Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Buffalo Bill State Park / Dam Tailraceon Shoshone River

    Primary tailwater access immediately below Buffalo Bill Dam with strong trout concentrations and frequent guided trips.
    Shoshone River reportDirections44.4567°N, 109.0277°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Fall weather with clear skies and mild temperatures

    1. 01Fall weather with clear skies and mild temperatures.
    2. 02Expect active Blue-Winged Olive and October Caddis hatches.
    3. 03Midges and egg patterns are increasingly important in cooler water.
    4. 04Target deeper, slower runs and tailouts for Whitefish.
    5. 05Employ slow, accurate presentations and consider weighted nymphs.

    What to tie on at Buffalo Bill State Park / Dam Tailrace

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    streamer90%

    Slumpbuster

    #4#6#8

    Mentioned in the Lower Shoshone report and especially productive in high, off-color water, imitating baitfish.

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    streamer90%

    Black Woolly Bugger

    #4#6#8

    ''Dark streamers'' were recommended for the muddy Lower Shoshone, imitating leeches and sculpins active in off-color water.

    nymph90%

    San Juan Worm

    #10#12#14

    Explicitly recommended for muddy conditions in the Lower Shoshone, excellent for attracting fish after rain events.

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    nymph90%

    Sow Bug

    #14#16#18

    ''Hot bead sows'' were specifically recommended for the muddy Lower Shoshone, mimicking this abundant aquatic invertebrate.

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    emerger85%

    Pale Morning Dun Sparkle Dun

    #16#18

    PMD hatches are a summer staple in the region, and this emerger is excellent for fish feeding in the surface film during active emergences.

    dry85%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Caddis are actively hatching, making this a reliable dry fly choice for rising fish, as indicated by regional reports.

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    dry85%

    Trico Spinner

    #20#22#24#26

    Trico hatches are active in the mornings on nearby rivers, and Whitefish will key in on these tiny insects in slower water.

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    dry85%

    Chubby Chernobyl

    #14#16

    Terrestrial season is in full swing, and this large attractor effectively imitates hoppers, a key food source, as seen in nearby river reports.

    emerger80%

    Sparkle Dun

    #14#16

    This emerger pattern is effective for targeting trout during consistent Blue-Winged Olive hatches, as fish often key on emergers in the surface film.

    Wyoming season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

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    5MIWyoming Trout Guides Fly ShopCody5MINorth Fork AnglersCody