fly fishing panorama South Fork of the Snake river Idaho Falls Idaho
Idaho Falls Fly Fishing
Jack Dennis Fly Fishing the South Fork of the Snake River

 

Idaho Falls is where 2 legendary fly fishing rivers converge, the Henry's Fork of the Snake comes in from the north and the South Fork of the Snake comes in from the east. The Henry's Fork primarily is a rainbow trout fishery and the South Fork is primarily a cutthroat fishery. Take your pick it's tough to go wrong around here.

The South Fork provides 54 miles of big water that is fished best out of a Mackenzie style drift boat. The South Fork is a wild trout fishery and has no planted trout and is considered the best wild trout fishery in the lower 48 states. The South Fork is predominantly a cutthroat fishery but the rainbows are gaining in number and there is a fear that the cutthroat trout will be displaced in time

The Henry's Fork is a lot smaller and is a good river to wade but if you have the opportunity to float it a boat will get you over a lot more fish. this is also a wild trout fishery, mostly Rainbows but it does have some cutthroat and brown trout.

A Few Thoughts On Fishing

fly-fisherman Madison River

 

fly-fisherman Firehole River
Fly-fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone in the Fall. The steam in the background is from the thermal featureso the Middle Geyser Basin.

"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."

Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it.

The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world. The Henry’s Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books and articles that have been written about them.

If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but it certainly isn’t required around here. Forget about what you’ve heard about fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time.

fly-fisherman wyoming spring creek
Fly-fisher fishing small stream high in the Wyoming Range outside Alpine Wyoming

Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience.

For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop.

Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river.

 

Fine spotted Snake river Cutthroat Trout fly-fisherman
Cutthroat Trout soon to be returned into the Snake River south of Jackson Hole Wyoming.

Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesn’t require the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks down to a single hook.

The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction. Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this valuable resource.

fly-fishing Gibbon River Yellowstone National Park
Fly-fishermen enyoy fall fishing on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful.

Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective.

Heather Thomas fly-fishing the Snake River in Jackson Wyoming
Actress Heather Thomas improves the scenery as she floats down the Snake River beneth the Grand Tetons as she competes in the One Fly Fishing Contest in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon.

Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all.

Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish.

fly-fishing from drift boats South Fork Snake River Swan Valley Idaho
What appears to be dueling fly-fishiners make an interesting photo as the compete in the One Fly Fishing Contest on the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley Idaho

Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released 40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldn’t be any here except inferior hatchery fish.

I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.

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Events
Chuck Yeager & Guide Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest
Chuck Yeager & Guide Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest

Jackson Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events. It is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course, the famous Snake River Cutthroat trout.

Give the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around 300 people have done, you might want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish.  The Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies. 

Stories
 

Fly-fishers go crazy saving flies - by D Dave Strege
One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders of the guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from the trout's mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is.

What would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More

Greater Yellowstone Region Fishing Outfitters
 

Reel Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson Hole’s Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river. We guide on the Snake River, Green River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous backcountry streams, popular

fly-fishing the Firehole River
Fly-fishermen try their luck on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River is one of the first in the region fishable with dry flies in the Spring.

spring creeks, and exclusive private water opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any given time. Our guides are superb and are experts onthe water they specialize in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing the same waters as you.

Henrys Fork Anglers • (Island Park Idaho) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world, with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner. Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.

South Fork Lodge & Outfitters • (Swan Valley) Located in the heart of eastern Idaho's premier fishing waters, specializes in fly-fishing on the South Fork and Henry's Fork of the Snake River and Blackfoot River. Our experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will do everything to make your trip an enjoyable one.

Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters • (Paradise Valley Montana) Big Sky Flies and Guides Outfitting Co. has merged with Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters! We continue to offer the same fantastic guide service you've come to know and trust, and the finest selection of flyfishing equipment and quality outdoor apparrel at our Emigrant flyshop location. We are the premier Paradise Valley flyfishing outfitter. Come visit us and do so often!

Wild Trout Outfitters • (Big Sky Montana) Headquartered on the Gallatin River, ¼ mile south of the turn off to Big Sky, Montana, Wild Trout Outfitters Inc. is just 42 miles south of Bozeman on Highway 191, and turn left just past the Exxon station at Canyon Square Unit 1C. If traveling north from West Yellowstone, Montana (just 47 miles), turn right just before reaching the Exxon station. The Gallatin Field (Bozeman) and West Yellowstone airportsprovide air transportation for our area. Call or write if you have any questions related to your visit. We will be happy to help you find lodging, transportation and book your trip to your individual needs.

The River’s Edge • ( Bozeman Montana) Bozeman Montana’s premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop. With the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers a short drive away and a store that carries only the finest in fly fishing products including Simms, Winston, Sage, Ross and Galvan, we’re confident we will provide the very best Montana trout fishing experience. Come see for yourself...

Madison River Outfitters • (West Yellowstone MT) Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just

fly-fishing the Firehole River
Fly-fisherman shows off Cutthroat Trout he just caught in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.

a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.

Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers • (Cody Wyoming) Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers is the premier Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishing Headquarters! Seen on ESPN, TNN Outdoor and other outdoors fly fishing programs, this fly shop is always a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. Tim Wade, owner

Kids fly-fishing Gardiner River, Yellowstone Park
My Boys Cody and Scott fishing for brook trout in the Gardiner River in Yellowstone National Park.

and outfitter, has been guiding and instructing anglers in the Cody Wyoming / Yellowstone region for more than 20 years. During those years he has taught or written about fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and entomology, sharing his knowledge of water and fish behavior with thousands of during that time. He still lovesto see one of his guests on a guided trip get hooked up with a wily brown, or untangle knots when needed, because it is all part of the job as guide or outfitter. "This is a job that is a privilege for me," Tim says. "My office is not bad either.

Two Rivers Emporium • (Pinedale Wyoming) Two Rivers Emporium offers some of the finest rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state of Wyoming. Our guides are extremely efficient and up to date on hatches and which flies and lures are working. We are here to help you in any way to make your fishing vacation more memorable. If there is any thing we can do, please contact us at our E-Mail address, or call our toll free number.

Shop at Cabela's!
Fisheries Conservation Organizations
 
Lee Wulff & Curt Gowdy - flyfishing in the One Fly Fishing Contest
Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest

Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003 to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem Snake and Yellowstone Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region.

Trout Unlimited • Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Trout Unlimited accomplishes this mission on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. TU’s national office, based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine, intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s 125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved in conservation issues.

Federation of Fly Fishers •The Federation of Fly Fishers, an international service organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation and Education. The FFF and its Councils are the only organized advocate for fly fishers on the national and regional level. By joining you will have the opportunity to contribute, with your membership and your voice, to fishery conservation and restoration for all fish in all waters

Greater Yellowstone Region Rivers
The Henry's Fork of the Snake • Island Park
Mesa Falls
The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, located in eastern Idaho, is one of the most famous trout streams in all of the United States. It's legendary hatches and abundant large wild rainbow trout make the Henry's Fork one of America's top fly-fishing destinations. The river flows for approximately 150 miles and within its journey passes some of the more classic dry fly water in the United States. Gentle flowing meadowland, pocket water, and spring creek like sections make up much of this legendary fishery made popular by Avril Harriman the railroad man. The Henry's Fork of the Snake is a spectacular river and fishery. Anglers come from all over the world to this river to fish its diverse and productive waters. More........
 
South Fork of the Snake RiverSwan Valley & Idaho Falls
 
South Fork Snake River
The South Fork of the Snake is in southeastern Idaho close to the Wyoming border. The South Fork begins as it flows out of 20 mile long Palisades Reservoir in the community of Swan Valley, forming a 64-mile stretch of legendary tail-water fly-fishing. The South Fork is also a beautiful river for flat water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. If you float this river in a canoe know what you are doing as it is big water and its flat-water appearance can fool you to its dangers. More.........
 
Snake River • Grand Teton National Park
 
Snake River Grand Teton Park
The source of the mighty Snake River is in Yellowstone National Park, from there it flows past Flagg Ranch south through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, and into postcard perfect Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Below Jackson Lake Dam, the river meanders through Grand Teton National Park. Above the river to the west, the Grand Teton mountains rise suddenly, with no foothills to soften their dramatic rise to the sky. These are mountains the way we always expect mountains to look, The snowcapped, Grand Tetons are America's quintessential mountain range, rearing up with sawtooth like exaggeration crowned by the 13,770-foot Grand Teton. More.......
 
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Snake RiverJackson Hole
 
Chuck Yeager fishing with Mike Lawson
 
The Snake River as it leaves Grand Teton National Park is equally as breathtaking as it is as it flows through the Park but allows you to see the Grand Teton Mountain Range from different angles and vantage points. This escarpment of perpendicular granite is awesome no mater which angle you view it from. There also good views of the Sleeping Indian in the Gros Ventre Mountains to the east. More.......
 
Snake River Canyon Pritchard Creek to Sheep Gulch - Jackson Hole to Alpine
 
River camp, snake river
River camp on the Snake River
A blue sky overhead hosts a few cumulous clouds, the towering Snake River Range overwhelms you on the right but the majestic Wyoming Range balances it on the left, an osprey plucks an unsuspecting trout from its watery home with a quick swoop from the sky and some handy work with it's talons. You can count your blessings when you're floating down the mighty Snake River that divides these two mountain ranges here in the bottom of Wyoming's Snake River Canyon. The Snake River is a gorgeous ribbon of blue, green and white that comes alive and deposits itself in you face on a regular basis in this imposing canyon where towering spruce, pine and fir trees wear rags of moss and bald eagles perch watching the parade of kayakers, fishermen and rafters float by. More...........
 
Yellowstone River • Yellowstone Park - Gardinger MT - Livingston MT - Big Timber MT
 
fishermen Yellowstone river
 

The Yellowstone River drainage hosts exceptional scenery and some of the most diverse wildlife on earth. You can see elk, bison, grizzlies, moose, majestic mountains, canyons and waterfalls. And is a world-renowned trout-fishing destination.

It begins in the Teton Wilderness in northwest Wyoming’s rugged Absoraka Mountains 671 miles upstream from the confluence with the Missouri, from here the Yellowstone winds unencumbered by dams all the way to South Dakota's rolling prairies,

The upper Yellowstone is pretty much as it always has been, and is being managed by Yellowstone Park and Montana Game and Fish for the welfare of the fish and wildlife that live around it. This has preserved one of the best trout rivers, outside of Alaska or Canada. Winding through Yellowstone Park and into Montana to the town of Big Timber, the famous trout water of the Yellowstone flows for nearly 250 miles. More......

 
Teton River • Teton Valley
 
Teton River - Teton Valley Idaho
 
The Teton River begins its journey to the Columbia in the upper reaches of postcard perfect Teton Valley. Much of this mountain valley is pasture, grain and potato fields, and open range bordered by the forested hills of the Big Hole Mountains and the famous peaks of the Grand Teton Range. The rugged peaks of the Tetons and the forested hillsides of the Big Hole's stand in stark contrast to each other, this diversity adds character to the Teton River Valley. The upper Teton River is a meandering spring creek that is a fly-fishing nirvana. Huge rainbow and cutthroat trout live throughout the entire river. This is a dry fly paradise! Mayfly hatches are prolific and often there will be four or five different hatches at the same time. The Narrows (the lower Teton) has all the adrenaline rush attributes of any class IV and V whitewater river. The Teton River is a diverse waterway providing the gamut from tubing to world class whitewater and trout fishing. More......
 
Gros Ventre River • Jackson Hole & Kelly WY
 
Gros Ventre River Jackson Hole Wyoming
 
The Gros Ventre River (pronounced 'grow-vont') flows from it's headwaters in the Gros Ventre Wilderness which forms much of the eastern boundary of Jackson Hole and lies mostly to the south of the river. The Gros Ventre is a swift medium-sized freestone river providing plentiful pocketwater, runs and pools. There are not many riffles on the Gros Venture. The River contains expansive open terrain with exposed sedimentary rock layers of many colors, cliff bands, dense forest, and narrow canyons. In places the color scheme of this beautiful river valley resembles the southwest. The river alternates between a broad cottonwood-lined bottom and narrow canyons. Views of the Grand Tetons Range are spectacular. It is a beautiful, undeveloped region with abundant wildlife. The Gros Ventre River is home to the Snake River Fine-spotted Cutthroat Trout, and whitefish. Brookies are in some of the tributaries of the upper Gros Ventre drainage. Early season kayaking is classic, the fishing is remarkable, and photographers will have no shortage of subject matter. More......
 
The Fall River • Ashton, Island Park & Yellowstone
 
Fall River From Cave
© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture
Tucked in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, the Falls River basin is truly a fisherman's and waterfall lover's paradise. The Fall River is aptly named because of the many waterfalls along its tributaries. This is the major river that drains the Cascade Corner, of Yellowstone Park. The four major streams in the Fall River drainage are the Belcher River, Boundary Creek, Mountain Ash creek and of course the Fall River. They begin on the Madison and Pitchstone plateaus and they carve canyons across Yellowstone Park's southwest corner. Some of Yellowstone's most beautiful waterfalls are in this area. As the runoff of many creeks drop off the Madison and Pitchstone Plateaus, many waterfalls are formed. With nearly 80 inches of annual precipitation, the Falls River drainage is one of the wettest portions of Yellowstone National Park. The Falls River is a backpacking, fisherman, and photographer's nirvana. More......
 
Salt River • Star Valley
 
Salt River Narrows, Afton Wyoming
The Salt River is a small river that originates on the western slope of the Salt River Mountain Range just south of the town of Afton. It flows north through scenic Star Valley Wyoming between the Salt River Range of Wyoming and the Caribou Range of Idaho into Palisades Reservoir at its confluence with the Snake River. On it's way it meanders through miles of ranch land until it reaches on Idaho-Wyoming border. The Salt River is home to Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat and Trout. The Salt is a flat-water river but does offer scenic canoe, kayak, rafting and tubing floats. More......
 
Madison River • West Yellowstone
 
fly-fisherman north of Ennis Montana on the Madison River
Fisherman north of Ennis Montana on the Madison River.

The legendary trout waters of the Madison River originate at Madison Junction inYellowstone National Park where the Gibbon and Firehole come together to form the Madison. It was here in late summer of 1870 in what is known as National Park Meadows that the Langford-Washburn-Doane expedition conceived making Yellowstone a national park.

 

It's logical to think that the river's origin in the high plateau region of Yellowstone Park, which is notoriously cold, would keep the river cold, however, the Madison and its upper tributaries run right through the most thermally active region in the United States, the water temperature on most sections of the river is remarkably warm for a high mountain river, often more than seventy degrees in the summer. Despite its high, mountain environment, which usually leads to low nutrient content, the Madison has an amazingly high nutrient level fostering great fishing. ................... More

 
Green River • Pinedale Wyoming
 
Green River and Squaretop Mountain
Green River and Squaretop Mountain northeast of Pinedale Wyoming

The Green River a major tributary of the great Colorado River system, it is born from the glacier melt water high in the Wind River Mountains, it dumps from the glaciers into a pair of large scenic lakes in the northern region of the Winds and emerges suddenly as a fast-flowing, freestone river with a deep emerald color which appropriately gives the Green its name.

 

From Green River Lakes, it runs 730 miles to join the Colorado deep in Utah's Canyonlands National Park, passing through Flaming Gorge Canyon along the way. The Green River joins the Colorado River to form the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

 

Beginning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest at Green River Lakes, one of the prettiest places on earth, the river makes a big bend and then turns south before entering private property. Unpaved National Forest roads skirt the river and afford many places along this 20-mile stretch to fish, watch wildlife, and enjoy the sound of tumbling water. --------> More

 
Wind River • Dubois Wyoming
 
Wind River, Pinnacle Peak
Headwaters of the Wind River in the Absoraka Mountains west of Dubois Wyoming.
The Wind River is the name for the upper reaches of the Bighorn River in Wyoming. As the story goes, a miscommunication between 19th century explorers led to the portion of the river that enters the Wind River Canyon to  be  named the Wind River, while the one that exits the canyon is called the Big Horn River. The Wind River begins its journey in the icy waters of Wind River Lake and Brooks Lake at the top of Togwotee Pass in the Absaroka Mountains. Glacier fed creeks pour into it from the glacier studded Wind River Range, Dunior, Horse Creek and the East Fork of the Wind River just east of Dubois all which drain the southern Absaroka Range join it before it hits the desert of the Wind River Indian Reservation. It flows southeastward, across the Shoshone Basin and the Wind River Indian Reservation and joins the Little Wind River near Riverton. It then veers northward then is temporarily tamed at the juncture of the Owl Creek Mountains, where the river is dammed to form Boysen Reservoir, the Wind River officially becomes the Bighorn River at the Wedding of the Waters, on the north side of the Wind River Canyon.
 
Grey's River • Alpine
 
Greys River, Alpine, Wyoming
Fly-fisherman on the Greys River north of Alpine Wyoming
The Grey's River is located just east of the Idaho/Wyoming border near Alpine, Wyoming. The river is about 55 miles long and flows into Palisades Reservoir. The Grey's River area is considered by many northwest Wyoming locals to be a one of their favorite multiple use playgrounds, the river offers great trout fishing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing and there are many access points along the road to access the river. The towering Salt River Range to the west and the matching Wyoming Range to the east, both hosting several peaks that reach above 11,000 feet in elevation, this results in an awesome place to be. The surrounding mountains and their many canyons offer OHVing, horseback riding, hiking, and trophy elk and deer hunting with many Boon and Crocket records to prove it. This mountain valley is alive with the sweet smell of wildflowers, the green forest floor is shared with yellow Balsamroot, red Indian Paintbrush Yellow Arrowleaf, and purple Fireweed. More..........
 
Hatch Chart For South Fork of the Snake River

Insects

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Snake River Patterns

Mayflies
                         
Blue Winged Olive (BWO)     •  •
          •
  • Dry Flies: BWO's, Parachute BWO's, Parachute Adams,
Nymphs & Emergers:
Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, BWO Emergers. Beadhead Nymphs
Pale Morning Dun             •   •
  •       Dry Flies:: PMD's, Parachute PMD's, Light Cahill. Pink Cahil, Pink Sparkle Dun, Parachute Adams,  Adams,
Nymphs & Emergers: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, PMD Emergers, Qwiggly Cripple. Beadhead Nymphs
Caddis
                         
Caddis             •
  •   •       Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddi