Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Cody, Wyoming
Cody sits at the east entrance to Yellowstone, which means the fishing around it is genuinely varied and not just a footnote to the park.
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View on mapFishing · 32 spots
Cody sits at the east entrance to Yellowstone, which means the fishing around it is genuinely varied and not just a footnote to the park. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is the main corridor, with access points strung along it from Wapiti Bridge and Wapiti Campground out through Rex Hale, Threemile, and Hunter Peak toward the park boundary. These stretches hold brown and rainbow trout in moving water that ranges from wide riffles to tighter canyon runs depending on where you drop in. If you prefer still water, the options spread out considerably: Gardner Lake, Lost Lake, Beartooth Lake, and Island Lake Campground cover the higher-elevation alpine end of things, while Rainbow Lake, Lake Reno, and Duck Lake are more accessible for anglers who want a shorter walk or are fishing with kids. Blackstone Lake and Lonesome Lake round out the quieter options if you want to avoid the campground crowds. The Cody Canal is worth knowing about for local access closer to town. In total there are 32 active fishing spots in the Cody area, split between river and lake fishing, so you can realistically plan a multi-day trip without repeating the same water twice.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish around Cody?
Late June through September is the most reliable window. Runoff from the Absaroka Range can keep the North Fork Shoshone running high and off-color into mid-June most years, so if you're targeting river spots like Castle Rock or Andy Martin, arriving before the water clears is a gamble. The alpine lakes near Beartooth Lake and Island Lake Campground often don't fully open until early July due to snow. Fall, from late August through October, is a strong second choice for river fishing as flows drop and browns start moving pre-spawn.
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license, and are there any special regulations on the North Fork Shoshone?
Yes, a Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers 14 and older. The North Fork Shoshone corridor runs through a mix of Shoshone National Forest and private land, so access points matter — spots like Wapiti Bridge, Rex Hale, and Big Game Campground are established public access areas. Check the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations booklet for slot limits or gear restrictions on specific stretches before you go, as these can change season to season.
What gear setup works best for the river access points along the North Fork?
A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod covers most situations on the North Fork from spots like Threemile Campground or Seven Mountain. Nymphing with attractor patterns and standard stonefly or caddis imitations is productive through summer. If you prefer spin gear, small spinners and inline lures work on the faster runs. Waders are worth bringing — the river is cold and the better holding water usually requires getting in.
What time of day is most productive for fishing the lakes?
Early morning and the two hours before dark are consistently the most active windows at lakes like Gardner, Lost, and Rainbow Lake. Midday surface activity slows significantly in summer, especially at lower-elevation lakes. At higher lakes like Beartooth Lake, afternoon thunderstorms are common and can trigger feeding activity right before they roll in, but get off exposed ridgelines before lightning arrives.
Are the fishing spots around Cody suitable for beginners or families with young kids?
Several spots work well for beginners. Lake Reno, Rainbow Lake, and Duck Lake offer relatively flat, easy access without technical wading. Hogan and Luce Campground and Bobcat-Houlihan Campground combine camping with lake fishing, which makes them practical for families. The North Fork river spots like Wapiti Campground have calmer bank-fishing sections alongside faster water, so you can pick your level of difficulty.
