Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Wyoming (Complete Guide)
Wyoming offers some of the best fly fishing in the world. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Wyoming can make a huge difference in your success.
The best times to fish in Wyoming vary depending on the fish species and location, but generally, early mornings and late afternoons are the best time of day to fish. The best fishing seasons in Wyoming are spring and fall.
| Month | Location | Target Fish |
| January | Miracle Mile on the North Platte River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| February | Grey Reef on the North Platte River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| March | Big River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| April | Wind River Canyon | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| May | North Fork of the Shoshone River | Cutthroat & & Rainbow Trout |
| June | Snake River in Jackson Hole | Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout |
| July | Green River | Brown, Cutthroat & Rainbows |
| August | Yellowstone River | Cutthroat & Brown Trout |
| September | Gros Ventre River | Cutthroat & Brown Trout |
| October | Big Horn River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| November | North Platte River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
| December | Grey Reef on the North Platte River | Brown & Rainbow Trout |
In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the state of Wyoming. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Wyoming
Snake River in Jackson Hole
Target fish: Cutthroat, Brown, and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: May to September
Green River in Pinedale
Target fish: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout
Best Months: July to October
North Platte River in Saratoga
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: April to November
Bighorn River in Thermopolis
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: March to November
Grey Reef on North Platte River
Target fish: Rainbow and Brown Trout
Best Months: March to November
Upper North Platte River in Saratoga
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: May to October
Encampment River in Saratoga
Target fish: Brown Trout
Best Months: June to October
Wind River in Dubois
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: June to October
Gros Ventre River in Jackson Hole
Target fish: Cutthroat and Brown Trout
Best Months: June to September
Shoshone River in Cody
Target fish: Cutthroat and Brown Trout
Best Months: July to September
Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: July to September
Lamar River in Yellowstone National Park
Target fish: Cutthroat Trout
Best Months: July to September
Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park
Target fish: Cutthroat Trout
Best Months: July to September
Upper Madison River in Yellowstone National Park
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: June to September
South Fork of the Snake River in Jackson Hole
Target fish: Cutthroat, Brown, and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: July to October
East Fork River in Dubois
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: June to October
Green River in Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: July to September
Little Laramie River in Laramie
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: May to October
Salt River in Star Valley
Target fish: Cutthroat and Brown Trout
Best Months: June to October
Wind River in Dubois
Target fish: Brown and Rainbow Trout
Best Months: June to October
Species Seasonal Breakdown
Cutthroat Trout
If you’re looking to fly fish for cutthroat trout in Wyoming, the best time is in the summer, from June to August. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.
As for the best locations in Wyoming, I’d say the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, the North Platte River in Casper, and the Green River in Pinedale are great places to try your luck. And if you’re up for a challenge, head up to the Wind River Range and try fishing in the high mountain lakes up there.
Brown Trout
The best time to do brown trout fishing in Wyoming is in the fall, from September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.
Regarding the best locations, I’d say the Bighorn River near Thermopolis, the North Platte River near Saratoga, and the Snake River near Jackson Hole are all great places to wet a line. And if you’re up for an adventure, head to the Yellowstone River and try fishing in the backcountry.
Rainbow Trout
The best time to catch Wyoming rainbows is in the summer, from June to August. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.
If you’re looking for the best spots in Wyoming, I recommend the North Platte River in Casper, the Snake River in Jackson Hole, and the Wind River near Dubois. These are all great places to catch some beautiful rainbow trout. And if you’re up for a real adventure, try fishing in the Shoshone River near Cody.
Northern Pike
The best time to catch Wyoming pike is in the spring, from March to May, when the water is cooler, and the pike are more active. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish when the light is low, and the fish are more likely to bite.
Regarding the best locations, I suggest checking out the Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, the Glendo Reservoir near Glendo, and the Pathfinder Reservoir near Casper. These are all great places to catch some monster northern pike.
Whitefish
If you’re looking to fish for whitefish in Wyoming, the best time to do it is in the fall and winter months, from September to March. During this time, the water is cooler, and the whitefish are more active, making it easier to catch these tasty fish.
As for the best locations, I recommend checking out the Green River near Pinedale, the North Platte River near Saratoga, and the Bighorn River near Thermopolis. These are great spots for fishing whitefish, with healthy populations of these hard-fighting fish.
When it comes to the best time of day to fish for whitefish, early morning or late afternoon are the most productive times when the light is low, and the fish are more likely to feed.
Walleye
The best time to fish is spring and fall, from April to May and September to October. During these times, the water temperature is just right for the walleye to be active and feeding.
Regarding the best locations for walleye fishing, I recommend checking out the Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, the Keyhole Reservoir near Moorcroft, and the Glendo Reservoir near Glendo. These are all great spots to catch some walleye, with healthy populations of these delicious fish.
As for the best time of day to fish for walleye, early morning or late evening are the most productive times when the light is low, and the fish are more likely to be feeding.
Catfish
If you’re looking to fish for catfish in Wyoming, the best time is in the summer, from June to August. During this time, the water is warmer, and the catfish are more active, making catching these big fish easier.
As for the best locations, I recommend checking out the North Platte River near Casper, the Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, and the Glendo Reservoir near Glendo. These are all excellent spots for fishing catfish, with healthy populations of these big, bottom-dwelling fish.
When it comes to the best time of day to fish for catfish, late evening or early morning are the most productive times when the light is low, and the fish are more likely to feed.
Arctic Grayling
The best time to catch Wyoming grayling is in the summer, from June to August. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.
As for the best locations, I’d recommend checking out the Green River near Pinedale, the Snake River near Jackson Hole, and the Wind River near Dubois. These are all great places to catch some beautiful grayling. And if you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the Big Horn Mountains and try fishing in one of the high mountain lakes up there.
Freshwater Drum
The best time to catch drum in Wyoming is in the summer, from June to August. During this time, the water is warmer, and the drum are more active, making it easier to catch these strong fish.
As for the best locations, I recommend checking out the Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, the Seminoe Reservoir near Rawlins, and the Glendo Reservoir near Glendo. These are all excellent spots for fishing drum, with healthy populations of these hard-fighting fish.
When it comes to the best time of day to fish for drum, early morning or late afternoon are the most productive times when the light is low, and the fish are more likely to be feeding.
Lake Trout
The best time to fish is in the summer, from June to August. During this time, the water is warmer, and the fish are more active, making it easier to catch these big beauties.
Regarding the best locations for fishing lake trout, I suggest checking out the Flaming Gorge Reservoir near Green River, the Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone Lake near Cody.
These are all excellent fishing spots with abundant lake trout populations. And as for the best time of day to fish, early morning or late afternoon are the most productive times when the fish are more likely to be feeding.
Best Fishing in Wyoming on Seasonal Basis
Winter
- North Platte River near Casper: This section stays relatively ice-free in the winter, and anglers can catch some great trout during the colder months.
- Big Horn River: The Big Horn is also a good option for winter fishing, as it doesn’t freeze over, and the brown trout are particularly active during this time.
Spring
- Grey Reef on the North Platte River: Known for its large rainbow and brown trout, the Grey Reef section is a popular destination for spring fishing in Wyoming.
- Big Horn River: This river has some of the best brown trout fishing in the state, and spring is a great time to catch them.
Summer
- Snake River in Grand Teton National Park: This is a popular destination for summer fishing, and anglers can catch cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout in the clear waters of the Snake River.
- North Fork of the Shoshone River: The North Fork offers some of the state’s best fly fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Fall
- Miracle Mile on the North Platte River: This section of the river is known for its large rainbow and brown trout, and fall is a great time to catch them.
- Lower Shoshone River: This is a popular spot for fall fishing, and anglers can catch brown and rainbow trout in the cooler waters of the Lower Shoshone River.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Utah, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Michigan, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Nebraska, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Las Vegas. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Yellowstone, check out this guide.
