 PM
48°F
134 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO)
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
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(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
400 - 1000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
Green
Snake River
North Platte River
Firehole River
Gibbon River
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