Wyoming Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in Wyoming?
Fly fishing is a highly regarded and sought-after pastime in Wyoming, particularly among those who are passionate about fishing and the outdoors. Wyoming boasts an abundance of pristine rivers, streams, and lakes that are teeming with trout, which is one of the most sought-after gamefish for fly anglers. The state's diverse fishing opportunities and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, both from within the state and from around the world. Additionally, the opportunity to catch trophy-sized trout in Wyoming's waters is a major draw for many fly fishers. As a result, fly fishing has become an integral part of the state's culture and economy, with many local businesses catering to the needs of fly fishing enthusiasts.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in Wyoming?
There are a number of fish species that are popular targets for fly fishing anglers in Arizona, including:
Cutthroat Trout - The Cutthroat trout is the official state fish of Wyoming and is highly prized by fly fishers due to its willingness to take a fly and its vibrant colors. Cutthroat trout are native to Wyoming and can be found in streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the state.
Rainbow Trout - Rainbow trout are the main fish species stocked in Wyoming by the state's fish and game department. They are known for their willingness to take a fly and are a popular target for fly fishers in Wyoming. Rainbow trout are hard-fighting fish that offer a good challenge to anglers of all levels of experience.
Golden Trout - Golden trout are known for their striking, vibrant colors and are a highly sought-after species for fly fishing in Wyoming. They are native to high-altitude streams and lakes in the Rocky Mountains and are considered a prize catch by many fly fishers.
Brown Trout - Brown trout are abundant throughout Wyoming and are known for their size and strength. They are often sought after by fly fishers for their ability to put up a good fight and for the challenge they provide. Brown trout can be found in rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the state.
Brook Trout - Brook trout are a very prolific species of trout that are found in many of Wyoming's streams and rivers. They are a popular target for fly fishing due to their willingness to take a fly and their aggressive nature. Brook trout are native to the state and are considered a classic species of trout by many fly fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Trout - Lake trout are the largest species of trout found in Wyoming and are highly sought after by fly fishers for their size and strength. Lake trout are native to high-altitude lakes in the Rocky Mountains and are a prized catch due to their fight and their unique coloration.
Kokanee Salmon - Kokanee salmon, also known as land-locked Sockeye, are a popular species for fly fishing in Wyoming. They are native to high-altitude lakes in the state and are known for their aggressive behavior and willingness to take a fly.
Mountain Whitefish - Mountain whitefish are another native species to Wyoming and are a popular target for fly fishing. They are known for their strong fighting ability and for their distinctive appearance, which includes a humped back and a large dorsal fin. Mountain whitefish are found in streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the state.
5 popular spots to fly fish in Wyoming
Here are five popular fly fishing rivers or streams in Wyoming:
Snake River - The Snake River is one of the most well-known fly fishing destinations in Wyoming, due to its large population of Rainbow and Cutthroat trout. The river offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from fast-moving runs to slow, deep pools. It is also known for its impressive hatches, including caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies, which attract large numbers of fish to the surface. The Snake River is a great destination for both novice and experienced fly fishermen.
Green River - The Green River is known for its large Brown trout and impressive hatches, making it a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The river is also home to a large population of Rainbow and Cutthroat trout, making it a great place to fish for a variety of species. The Green River is famous for its trophy-sized Brown trout, and is considered by many to be one of the best fly fishing destinations in the state.
North Platte River - The North Platte River is famous for its trophy-sized Rainbow trout and is considered a must-visit destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The river is also home to a large population of Brown trout, making it a great place to fish for multiple species. The North Platte River is known for its strong hatches and fast-moving runs, offering a challenging and rewarding fishing experience for the experienced angler.
Grey Reef - The Grey Reef is a tailwater fishery on the North Platte River that is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The Grey Reef is famous for its hatches of midges, caddis, and mayflies, which attract large numbers of fish to the surface. The Grey Reef is a challenging and rewarding destination for experienced fly fishermen, with strong and fast-moving currents and abundant populations of Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat trout.
Bighorn River - The Bighorn River is a classic Western fly fishing destination that is known for its scenic beauty and abundant fishing opportunities. The river is home to a variety of species, including Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Brook trout, making it a great place to fish for multiple species. The Bighorn River is famous for its strong hatches and clear, fast-moving water, making it a challenging and rewarding destination for experienced fly fishermen. The river's stunning scenery, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear water, make it a popular destination for both fishing and sightseeing.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for Wyoming?
Here are some important fly fishing regulations to be aware of for the state of Wyoming:
Licensing - A Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers over the age of 14. A separate stamp is also required for fishing in certain trout-stocked waters.
Catch Limits - There are limits to the number of fish that can be kept, based on species and size. These limits are set to ensure the health of the fish populations and to provide for a sustainable fishery.
Seasonal Restrictions - Certain waters may have restrictions on fishing during certain times of the year, such as during spawning or migration periods.
Tackle Restrictions - Some waters may have restrictions on the type of tackle that can be used, including the use of flies only.
Catch-and-Release - Many waters in Wyoming have catch-and-release regulations in place, requiring that all fish be released unharmed. This is to protect the fish populations and ensure that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same fishing opportunities.
Artificial Lures Only - Some waters may have restrictions on the use of live bait, requiring the use of artificial lures only.
Watercraft Restrictions - Some waters may have restrictions on the use of watercraft, including boats, kayaks, and float tubes.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations for each specific body of water, as they can vary and change from year to year. In Wyoming, you can obtain the most up-to-date fishing regulations from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or through their website.
Popular Fly Shops in Wyoming
Here are five popular fly fishing shops in Wyoming:
Platter River Fly Shop - Platter River Fly Shop, located in Saratoga, is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide range of gear, equipment, and accessories, including rods, reels, waders, and fly-tying materials. The shop is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced fly fishing guides who are always happy to share their expertise and help customers find the gear they need.
West Laramie Fly Store - West Laramie Fly Store, located in Laramie, is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide range of gear and equipment, including rods, reels, waders, and fly-tying materials. The shop is staffed by experienced guides who offer personalized service and advice to help customers find the gear they need to make the most of their time on the water.
Fly Shop of the Bighorns - Fly Shop of the Bighorns, located in Sheridan, is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide range of gear and equipment, including rods, reels, waders, and fly-tying materials. The shop is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced guides who are always happy to share their expertise and help customers find the gear they need.
Wyoming Trout Guides Fly Shop - Wyoming Trout Guides Fly Shop, located in Casper, is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide range of gear and equipment, including rods, reels, waders, and fly-tying materials. The shop is staffed by experienced fly fishing guides who offer personalized service and advice to help customers find the gear they need to make the most of their time on the water.
Ugly Bug Fly Shop - Ugly Bug Fly Shop, located in Lander, is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide range of gear and equipment, including rods, reels, waders, and fly-tying materials. The shop is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced fly fishing guides who are always happy to share their expertise and help customers find the gear they need.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in Wyoming?
Fly fishing has a long history in the state of Wyoming, dating back to the late 1800s. The first recorded fly fishing trip in the state took place in 1878, when a group of anglers traveled from Cheyenne to the North Platte River to fish for trout.
Over the next few decades, fly fishing continued to grow in popularity in Wyoming, and the state became known as a premier destination for anglers looking for challenging and rewarding fishing experiences. In the early 1900s, many of the state's rivers and streams were stocked with various species of trout, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout, which further helped to establish Wyoming as a top destination for fly fishing.
During the mid-20th century, the development of new fishing gear and techniques, such as nylon line and improved fly-tying materials, helped to expand the popularity of fly fishing in Wyoming. Today, fly fishing is a popular pastime in the state, with anglers visiting from all over the world to fish its pristine rivers and streams.
Wyoming's abundant natural resources, including its rugged mountain ranges, fast-flowing streams, and clear mountain lakes, have helped to make it one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. The state's rich fishing heritage and commitment to conservation have helped to ensure that this tradition will continue for generations to come.
