Wyoming carries more blue-ribbon trout water per square mile than almost any other state, from the Snake River cutthroat fishery below Grand Teton to the heavy-shouldered rainbows stacking up in the Grey Reef section of the North Platte outside Casper. A licensed guide is the fastest way to learn unfamiliar water.
The rivers here are varied enough that no single outfitter works all of them well, and choosing a guide means choosing a stretch of water first. The Snake River below Jackson runs braided through Grand Teton National Park and the valley floor, holding native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat in channels that fish best from late June through September. The North Platte River system near Casper is the state's most productive big-trout water, anchored by the Grey Reef section below Alcova Dam, a tailwater fishery that holds large rainbow and brown trout year-round regardless of spring runoff conditions because water releases through the dam are controlled. The Miracle Mile stretch below Seminoe Dam adds a second North Platte option with some of the densest trout populations on any public water in Wyoming. Farther west, the Green River and its tributaries near Pinedale and Daniel in Sublette County produce cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout on water that sees a fraction of the pressure that Jackson-area rivers absorb in summer. The Wyoming Travel Guide covers all six regions in detail if you want to understand the geography before booking a guide.
In the Jackson Hole and Tetons region, Teton Floats in Jackson runs guided Snake River float trips in both half-day and full-day formats, primarily targeting cutthroat. JD High Country Outfitters, also in Jackson on West Broadway, covers float and wade options and works well with beginners who want instruction alongside fish time. On the North Platte near Casper, Wyoming Anglers operates guided floats on the Grey Reef and Miracle Mile stretches and has built a reputation for putting clients on fish consistently throughout the season. Cowboy Drifters runs on the same river system from a property on WY-220 west of Casper, with on-site cabins for anglers who want a multi-day stay-and-fish setup. Out near Daniel on US-189, Wyoming Fishing Company guides on the upper Green River drainage in Sublette County, a stretch that stays considerably quieter than the Snake and North Platte through most of the summer. For Tour Operators and Guides combining fishing with wildlife and broader guided excursions, check the full directory.
Most Wyoming outfitters supply rods, reels, waders, wading boots, and a selection of flies as part of the guided rate, so you do not need to own gear or haul it on a plane. Guided float trips in drift boats are the standard format on larger rivers like the Snake and North Platte, where boats cover three to ten miles of river in a day and position anglers above fish without demanding much wading. Wade trips work better on smaller freestone streams, spring creeks, and canyon sections of the Wind River near Thermopolis or the Hoback River south of Jackson where boat access is limited. Some outfitters offer combination days that start with a wade stretch in the morning and transition to a drift in the afternoon. Bring polarized sunglasses regardless of format, because spotting fish and reading the water is central to how most Wyoming guides work.
Wyoming requires commercial fishing guides to hold an active outfitter license from the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides. A legitimate service displays or mentions their license number without hesitation; if a company does not, ask directly before booking. Referrals from a local fly shop near your target river add another layer of reliability, since shops put their own credibility on the line with every guide they send customers to. Shops in Jackson, Pinedale, and Casper all field this question regularly and tend to give straight answers.
Think through what kind of fishing experience you want before comparing outfitters by price. Float trips in a drift boat are more forgiving for anglers who are not yet comfortable reading moving water on foot, cover more ground, and work well on wide rivers like the Snake and North Platte. Wade trips require better casting and wading skill but access pocket water, spring creeks, and headwater sections that boats cannot reach. If you have never fly fished before, a half-day wade trip or an instruction-plus-float combination from June through September is typically the right entry point. Most outfitters in Jackson, Casper, and Pinedale offer beginner-oriented formats if you ask specifically at booking rather than assuming it is covered.
Expect to pay roughly $400 to $600 for a half-day guided float for one or two anglers (estimate) and $650 to $950 for a full day (estimate). Multi-day stay-and-fish packages at North Platte outfitters, including cabin lodging, meals, guide service, and two full days on the water, run approximately $400 to $650 per person per day all-inclusive (estimate) and are the most efficient option for anglers traveling specifically for a fishing trip rather than a broader Wyoming vacation. Wyoming non-resident fishing licenses are required for every angler regardless of guide service and are available online through Wyoming Game and Fish before you leave home. If fishing is one part of a trip that also includes horseback riding or a working-ranch stay, the Best Dude Ranches in Wyoming guide covers properties where fishing access is built directly into the package rate.
Book early for the peak window of July and August. Jackson outfitters floating the Snake fill their books weeks out during mid-summer, and the best individual guides at any operation tend to be committed for those months by late April. September is the most underrated month to book in Wyoming, particularly on the North Platte near Casper and the Green River near Pinedale. Brown trout move into pre-spawn patterns and feed aggressively on streamers and large dry flies, crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day, and lodging prices drop across the state by 20 to 40 percent compared to August peak. Spring runoff typically puts most free-flowing Wyoming rivers high and off-color from mid-May through mid-June, with the exception of tailwaters like Grey Reef below Alcova Dam, where dam-controlled flows keep the river clear and fishable year-round. If you are booking for May or early June, ask explicitly whether your target river runs clear or dirty that time of year before committing.
If your Wyoming trip pairs winter skiing with off-season fishing, the tailwaters near Casper fish through the coldest months for anglers willing to dress for 5,200-foot elevation and sub-freezing mornings. Nymph fishing on the North Platte in January and February produces fish when almost no other Wyoming water is accessible. For the ski side of that kind of trip, see the Ski Resorts directory for the full range of mountain options across the state.
State Park · 2.4k reviews
Curt Gowdy State Park is a public recreation area near Cheyenne with two reservoirs offering opportunities for fly fishing and general outdoor activity. The park suits anglers looking for accessible fishing close to the city without hiring a guide or paying outfitter fees.
1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Fishing Charter · 1.2k reviews
Kirks Flyshop in Estes Park is a full-service fly fishing retail store carrying rods, reels, lines, and fly inventory. It suits anglers who want to shop in person and get advice from staff before or after fishing nearby Colorado streams.
230 E Elkhorn Ave Unit B, Estes Park, CO 80517
Sporting Goods Store · 1k reviews
Sportsman's Warehouse in Cheyenne is a large sporting goods retailer with a fishing section stocking tackle, rods, and general outdoor gear. It suits anglers looking for quick, convenient shopping of basic fly fishing supplies and other outdoor equipment in one stop.
3745 E Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Department Store · 802 reviews
Sierra in Cody is a retail shop offering outdoor apparel and gear with fly fishing supplies. It suits anglers and outdoor enthusiasts shopping for clothing and equipment in the Cody area.
1402 8th St, Cody, WY 82414
Department Store · 675 reviews
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply in Cheyenne is a general ranch and farm supply store that carries fishing and outdoor gear. It suits local anglers and ranch owners looking for supplies beyond just fishing, all in one location.
3773 E Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Hotel · 345 reviews
Log Cabin Motel in Pinedale is a simple overnight accommodation option near access to the Green River and surrounding fly fishing waters. It suits anglers looking for budget-friendly lodging while fishing the Pinedale area.
49 E Magnolia St, Pinedale, WY 82941
Tour Agency · 307 reviews
Teton Floats in Jackson operates guided float trips on the Snake River, primarily for anglers. It suits fly fishers wanting a boat-based guided experience on one of Wyoming's major rivers.
165 N Glenwood St, Jackson, WY 83001
Fishing Charter · 266 reviews
Wyoming Anglers in Casper is a fly fishing shop offering tackle, flies, and equipment for sale. It suits local Casper-area anglers looking for a dedicated fly fishing retailer.
5625 CY Ave, Casper, WY 82604
Motel · 323 reviews
Gannett Peak Lodge in Pinedale provides lodging and likely fishing services near the Green River. It suits anglers wanting accommodation with proximity to fishing rather than camping.
46 N Sublette Ave, Pinedale, WY 82941
Sporting Goods Store · 412 reviews
Sportsman's Warehouse in Gillette is a large sporting goods store with fishing and outdoor sections. It suits anglers in the Gillette area needing tackle and gear in a general retail setting.
91 Town Ctr Dr, Gillette, WY 82718
Sporting Goods Store · 267 reviews
Wind River Outdoor Company in Lander is an outdoor retail shop carrying fly fishing equipment and supplies. It suits Lander-area anglers looking for a local outfitter with gear and likely local knowledge.
8114 WY-789, Lander, WY 82520
Tour Agency · 264 reviews
Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing in Thermopolis offers both whitewater boating and fly fishing services on the Wind River. It suits anglers wanting guide service or those combining float trips with fishing.
731 Shoshoni St, Thermopolis, WY 82443
Sporting Goods Store · 229 reviews
Sunlight Sports in Cody is an outdoor equipment retailer with fly fishing supplies and gear. It suits Cody-area anglers shopping for tackle and outdoor equipment from a local store.
1131 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414
Sporting Goods Store · 316 reviews
Rocky Mountain Sports in Cody is an outdoor retail shop carrying fly fishing and general outdoor equipment. It suits anglers in Cody looking for tackle and advice from a local outdoor retailer.
1526 Rumsey Ave, Cody, WY 82414
Fishing Charter · 177 reviews
Western Rivers Flyfisher Guides and Shuttle Service near Dutch John, Utah operates guided fly fishing trips on nearby rivers including the Green and Flaming Gorge. It suits anglers wanting professional guide service in the northeastern Utah region.
131 S Red Tail Lane, Dutch John, UT 84023
Fishing Charter · 195 reviews
Cowboy Drifters in Casper is a fly fishing guide service offering guided float and wade trips. It suits anglers wanting professional guides for fishing near Casper.
18187 WY-220, Casper, WY 82604
Clothing Store · 202 reviews
Wild Iris Mountain Sports in Lander is an outdoor retail shop with fly fishing equipment and supplies. It suits Lander-area anglers looking for local retail fly fishing gear and outdoor products.
166 Main St, Lander, WY 82520
Fishing Charter · 162 reviews
Wyoming Fly Fishing Guide Service in Casper offers guided fly fishing trips on local waters. It suits anglers wanting professional guides without having to travel far from Casper.
7400 WY-220, Casper, WY 82604
Fishing Charter · 161 reviews
Wyoming Fishing Company near Daniel is a fly fishing guide service operating on nearby rivers and streams. It suits anglers wanting guided trips in the Sublette County area.
12962 US-189, Daniel, WY 83115
Sporting Goods Store · 217 reviews
Great Outdoor Shop in Pinedale is a retail store carrying fly fishing tackle and outdoor gear. It suits Pinedale-area anglers needing flies, tackle, and supplies with local expertise.
332 W Pine St, Pinedale, WY 82941
Sporting Goods Store · 312 reviews
JD High Country Outfitters in Jackson offers guided fly fishing trips and retail gear sales focused on local waters around Jackson Hole and the Snake River. The shop is known for personalized instruction and willingness to work with beginners as well as experienced anglers. It suits anglers wanting expert local knowledge without the high price tags of some Jackson-area competitors.
160 W Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001
Sporting Goods Store · 306 reviews
Rocky Mountain Discount Sports in Gillette is a general sporting goods retailer that carries fly fishing equipment, rods, reels, and tackle at competitive prices. The shop serves anglers in the Gillette area looking for affordable gear and basic fly fishing supplies. It's best suited for budget-conscious customers or those needing quick access to standard equipment rather than specialized guiding services.
4706 S Douglas Hwy, Gillette, WY 82718
Fishing Charter · 148 reviews
Wind River Flyfitter in Dubois specializes in guided fly fishing on the Wind River and nearby mountain streams in the Absaroka Range. The outfitter has built a reputation for knowledgeable guides, quality equipment, and access to less-crowded waters compared to Jackson-area operations. It suits anglers seeking personalized service and preference for smaller group sizes in a quieter mountain setting.
412 W Ramshorn, Dubois, WY 82513
Sporting Goods Store · 325 reviews
Sportsman's Warehouse in Sheridan is a large-format outdoor retailer carrying fly fishing rods, reels, lines, waders, and general fishing tackle alongside hunting and camping gear. The store stocks major brands and offers competitive retail pricing with a self-service format rather than guided services. It suits anglers in northern Wyoming who need quick access to equipment and variety without booking a guide.
524 E Brundage Ln, Sheridan, WY 82801
July through September is the most productive window on most Wyoming rivers. July and August bring consistent dry fly action on the Snake River for cutthroat trout and on the North Platte for rainbows and browns. September extends the season with strong brown trout fishing as water temperatures drop and the pre-spawn feeding window opens, and the Green River near Pinedale fishes well into October. Spring runoff from mid-May through mid-June colors most free-flowing rivers and makes wade fishing difficult, though tailwaters below dams like Grey Reef on the North Platte below Alcova fish productively year-round because flows are regulated through the dam.
No. All licensed Wyoming outfitters supply rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, waders, and wading boots as part of the guide fee. Most will fish with your own gear if you prefer it. If you do bring rods, a 9-foot 5-weight covers most Wyoming trout water, and a 7-weight or 8-weight is worth adding if you plan fall streamer fishing for large browns on the North Platte or Snake. Always bring polarized sunglasses, since reading the water and spotting fish is central to how Wyoming guides work. Layer for the mornings: river temperatures in Wyoming can put air temperatures at the put-in 20 to 30 degrees cooler than afternoon highs even in July.
The Snake River holds native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat as the primary target, with some brown trout in slower water near Jackson. The North Platte near Casper carries dense rainbow and brown trout populations, with fish in the Grey Reef and Miracle Mile sections regularly reaching 18 to 22 inches. The Green River in Sublette County produces cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. The Wind River near Thermopolis carries brown and rainbow trout through the canyon section. Brook trout appear in higher-elevation streams in the Wind River Range and Bighorn Mountains above 9,000 feet. Wyoming has no salmon species in any of its rivers.
Yes. Every angler on Wyoming water, including clients on fully guided trips, must hold a valid Wyoming fishing license for the day they are fishing. Non-resident licenses are available online through Wyoming Game and Fish before your trip or at sporting goods stores on arrival. Most outfitters ask about your license when you book and send a reminder before the trip, but it is your responsibility as the angler to have it in hand on the water. Buying it online before you leave home is the safest approach, since access to a sporting goods store is not guaranteed in remote river corridors.