A River Runs To It: Fish your way to Yellowstone

There are two ways to fish Wind River Canyon: From the shore or with a guide on a raft. Because the canyon is on the Wind River Indian Reservation, a tribal fishing (trespass) license is required to fish here.

Park in one of the overlooks on this scenic byway and take the short stroll down to the shore with your rod to catch trout, specifically big browns.

Only Native American guides are allowed to operate in the Canyon, so if you’d like to float this stretch of river with a fly, call Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing.

Eat

Philly’s and Cream, Shoshoni

Sleep

Fish until you fall asleep, then wake up and fish by camping on Boysen State Park

Gear

Stock up in Riverton.

The lake trout on the Loop Road outside of Lander have been growing, and they’re primed to give you a fun fight. Get out on Louis Lake for lake trout over four pounds. You don’t have to bring a boat; you can rent one from Louis Lake Lodge.

While you’re on the Loop Road, stop and fish some of the many creeks and streams to pick up some smaller, but equally fun, fish. There are a number of fishing guides and fly/fishing gear shops in Lander who would be happy to help make your trip a success.

Eat

Pick up a breakfast burrito at The Crux or Mr. D’s to start your morning off right. When you come back into town at the end of your adventure, grab a local microbrew at Gannett Grill or Cowfish while browsing their menus.

Sleep

If you’re camping, there are a number of campgrounds in the area, many with fishable waters nearby. If you’re looking for a hot shower and a freshly made bed, there are a number of lodging options in town.

Gear

Lander Fly Shop and Wind River Outdoor Co.

Like the Wind River Canyon, the upper Wind River near Crowheart is on the Wind River Indian Reservation, so you’ll need to secure a tribal fishing (trespass) license, if you didn’t already for Wind River Canyon. It’s always a good idea to fish with a knowledgeable guide or at least pick one’s brain before heading out, so call a permitted outfitter on the Reservation.

Eat

Grab a bite in Lander or Dubois before heading into the heart of Wind River Country. You can always pick up snacks at the Crowheart Store if you fish up an appetite.

Sleep

Sleep in Lander the night before and Dubois after departing from your Crowheart stage of the trip.

Gear

Pick up your fishing gear at the Crowheart Store.

Some of the top fishing destinations in Wyoming’s Wind River Country are in Dubois, so by following this route to ultimately fish Yellowstone, you may have saved the best for last.

In 1948, the world record golden trout was caught in Cook Lake. The golden is an exciting and elusive trout to chase, but your luck increases when you’re in the area. You’ll also encounter rainbow, brown, and brook trout. More than a couple guides have put down roots here, for good reason. Reach out to them in advance or when you get to town for fresh fishing reports, recommendations, or some company on your quest for bites.

Eat

Pick up breakfast at Coyote Blue to start your day off, then settle into a delicious dinner at Nostalgia Bistro or, if you can’t go without pie, Cowboy Café.

Sleep

Dubois has a wide variety of places to recover after so many exciting days of fishing, ranging from camping to glamping to hotels to guest ranches.

Gear

Because fishing brings so many people—visitors and residents—to town near Yellowstone, you have a few choices for resupplying: Cutthroat Fly Shop & Adventures, Wind River Flyfitter, and Wind River Gear.