Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Alpine, Wyoming
Alpine sits at the confluence of the Snake and Greys rivers in western Wyoming, which makes it a natural base for anglers working both moving water and stillwater.
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Alpine sits at the confluence of the Snake and Greys rivers in western Wyoming, which makes it a natural base for anglers working both moving water and stillwater. The listings around Alpine cover river fishing at spots like Station Creek Campground, Little Cottonwood Group, and McCain Cabin, plus lake fishing at Bailey Lake. Station Creek feeds into the Snake River corridor, so anglers there are typically targeting the same cold-water species that move through the main stem. McCain Cabin and Little Cottonwood Group put you on river stretches that see less pressure than the more accessible pullouts along Highway 89. Bailey Lake offers a quieter alternative if you want to get off moving water entirely. Wyoming Game and Fish manages licensing and regulations for all of these waters, and rules can vary by water body and season, so checking the current Wyoming fishing regulations before you go is not optional. The Star Valley area gets real winters, which compresses the prime open-water season roughly into late spring through early fall, though that window shifts year to year depending on runoff timing.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch around Alpine?
The river fisheries at Station Creek, Little Cottonwood Group, and McCain Cabin are cold-water systems consistent with trout habitat in western Wyoming. Bailey Lake supports lake fishing, though specific stocking schedules and species composition there are managed by Wyoming Game and Fish and can change seasonally. Check the WGFD website for current stocking reports before your trip.
When is the best time of year to fish near Alpine?
Late June through September is generally the most productive window once spring runoff settles and water clarity improves on the Snake River system. Early summer can mean high, fast, off-color water on river stretches like Station Creek and Little Cottonwood, which makes fishing difficult. Fall, particularly September and October, often brings lower clear water and active fish before winter sets in.
What time of day fishes best on these waters?
On river stretches, early morning and the two hours before dark tend to produce the most surface activity, especially in summer when midday water temperatures climb. Bailey Lake can fish well through the morning before afternoon winds pick up, which is typical for valley lakes in this part of Wyoming.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, a valid Wyoming fishing license is required for all of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at WGFD regional offices, or at local sporting goods retailers in the area. Non-resident licenses are available but cost significantly more than resident licenses, so factor that into your trip budget.
How difficult is access to spots like McCain Cabin and Little Cottonwood Group?
Both McCain Cabin and Little Cottonwood Group are listed as campground-style access points, which generally means you can reach them by vehicle, though road conditions on forest service roads in this area can be rough after rain or early in the season. Calling the Bridger-Teton National Forest office ahead of time is worth doing if you are towing a trailer or driving a low-clearance vehicle.
