Full Day Guided Trout Fly Fishing Trip In Dubois, WY
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Full-day backcountry fly fishing in remote Wyoming wildernessTarget Golden Trout, Cutthroats, and Browns in pristine alpine watersExpert-guided hiking access to secluded streams and crystal-clear lakes
If you've been dreaming about casting flies into pristine Wyoming backcountry waters where the fish haven't seen pressure and the scenery will blow your mind, this full-day guided trip out of Dubois is exactly what you need. We're talking about hiking into remote alpine territory where Golden Trout, Cutthroats, and Browns live in crystal-clear streams and lakes that most folks never even know exist. This isn't your typical roadside fishing spot – you'll earn every fish with a good hike through some of the most beautiful wilderness Wyoming has to offer. With towering peaks all around and nothing but the sound of moving water and your line cutting through the air, this is fly fishing the way it was meant to be experienced.
Your day starts early with a meet-up in Dubois, where we'll go over the game plan and make sure your gear is dialed in. From there, we're heading into the Shoshone National Forest backcountry, where the real adventure begins. The hike in varies depending on conditions and what waters are fishing best, but expect to cover some ground – usually 2-4 miles each way through terrain that ranges from gentle meadow walks to more challenging alpine approaches. Once we reach our target waters, you'll understand why we made the trek. These hidden gems hold populations of native and wild trout that have never seen a pellet, and they're aggressive when presented with the right fly. We'll spend the bulk of our day working different runs, pools, and undercuts while I share local techniques that have taken me years to dial in. Lunch comes streamside, giving us time to recharge and talk strategy for the afternoon session.
Backcountry fishing in this part of Wyoming requires a different approach than your typical river day. We're dealing with high-altitude waters where insects can be sparse but when they hatch, the fishing goes off. I'll have you rigged with proven patterns – think small terrestrials, attractor dries, and nymphs that match the limited but important food sources up here. Presentation is everything in these clear waters, so we'll work on your approach angles and keeping low profiles. The fish are spooky but once you dial in the technique, they're incredibly rewarding to catch. I provide all the flies and terminal tackle, plus backup rods if needed. Your job is to focus on reading the water and making clean presentations. These aren't technical spring creek fish, but they're wild and strong, and in this thin air at elevation, every fight feels amplified. We'll cover dry fly fishing when conditions are right, but having a solid nymphing game is crucial for consistent success in these backcountry waters.
Rainbow Trout in these backcountry waters are absolute rockets. Unlike their hatchery cousins, these wild rainbows have that classic silver shine with a pink stripe that really pops in the clear mountain water. They typically run 12-16 inches up here, but don't let the size fool you – in this thin air and cold water, they fight like fish twice their size. Best action usually happens during the warmer parts of the day when insects start moving, and they're suckers for a well-presented dry fly during any kind of hatch activity. The way they come up and crush a fly on the surface in these pristine settings is pure magic.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish you'll encounter on this trip, and landing one feels like winning the lottery. These backcountry browns are incredibly wary and tend to hold in the deepest, most protected water they can find. They're typically the largest fish in these systems, with specimens pushing 18-20 inches not uncommon. Early morning and late afternoon are prime time, and they have a serious attitude when hooked. Browns up here feed heavily on terrestrials that blow in from the surrounding meadows, so having grasshopper and ant patterns in your box is essential during summer months.
Mountain Whitefish don't get the respect they deserve, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and a sign of healthy, clean water. These native fish are perfectly adapted to these high-elevation streams and can be surprisingly aggressive when feeding. They typically run 10-14 inches and have this unique way of fighting that's different from trout – more of a steady, determined pull. They're especially active during overcast conditions and love small nymphs and emerger patterns. Plus, they're beautiful fish with subtle coloring that fits perfectly with the alpine environment.
Cutthroat Trout are the crown jewel of Wyoming's backcountry waters, and catching native Cutts in their home territory is something every angler should experience. These fish have that distinctive red slash under their jaw and a willingness to eat that makes them incredibly fun to target. They're typically more aggressive than browns but warier than rainbows, striking a perfect balance that keeps things interesting. Cutthroats in these systems usually run 14-18 inches and are absolutely gorgeous fish with coloring that varies based on their specific drainage. They're also more forgiving of presentation mistakes than other species, making them great fish for anglers still dialing in their backcountry techniques.
Brook Trout in these waters are like little jewels – incredibly beautiful fish with amazing coloration that really shows off in the clear mountain water. They're typically smaller than the other species, usually 8-12 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure beauty and willingness to eat. Brooks are often found in the higher elevation waters and smaller tributaries, and they're incredibly aggressive during feeding periods. They love small dry flies and are often the most cooperative fish when conditions get tough. Their spawning colors in late summer and fall are absolutely spectacular, with orange and red hues that have to be seen to be believed.
This full-day backcountry experience combines
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the gems of our high country - technically a char with stunning olive backs, cream bellies, and those distinctive white-edged fins. Most run 8-12 inches in our alpine streams, though beaver ponds can produce 14+ inchers. They need the coldest, cleanest water and you'll find them in remote headwater streams, spring creeks, and high lakes. Late summer and early fall are prime, when they're fattening up before spawning. What makes brookies special is their beauty and willingness to take almost any well-presented fly. They fight hard for their size and are excellent table fare. Since they're often in tight quarters with overhanging brush, I tell clients to focus on short, accurate casts rather than distance. A high-floating dry fly like an Adams or small attractor pattern works wonders. The key is staying quiet - brook trout spook easily in the shallow water they prefer.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the crafty veterans of our Wyoming waters - golden-brown with black spots and that wariness that comes with age. They typically run 14-20 inches, with some bruisers pushing 24+ in the deeper pools. These fish love structure: undercut banks, fallen logs, and deep holes where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they bite year-round if you're stealthy. What draws folks to browns is the challenge - they're smart, selective, and put up a bulldogging fight once hooked. The meat is firm and flavorful too. Around here, I always tell guests to fish the shadows. Browns hate bright light and will often hold in the darkest spots during the day. Try casting upstream of overhanging willows and letting your fly drift naturally underneath. They'll often hit when you least expect it.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are Wyoming's native beauties - you'll know them by those red slashes under the jaw that give them their name. Size varies wildly depending on water, from 8-inch creek fish to 20+ inch lake dwellers. They prefer clean, cold water with rocky or gravel bottoms, hanging around structure like fallen trees and boulder fields. Early summer through fall produces the best action, especially during morning and evening hatches. What guests love about cutts is their eagerness to take flies and their scrappy fight. They're also some of the best eating trout around. The Yellowstone strain we have here is particularly beautiful with golden sides and heavy spotting. Pro tip from years of guiding: cutthroats are less leader-shy than other trout, so don't be afraid to use heavier tippet in brushy water. A gold bead prince nymph or elk hair caddis rarely fails when you find them feeding.
Prosopium WilliamsoniMountain whitefish might not be the prettiest fish in our streams, but they're hardy natives worth knowing. Bronze-white with large scales and that distinctive downturned mouth, they typically run 10-14 inches and can live 15+ years. You'll find them in the same cold, clean water as trout, often in deeper pools and slower runs where they feed on bottom insects. Winter fishing can be fantastic since they stay active when trout slow down. While some folks call them "trash fish," smart anglers appreciate their willingness to bite and decent table fare when smoked. Their small mouths mean downsizing your flies - think size 14-16 nymphs. Here's my trick: when the trout fishing is slow, switch to a weighted midge or small caddis nymph and bounce it along the bottom. Whitefish will often save the day when nothing else is biting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the classic Wyoming trout - silver bodies with that signature pink stripe and black spots. Most run 12-16 inches here, though we see plenty in the 18-20 inch range in our alpine waters. They love cold, oxygen-rich streams and you'll find them in fast runs, deep pools, and anywhere there's good cover. Spring through fall offers solid fishing, but late summer evenings are magic when they rise to surface flies. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your skills. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, pink meat. My local tip? In our high country streams, don't overlook the pocket water behind boulders. Rainbows tuck into those spots to ambush food, and a well-placed nymph or small dry fly will often pull them out. They're less spooky than browns but still smart fish.
Dubois, WY