Fly Fishing the North Fork Shoshone River — Complete Guide

Imagine stepping out of your RV or cabin, breathing in the crisp Wyoming morning air, and fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River, one of the top fly fishing rivers in the northern Rockies, all before breakfast. At Old Faithful RV Park, that is not a dream. That is Tuesday morning.

The North Fork of the Shoshone River flows right past our park on its journey from the remote Absaroka Wilderness down through Cody, Wyoming, and fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River is widely regarded as one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the greater Yellowstone region. Most anglers are so focused on fishing inside Yellowstone National Park that this incredible river remains gloriously uncrowded — which means more water, more solitude, and more fish for those who know about it.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the very first time, here is everything you need to know about fly fishing North Fork of the Shoshone River.

Why the North Fork is a Must-Fish Destination

The North Fork has been rated as one of the top 10 rivers to fly fish in the northern Rockies. That alone should have any fishing enthusiast’s attention — but the river delivers on that reputation in a big way.

The North Fork contains healthy concentrations of native Yellowstone Cutthroat, Rainbow, Cuttbow hybrids, and Brown Trout, with trout sizes ranging from 10 inches to well over 20 inches and an average North Fork trout running 16 to 18 inches.

Beyond the fish, the river itself is a spectacular experience. More than 30 miles of the North Fork flows through the Shoshone National Forest and offers a very scenic float. It is not uncommon to see bald eagles, moose, bighorn sheep, bears, deer, and other wildlife while floating and fishing.

A day fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River is not just a fishing trip — it is a full Wyoming wilderness experience. Check out North Fork Anglers for more information!

Fish Right From Your Campsite at Old Faithful RV Park

Here is something that sets Old Faithful RV Park apart from every other basecamp in the region — you do not have to drive anywhere to get to the water. Our park sits directly on the banks of the North Fork of the Shoshone River, giving our guests immediate access to one of the most productive stretches of trout water in Wyoming.

Wake up, pour your coffee, grab your rod, and walk to the river. It really is that simple.

Our riverview RV sites put you as close to the water as you can possibly get, and our rustic cabins are just across the way. Whether you are a early morning dry fly angler chasing rising cutthroat or an evening streamer fisher working the deeper runs, you will have prime access to the North Fork right outside your door for the duration of your stay.

This is the kind of fishing access that most anglers only dream about — and fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River can be enjoyed by everyone that stays at Old Faithful RV Park.

What Fish Will You Catch?

The North Fork is home to a diverse and healthy trout population that will keep any angler busy. Fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River you can expect to hook rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat, as well as mountain whitefish, rainbow-cutthroat hybrids, and lake trout on the lower reaches. Cody Wyoming

The prized catch for most visiting anglers is the native Yellowstone Cutthroat — a beautiful, hard-fighting trout that is iconic to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and a bucket list catch for fly fishers from around the world. Landing a wild Yellowstone Cutthroat on a dry fly in the shadow of the Absaroka Mountains is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Seasonal Fishing Calendar — When to Visit

Planning your trip around the river’s seasonal conditions will make a significant difference in your experience on the water. Here is what to expect month by month throughout the fishing season:

May — Early Season The river is typically running high and fast with spring snowmelt in May. The park opens May 8 — perfect timing to catch the tail end of early season fishing.

June — Runoff Season June can be challenging as peak snowmelt runoff pushes flows high and the water can run murky. However, when the river clears between runoff pulses, the fishing can be exceptional. Stonefly hatches begin in earnest this month.

July — Prime Season Begins On July 1 the entire river opens for business. In lower water years the river may be clear and fishable prior to the opener, but high water years may keep the river running dirty into mid-July. Wywingsandwaters Once conditions settle, July fishing is world class. Hopper patterns, Caddis, and Stoneflies are all productive this month.

August — Peak Season August is widely considered the best all-around month to fish the North Fork. Water levels are stable, the fish are active, and terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers produce explosive surface strikes. This is the month to be on the water.

September — Fall Fishing September brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the year as the Absaroka Mountains begin to show fall color. Blue-winged Olive hatches return and streamer fishing for large brown trout heats up as the season winds toward its close.

October — Late Season October brings the tail end of the season with excellent streamer fishing and the chance at trophy brown trout moving to spawn. A quiet river, golden cottonwoods, and big fish make October a special time to be on the North Fork.

What Flies Work Best fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River?

The North Fork has a rich and diverse aquatic insect population that keeps trout actively feeding throughout the season. The most plentiful mayflies include Pale Morning Duns, Blue-winged Olives, Green Drakes, and March Browns. The most plentiful caddisflies include Spotted Sedges, Green Sedges, Little Black Caddis, and October Caddis. Stoneflies also make up a large part of the trout’s diet with Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies, and Little Yellow Stoneflies being the most plentiful. Learn more from The Perfect Fly Store.

During the summer months terrestrial patterns become extremely productive. Grasshoppers, Carpenter Ants, and Japanese Beetles are among the most plentiful terrestrial insects on the river during summer. A well-placed hopper pattern drifted along a cutbank on a warm summer afternoon is one of the most exciting and productive ways to fish the North Fork.

For the most current hatch information and local fly recommendations, stop into North Fork Anglers in Cody before heading up the river — they are the most knowledgeable resource on current conditions on the water.

How to Access the North Fork

One of the great advantages of fishing the North Fork is how easy it is to access. The North Fork is bordered by Highway 14/16/20, making access easy — just drive west out of Cody, Wyoming. Cody Wyoming The highway to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park follows the river the entire way, meaning anglers staying at Old Faithful RV Park have some of the best and most convenient access on the entire river right outside their door.

For the upper reaches deeper into the Shoshone National Forest, hiking or horseback is required — and a guided trip is strongly recommended for first time visitors unfamiliar with the terrain.

Float Trips vs. Walk and Wade

The North Fork lends itself beautifully to both float fishing and walk and wade fishing, each offering a distinct and rewarding experience.

Float trips are ideal for covering a lot of water and taking in the full grandeur of the North Fork canyon. Most float trips cover 6 to 10 miles per day, allowing anglers to fish over a lot of trout while taking in the remarkable scenery and wildlife of the greater Yellowstone area. Moose, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and even grizzly and black bears are regularly spotted from the water. Check out North Fork Anglers.

Walk and wade trips offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to slow down, read the water carefully, and work specific runs, riffles, and pools. This is a wonderful option for anglers who want to develop their skills and really connect with the river up close. Guests staying at Old Faithful RV Park can step directly into the river from camp and wade upstream or downstream to explore the water at their own pace.

Do You Need a Guide?

For first time visitors to the North Fork, a guided trip is highly recommended. Getting an experienced guide who knows all the Wyoming fishing regulations and can identify the various fish species is a good idea, as their expertise will help make your fishing trip the best and most productive possible. Cody Wyoming

North Fork Anglers in Cody, Wyoming is one of the most respected fly shops and guide services in the greater Yellowstone region and an excellent starting point for booking a guided North Fork experience. Due to the river’s popularity, guided trips book up early — reserve your guide well in advance of your stay for your fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River adventure.

Important: Bear Safety on the North Fork

No guide to fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River would be complete without a word about bear safety. The North Fork is in dense grizzly bear country and requires extra precautions. Travel in groups, make noise, and always carry bear spray.

Bear spray should be on your hip every single time you leave camp and head to the river. It is not optional in this country — it is essential gear. For a comprehensive guide to staying safe in bear country, check out our full Bear Safety in Yellowstone Country blog — required reading for every visitor to this region.

Wyoming Fishing License Requirements

All anglers fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River are required to have a valid Wyoming fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or at local sporting goods and fly fishing retailers in Cody before heading up the river. Do not hit the water without one.

Book Your fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River Basecamp Today

After a long day on the water, there is nothing better than coming back to a comfortable campsite on the banks of the very river you just fished. At Old Faithful RV Park that is exactly what you get — every single day of your stay.

Situated on the scenic banks of the North Fork of the Shoshone River in Cody, Wyoming, just 32 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, we are the perfect home base for your fly fishing North Fork Shoshone River adventure. Whether you are staying in one of our full hookup RV sites or settling into one of our cozy rustic cabins sleeping up to 6 guests, you will fall asleep to the sound of the river and wake up ready to do it all over again.

⚠️ Anglers book early — our riverview RV sites and cabins fill up fast during peak fishing season.

Opening May 8, 2026 👉 Reserve your RV site or cabin now.

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