Lower Shoshone River Fishing Trip
Right here in Cody's backyard, the Lower Shoshone River offers some of Wyoming's most consistent trout fishing. This tailwater gem flows straight through town after spilling out of Buffalo Bill Dam, creating prime habitat for multiple trout species just minutes from Main Street. You'll fish productive runs and pools that locals have been working for decades, with lunch included and room for up to two anglers per guide.
What to Expect on the Water
The Lower Shoshone is a working tailwater that changes personality throughout the year. From late August through mid-April, when irrigation demands drop and water levels stabilize, this river really shines. You'll wade through classic riffle-pool sequences and work deeper runs where trout stack up during cooler months. The water stays fishable year-round thanks to dam releases, but timing matters here - spring and summer bring high flows that can make wading tough and fish harder to locate. Your guide knows exactly when conditions are prime and will position you in the sweet spots where browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and even hybrid cutbows cruise for food. The scenery doesn't hurt either, with red rock canyon walls and cottonwoods lining the banks as you work upstream from town.
Techniques That Work Best
This tailwater responds well to classic nymphing techniques, especially during the cooler months when bugs drift deep in the water column. Your guide will rig you up with weighted nymph patterns under an indicator, targeting the deeper slots and current seams where trout hold. Dry fly fishing can be productive during hatches, particularly with smaller mayfly and midge patterns that match the tailwater's prolific insect life. Streamer fishing works great for targeting the bigger browns that patrol the deeper runs - strips of woolly buggers and sculpin patterns often trigger aggressive strikes from fish in the 16-20 inch range. The key here is reading the water and adjusting your approach based on what's working. Some days the fish want presentations tight to the bottom, other times they're looking up for emergers in the film. Your guide will walk you through the techniques that match current conditions and help you dial in your presentation.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of the Lower Shoshone, typically running 10-16 inches with occasional fish pushing 18-20 inches. These rainbows fight hard in the current and show beautiful colors, especially the males during spawning season. They're aggressive feeders and respond well to both nymphs and dry flies, making them perfect targets for anglers of all skill levels.
Brown trout are the prize fish here, with plenty of chunky 14-18 inch browns and some true trophies lurking in the deeper holes. These fish get educated fast in this accessible water, so presentation matters. Browns tend to be more active during lower light periods and will smash streamers when the mood strikes. Landing a thick Lower Shoshone brown is something local anglers brag about for good reason.
Snake River cutthroat trout bring that native Wyoming flavor to your day, with their distinctive red slash marks and willingness to rise to dry flies. These fish typically run 12-16 inches and fight with the classic head-shaking style that cutthroat are famous for. They're often the most cooperative species when conditions get tough.
Cutbows are the wild cards - these rainbow-cutthroat hybrids combine the best traits of both parent species. They're scrappy fighters that can show up anywhere in the system, usually in the 10-15 inch range. Each cutbow looks a little different, making them fun to photograph before release.
Brook trout and tiger trout round out the mix as occasional surprises. The brookies are stunning with their olive backs and orange fins, while tiger trout display those distinctive vermiculated patterns that make them unmistakable. Both species are less common but add excitement to any day when they show up on your line.
Time to Book Your Spot
The Lower Shoshone delivers consistent action for anglers who want quality fishing without traveling far from town. This top-rated tailwater fishery offers the chance to target five different trout species in one day, all while enjoying lunch streamside and learning from guides who fish this water regularly. Whether you're working on your nymphing technique or hoping to land your personal best brown trout, the Lower Shoshone provides the perfect classroom. With guest capacity limited to two anglers, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of water to explore. Book your Lower Shoshone River trip and discover why this local gem keeps anglers coming back season after season.