Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing in Dubois, Wyoming
Dubois sits at the eastern edge of the Wind River Range, and the fishing around town leans heavily toward alpine lake fishing rather than the big-river float trips you'll find elsewhere in Wyoming.
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Dubois sits at the eastern edge of the Wind River Range, and the fishing around town leans heavily toward alpine lake fishing rather than the big-river float trips you'll find elsewhere in Wyoming. The 23 lakes in and around the Dubois area — including Crater Lake, Rock Island Lake, Echo Lake, and Bearstooth Lake, among others — are mostly backcountry or semi-backcountry destinations that require some legwork to reach. That's not a complaint; it's the reason the fishing holds up. These are cold, high-elevation lakes that see a fraction of the pressure of more accessible waters, and they tend to hold fish that haven't been educated by a thousand fly presentations. Most of the lake fishing here is walk-in or hike-in, so you're not going to back a boat trailer down a ramp. A packable rod, a light spinning or fly setup, and a willingness to cover some trail miles will serve you far better than heavy gear. The Wind River Ranger District manages much of this land, and a valid Wyoming fishing license is required. If you're based in Dubois, you're well-positioned to day-trip to several of these lakes or string together a multi-night backpacking trip that hits a handful of them in sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch in the lakes around Dubois?
The alpine lakes in this area commonly hold cutthroat trout, which are native to the Wind River Range, as well as brook trout in many of the smaller, higher lakes. Some lakes may also hold golden trout, which Wyoming Game and Fish has stocked in select high-elevation waters in the region. Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's current stocking reports and regulations for specific lakes before you go, since species composition varies considerably from one lake to the next.
When is the best time of year to fish these lakes?
Most of the backcountry lakes near Dubois are inaccessible or snow-covered until late June or early July, and some higher lakes don't fully ice off until mid-July in a heavy snow year. The sweet spot is generally mid-July through September, when trails are clear, fish are active, and afternoon thunderstorms are manageable if you start early. By late September, nighttime temperatures drop hard and some access roads close, so plan accordingly.
What time of day is best for fishing these alpine lakes?
Early morning and evening are consistently the most productive windows, especially in midsummer when midday sun pushes fish into deeper, cooler water. In July and August, aim to be fishing by 7 a.m. and again from about 5 p.m. until dark. Midday can still produce if you're fishing deeper structure or using sinking lines and weighted rigs.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle or special access to reach lakes like Rock Island Lake or Echo Lake?
Access varies by lake. Some lakes near Dubois are reachable via maintained forest roads with a standard passenger vehicle, while others require high-clearance or 4WD, and several are hike-in only with no road access at all. Before your trip, check current road conditions with the Shoshone National Forest Wind River Ranger District, since early-season snowmelt and late-season closures can change what's drivable.
What gear setup makes sense for fishing these lakes?
A 4- to 6-weight fly rod or a light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations. For fly fishing, elk hair caddis, parachute adams, and small woolly buggers are reliable producers on Wind River alpine lakes. Spinning anglers do well with small spinners and spoons. Keep your kit light if you're hiking in — a packable rod and a small tackle box beats hauling a full gear bag up a mountain trail.
