Free Resource · Updated 2026
The North Fork of the Shoshone River flows through dramatic Absaroka Mountains terrain in Park County west of Cody. The river holds brown and rainbow trout with excellent summer hatches including salmonflies, golden stones, and PMDs.
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Shoshone River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The North Fork Shoshone runs through Shoshone National Forest and along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway west of Cody. The river drains spectacular mountain country and offers a remote fishing experience despite being accessible by road.
Salmonfly and golden stone hatches in June kick off the dry fly season. PMD and caddis hatches through July produce selective rising fish in the runs and pools. Hopper fishing in August is productive along grassy bank sections.
The river is accessible from the North Fork highway for much of its length. The canyon sections between pullouts offer less-pressured water worth exploring. Check flow conditions before visiting as snowmelt can keep flows high into June.
See the full Wyoming Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Wyoming's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Shoshone RiverWhat to Fish
Pteronarcys californica
The salmonfly hatch on the Shoshone is a major event that draws fish up from the depths. Fish big dries tight to the banks in the canyon sections for the most aggressive responses.
Recommended: Salmonfly Dry #4-6
Perlidae
Golden stones overlap with the salmonflies and continue through early July. A size 6 or 8 golden stimulator fished along rocky banks covers this hatch effectively.
Recommended: Golden Stimulator #6-8
Ephemerella infrequens
PMD hatches in July produce selective rising trout in the calmer pools and tailouts. After the chaos of stone hatch season, this is more methodical dry fly fishing.
Recommended: PMD Parachute #16-18
Acrididae
Hopper fishing on the Shoshone in August is productive wherever grassy banks and willows line the river. Browns and rainbows both respond well to a well-placed hopper.
Recommended: Dave's Hopper #8-12
Common Questions
The North Fork of the Shoshone flows west of Cody in Park County, following the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway toward the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Brown and rainbow trout are the primary species. The river also holds some brook trout in its upper tributaries.
Salmonflies typically emerge in June on the North Fork Shoshone. Timing varies with snowmelt and water temperatures. Check with local guides for current conditions.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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