Wind River Fishing Forecast
Remote mountain freestone with diverse trout species and stunning Wind River Range scenery
Open year-round (check section regs)
East Fork drainage: artificial fly/lure only, all cutthroat C&R. Wind River Reservation requires tribal permit
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 2:56 AM
32°F
45 CFS
12 AM - 2 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall BWO fishing. Tailwater section year-round.
Midge
Midge
Tailwater section winter fishing. Boysen tailwater.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
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.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
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 Wind River
Dubois
Upper river access with services.
Wind River Canyon
Spectacular canyon fishing.
Boysen Reservoir
Above reservoir access.
Thermopolis
Below canyon access.
How to Fish Wind River: Tips & Tactics
The Wind River flows from the Wind River Range through dramatic Wind River Canyon, offering diverse fishing for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing after runoff. The canyon section provides unique scenery. Fall brings excellent conditions.
Recommended Techniques
Freestone techniques in upper reaches. Canyon fishing requires specialized approaches. Match the hatches.
Water Conditions
The Wind River Canyon is dramatic. Upper river is accessible freestone. Wind River Reservation surrounds portions.
Fly Selection
Caddis and stonefly patterns. PMD and BWO for mayflies. Attractor dries in faster water.
Local Knowledge
Dubois is the gateway to the upper river. The canyon is spectacular. Wind River Reservation requires tribal permits.
Local Tips
Dubois is a classic western town. Wind River Canyon is spectacular. Tribal permits may be required.
When is the Best Time to Fish Wind River?
Spring
High runoff. Limited fishing.
Summer
Prime season after runoff subsides.
Fall
Excellent conditions. Less crowded.
Winter
Limited access due to weather.
Recommended Equipment for Wind River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold mountain water.
Essential Flies
Wind River Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Wyoming Game and Fish.
Limits
Trout limits vary by section.
Special Regulations
Wind River Reservation requires tribal permit.
Bait Restrictions
Check by section.
Notes
Tribal lands require additional permits.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Wind River
Local Fly Shops
- Wind River Outfitters - Dubois
- Lander Fly Shop
- Wyoming High Country
Guide Services
- Wind River Guides
- Dubois Anglers
- Wyoming Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
500 - 1500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
Snake River
North Platte River
Firehole River
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