Bighorn River (Wind River)
river in Wyoming
Known as the Wind River in the canyon and the Bighorn River below it, this system is a trout factory with massive hatches of BWOs and Caddis.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Bighorn River
- 01Blue-Winged Olive hatches are a consistent fall occurrence, providing dry fly and emerger opportunities, especially on overcast days. (Seasonal Knowledge)
- 02Midge activity remains a primary food source, with nymphs and pupae being highly effective subsurface. (Seasonal Knowledge)
- 03Egg patterns are crucial as trout begin their spawning cycles, attracting aggressive takes from resident fish. (Seasonal Knowledge)
- 04Streamer fishing with patterns imitating baitfish and leeches can entice larger, more aggressive trout as water temperatures drop. (Seasonal Knowledge)
- 05Mahogany Duns and October Caddis may offer intermittent dry fly action for opportunistic feeders. (Seasonal Knowledge)
Past reports week by week
12 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis hatch is a significant event in many western rivers during the fall, making this a prime pattern for surface feeders.
Buy at AmazonMahogany Dun
Mahogany Duns hatch during late summer and fall, offering dry fly opportunities for trout keying on emerging and adult mayflies.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early fall, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonBaetis Nymph
Baetis nymphs are active subsurface throughout the fall, mimicking a consistent food source for trout in rivers and tailwaters.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall marks the egg season for trout, and these patterns are highly effective below spawning fish, attracting opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Similar to other egg patterns, the Glo Bug is a staple during fall spawning runs for trout, imitating a readily available food source.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a consistent food source year-round, and this weighted nymph is particularly effective in colder fall waters, getting down to actively feeding fish.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
As water temperatures cool in the fall, olive Woolly Buggers effectively imitate leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
This versatile nymph is a great searching pattern for fall, mimicking a variety of aquatic insects active in the current.
Where to fish and who to ask
Wedding of the Waters
A great location for float trips and shore access near the town of Thermopolis.
Wind River Canyon Access
The tailwater section below Boysen Dam offering incredibly consistent temperatures and large trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Thermopolis Fly Shop
Bighorn Drifters
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Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Bighorn River (Wind River).
What flies work best on Bighorn River (Wind River)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Bighorn River (Wind River) right now are October Caddis (Dry) (80% confidence), Pine Squirrel Leech (80% confidence), Ray Charles (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Bighorn River (Wind River)?
Bighorn River (Wind River) holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Bighorn River (Wind River)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Bighorn River (Wind River) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Bighorn River (Wind River) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Bighorn River (Wind River) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.