Shoshone River Fly Fishing Trip: South Fork

South Fork of the Shoshone River
(Wapiti Ranger District)

Species Present:
rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, Yellowstone cutthroat, brown trout, and some lake trout on the lower reaches of the river.

Seasons:
Fishing is allowed year round but the area could receive substantial amounts of snow in the winter. Ice out on the main fork of the river is usually around the end of March. Spring runoff usually runs until the middle to end of June.

Access:
The South Fork of the Shoshone River is located in northwest Wyoming and has it's headwaters near the continental divide in the Washakie wilderness. The lower 32 miles are accessed by driving the river corridor on State Highway 291 southwest out of Cody. This turns into Forest Road 479 upon entering the forest. The upper 25 miles can be reached by foot or horseback only. State Highway 291 is maintained year round.

Camping:
The South Fork of the Shoshone River is located in northwest Wyoming and has it's headwaters near the continental divide in the Washakie wilderness. The lower 32 miles are accessed by driving the river corridor on State Highway 291 southwest out of Cody. This turns into Forest Road 479 upon entering the forest. The upper 25 miles can be reached by foot or horseback only. State Highway 291 is maintained year round.

Comments:
Visitors to the upper South Fork valley in the winter stand a good chance of observing bighorn sheep on their wintering grounds. This river is managed as a wild fishery with predominant emphasis on Yellowstone cutthroat (upper reaches). The lower reaches are an excellent brown trout fishery though access is limited due to private lands.

For further camping and access information, contact:
Shoshone National Forest
Phone: 307-527-6241

For specific fishing regulations or species and size information, contact:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Cody Regional Office
2820 State Highway 120
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone: 307-527-7125