BACKCOUNTRY FLY FISHING
Trout seem to fill out every nook and cranny of Wyoming’s waters. The annual runoff from the mountains of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park makes for a dizzying array of streams, rivers and lakes into which to cast one’s line. For those looking to discover the best fishing opportunities Wyoming has to offer, backcountry fly fishing is an experience not to be missed.
Anglers from all over the world flock to Wyoming to find paradise in the pristine waters. The numerous rivers, streams and lakes offer perfect environments for 22 different species of fish to thrive. The best season for backcountry fly fishing in Wyoming is mid to late June through November. While bait and lures are permitted in some parts, the majority of people use dry or wet flies.
The most famous of the native fish is the Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout; however, there are an assortment of other cutthroat trout species swimming in the waters as well. The Yellowstone Cutthroat, the Bonneville Cutthroat, and the Colorado Cutthroat can be found in different rivers and streams throughout Wyoming.
Have you ever heard of a Cutt Slam? This feat can be achieved by an angler who catches one of each of Wyoming’s four cutthroat subspecies of trout. It is clear that Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout rules the waters, but brown trout and a handful of rainbow, brook, the elusive golden trout and mountain whitefish can also be found residing in the various streams and rivers here. Though Wyoming is not typically known as a destination for salmon fishing, the Kokanee salmon thrive in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and can be found in various lakes such as the Alvoca Lake, Bighorn Lake, Boulder Lake, Fontenelle Reservoir, Fremont Lake, Lake Hattie Reservoir, New Fork Lake and Rob Roy Reservoir. See a complete list of native and non-native fish in Wyoming here.
While there are plenty of places to fish near Jackson Hole, many experienced anglers want to find waters that are located off the beaten path. Backcountry fishing trips offer people a chance to cast a line into fishing spots that only the locals know about, generally increasing your chances of feeling that satisfying tug on your line. The Jackson Hole area is very popular for back country fly fishing, becoming crowded during peak season. The fish there quickly catch on, making it more challenging than fishing in less-frequented areas. Learn more about our Fly Fishing Packages.
The cost of obtaining an annual fishing license in Wyoming is $27 for residents and $102 for non-residents. Daily licenses cost $6 for residents and $14 for non-residents. Children under 13 do not need a license and youths between the ages of 14 and 17 are eligible for a reduced rate. If you are a non-resident and think you might be on the water for more than seven days out of the year, you’d best spring for an annual license. There are different types of permits for different areas, and a conservation stamp at the cost of $12.50 annually is needed to fish in Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks.
Some of the best rivers for fishing in Wyoming are located around the Glamping on the Greys campsite. Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout rule the waters in Star Valley’s Salt River, but brown trout and a handful of rainbow and brook trout can be found residing here as well.
The Salt River contains something for everyone – from The Narrows to Etna you’ll find swift riffle water with numerous overhanging willows, and in the upper valleys there are slower, more meandering channels. As of 2023, the limit is three fish, with only one cutthroat over 12 inches allowed. The Greys River is a 50-mile-long stream near Glamping on the Greys and is bursting with Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout and brown trout. It flows into the Palisades Reservoir and thanks to the Greys River Road, it’s ease of access makes it a popular choice for anglers. Fish here will bite a wide variety of wet and dry flies. The Wyoming Department of Fish and Game has an interactive map for backcountry fishing, showing where the various species of cutthroat trout can be found in the state.
Backcountry fishing usually refers to an area that requires some effort to get to, and for this reason, it dissuades the faint of heart. True anglers know that the best fishing happens in areas that see less traffic and never cease in their quest to find the purest streams and rivers in which to catch freshwater fish. With the same reverence that experienced skiers give to their backcountry bowls and the more extreme heliskiing, experienced anglers want to fish in areas where the fish aren’t already used to people casting a line. To reach these places, many people go on backpacking trips, traveling as lightly as possible by bringing only the bare necessities: a rod and some flies. The goal of their quest is to find the quietest and most exclusive backcountry fly fishing spots.
Backcountry fly fishing is at the top of many of our guests to-do lists. Because our campsite is so remote, it is a great place to access streams and rivers that you would normally have to hike all day or multiple days to get to. The perks of having a basecamp so much closer to your destination allow you to enjoy fishing in a more intimate area without sacrificing as many creature comforts as you would ordinarily need to when fishing in these areas. We offer different packages depending on whether you would like a full-day or half-day of fishing. Contact us to learn more.
All-inclusive glamping means that all of your needs will be taken care of and you can spend your energy fishing, horseback riding and spending quality time with your companions in a stress-free setting. Enjoy hot gourmet meals prepared daily, luxurious canvas tents with hardwood floors, comfortable beds to sleep on, access to hygiene facilities, available WiFi, and a range of other activities for you and your guests to enjoy, like horseback riding, hiking, swimming and more. Don’t worry about packing anything except your clothes and your tackle – we’ll take care of the rest! While most people catch and release, having access to electricity and ice within a relatively short distance allows you the option to keep some of what you catch, within the limits, of course. We have seasoned experts who know the lay of the land like the back of their hand and will take you to the perfect places that match your experience and preferences.
The runoff of the Bridger Teton Mountain Range makes for a spectacular array of freshwater streams, lakes and rivers in which to spend many thrilling days of fishing. A Wyoming fishing trip will certainly make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with your family, friends or a corporate retreat with colleagues. Contact us today to check our availability and experience what fly fishing in Wyoming is all about.
