North Fork Shoshone River Fishing Trip
Shared Trip
River Fishing
Target 10-22" lake run rainbows and native Yellowstone cutthroat troutFish 50 miles of pristine water east of Yellowstone National ParkSmall group experience with maximum two guests per guided trip
The North Fork Shoshone River is where serious Wyoming anglers go when they want to get away from the crowds and into some real fish. Just east of Yellowstone's boundary, this 50-mile stretch of prime trout water holds everything from chunky lake-run rainbows to native Yellowstone cutthroat that'll make your drag sing. We're talking about a fishery that produces consistent 10-22 inch trout, with the occasional surprise that'll have you scrambling for your net. This is intimate fishing at its finest - just you, your guide, and one other angler working some of the most productive water in the Greater Yellowstone area.
Your day starts where the North Fork flows out of Yellowstone's backcountry, carrying all that high-country coldwater magic down through some gorgeous Wyoming scenery. For the first 30 miles, we're following US 14-16-20 from Pahaska Teepee down to the National Forest boundary, which gives us access to miles of public water that most folks just drive right past. The river here runs clean and cold, with plenty of pocket water, deeper runs, and undercut banks that hold fish year-round. Once we hit that National Forest boundary, the character changes as we move into private ranch land for those final ten miles before Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The fishing pressure drops way off, and the trout have room to grow fat and lazy. We keep our groups small - just two anglers per guide - so everyone gets plenty of personal attention and room to work their water properly.
The North Fork is classic freestone fishing, which means we're reading water, working structure, and adapting to what the fish are telling us. Early season, we're often nymphing the deeper runs with stonefly patterns and pheasant tails, getting down where those rainbows and cutthroat are holding in the cooler water. As things warm up, the dry fly action can be outstanding - think pale morning duns, caddis, and terrestrials that bring fish up from surprising depths. The lake-run rainbows from Buffalo Bill Reservoir are built different - they're aggressive and strong, so we fish 4X to 5X tippet and aren't afraid to go heavier when the situation calls for it. Your guide will have all the gear dialed in, from 9-foot 5-weight rods that handle the Wyoming wind to a fly selection that's been tested on this exact water. We're not just throwing random patterns and hoping - every fly in the box has earned its spot by fooling North Fork trout.
Rainbow trout are the backbone of this fishery, especially those lake-run fish that cruise up from Buffalo Bill Reservoir looking to feed. These aren't your typical stream rainbows - they're thick, chrome-bright, and fight like they mean it. Most run 12-18 inches, but don't be shocked when a 20-incher decides your streamer looks tasty. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and love structure like undercut banks and deeper pools where they can ambush food drifting downstream.
Cutthroat trout here are the real deal - native Yellowstone cutthroat that have been working this drainage for thousands of years. They know every rock, every current seam, and every hiding spot, which makes them a genuine challenge to fool consistently. These fish typically run 10-16 inches and have that classic cutthroat attitude - cautious but aggressive once they commit. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're active in the shallower water, and they absolutely crush dry flies when conditions line up right.
Brown trout are the wildcards in this system. They're not super abundant, but the ones that call the North Fork home are genuine trophy material. These fish have learned to be nocturnal and picky, holding in the deepest, most protected water during the day. When you hook into a North Fork brown, you know it immediately - they're bulldogs that use every bit of current and structure to their advantage. Fall fishing can produce some memorable brown trout encounters, especially on streamer patterns worked through the deeper runs.
Brook trout add some color and variety to the mix, particularly in the upper reaches where the water stays cold all season. They're typically smaller than the other species - 8-14 inches is the norm - but they make up for size with pure beauty and willingness to eat. These fish love pocket water and smaller presentations, and they're often the most cooperative when the other species are being finicky. Their spawning colors in fall are absolutely stunning.
Mountain whitefish might not be the target species, but they're a sign of a healthy ecosystem and can provide steady action when the trout are being difficult. They're bottom feeders that love nymph presentations, and while they might not jump like a rainbow, they're surprisingly strong fighters that deserve respect. Plus, catching native whitefish means you're fishing clean, cold water - exactly what trout need to thrive.
The North Fork Shoshone represents everything that makes Wyoming trout fishing special - wild fish, clean water, and enough elbow room to really focus on your angling. With lunch included and just two anglers per guide, you're getting a premium experience without the premium attitude. This isn't about hauling in limits or taking grip-and-grin photos for social media - it's about connecting with a genuine piece of trout country that still fishes like it did decades ago. Whether you're working dry flies over rising cutthroat or stripping streamers for aggressive lake-run rainbows, the North Fork delivers the kind of fishing that reminds you why you picked up a fly rod in the first place. Give us a call and let's get you on the water where the fishing matches the scenery.
The AIRE Super Puma 13' raft redefines what you expect from river fishing craft on Wyoming's North Fork Shoshone. This isn't your typical bulky raft - it cuts through water like a drift boat with the stability anglers need when working trophy cutthroat and lake-run rainbows. The narrow profile and responsive handling let you position perfectly for those prime lies where 10-22" fish hold in the current. Equipped with a specialized fishing frame, you'll have rod storage, gear organization, and casting room for two anglers. Whether you're drifting nymph rigs through deep pools or swinging streamers along undercut banks, this raft moves precisely where the fish are. Perfect for navigating the North Fork's varied water from Yellowstone's boundary down to Buffalo Bill Reservoir, giving you access to some of Wyoming's best trout water with the maneuverability to fish it right.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrookies in the North Fork are gems - small but absolutely gorgeous with their olive backs, red spots circled in blue, and white-edged fins. Most run 8-12 inches, but they're scrappy little fighters. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water, often tucked into small tributaries or spring-fed areas where other trout can't handle the conditions. Fall is when they really shine as spawning season gets them active, but they bite all season in the right spots. Guests love their beauty and the fact that they're willing biters compared to selective browns. They make great eating too. Key tip: use small presentations on light tippet, and don't overlook tiny side channels - that's where the best brookies hide.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns in the North Fork are the craftiest fish you'll encounter - they didn't earn their reputation as "old and wise" for nothing. Most run 12-18 inches, though we see some real bruisers pushing 20-plus that have been in the system for years. They love deep pools with overhead cover, undercut banks, and areas where smaller tributaries feed in. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they bite year-round if you're patient. What makes them special is the challenge - they're incredibly wary and will test every knot you tie. The fight is bulldoggish and determined. Here's the key: fish at dusk or early morning, and don't be afraid to go big with streamers near structure.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiOur native Yellowstone cutthroat are the crown jewel of the North Fork - these are the fish that Lewis and Clark first described back in the day. They range 12-18 inches with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. Look for them in clean, well-oxygenated water, often in runs between pools and around rocky structure. June through September is prime, especially during terrestrial season when they'll smash hoppers along the banks. What makes them special is they're less pressured than rainbows and more willing to eat dry flies. Plus, they're part of our natural heritage here. Best advice: try a stimulator or elk hair caddis along grassy banks during late summer - they can't resist a good hopper imitation.
Prosopium WilliamsoniDon't overlook these native fighters - whitefish are abundant in the North Fork and actually provide some of the most consistent action, especially in winter when trout slow down. They typically run 10-14 inches with small mouths and bronze-silver sides. You'll find them in moderate currents, often in schools near the bottom where they feed on aquatic insects. Fall through early spring is peak season since they stay active in cold water when other species don't. Guests enjoy them because they're aggressive biters and surprisingly good table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's great smoked. The trick is using small flies, size 14-16 nymphs work best. Fish them deep with split shot and be ready for subtle takes.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese lake-run rainbows in the North Fork typically run 10-22 inches and put up a solid fight with acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag. You'll find them throughout the river system, from shallow riffles to deeper pools, especially where there's good cover like undercut banks or fallen timber. Spring through fall offers the best action, with morning and evening being prime time when they're actively feeding on mayflies and caddis. What guests love most is their willingness to take dry flies and their spirited runs once hooked. The pink flesh makes for excellent eating too. Pro tip: during summer months, focus on the deeper pools and use smaller nymphs - these fish see plenty of pressure and can get selective.
Cody