Shoshone River, Wyoming
Cody Country — Dramatic canyon tailwater on the doorstep of Yellowstone
The Shoshone River below Buffalo Bill Reservoir flows east through a spectacular volcanic canyon toward the town of Cody, Wyoming — the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. This is tailwater fishing in some of the most dramatic landscape in Wyoming: sheer canyon walls of colorful volcanic rock rising hundreds of feet above the river, the distant Absaroka Mountains on the horizon, and cold releases from Buffalo Bill Dam maintaining ideal trout habitat through Wyoming's hot summers.
The North Fork of the Shoshone above Cody flows west toward the park entrance through an equally spectacular canyon — the last stretch of road before Yellowstone's East Entrance passes through some of the most geologically dramatic scenery in the Greater Yellowstone region, with the river running clear and cold over volcanic cobble alongside the highway.
Brown trout dominate the tailwater sections below the reservoir, with some exceptional fish in the 18–24 inch range encountered by persistent streamer anglers. Rainbows are present throughout and provide more consistent surface action during hatches. The river is overlooked by most visiting anglers who drive through Cody on their way to or from Yellowstone — a oversight that means relatively little pressure on genuinely quality water.
The canyon section between the reservoir and Cody receives the best fishing pressure, with pull-offs along US-14/16/20 providing direct river access. The river's tailwater character means year-round fishing is possible, with winter midge hatches providing action when northern Wyoming's other rivers are frozen solid.
Below Buffalo Bill Dam — Canyon Section
US-14/16/20 parallels the river through the canyon. Multiple pull-offs with direct river access. Closest access to the reservoir has the most consistent cold tailwater flows.
Cody — Town Section
City park access in Cody. Less technical water but accessible for casual fishing. Good base for exploring both canyon sections.
North Fork — Above Cody
The North Fork headwaters toward Yellowstone. Highway 20 parallels the river. Good brown and rainbow fishing in a stunning volcanic canyon setting.
Brown Trout
Dominant in the tailwater sections. Fish averaging 14–20 inches with trophy specimens over 24 inches in prime pools. Most active during evening hatches and fall pre-spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Present throughout, particularly in faster water. More active during daylight hatches than browns. Good Caddis and PMD fishing in summer.
Most anglers drive past the Shoshone on their way to Yellowstone without stopping — this is a genuine opportunity for uncrowded quality fishing.
Evening fishing in the canyon section during Caddis season is excellent with far less competition than any Yellowstone Park river.
Fall brown trout fishing (September–October) is the Shoshone's prime window — fish are aggressive and the canyon is at its most dramatic.
Combine with a Yellowstone Park visit — the Shoshone canyon and North Fork are on the route to and from the park's East Entrance.
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