Wind River
river in Wyoming
The Wind River (including the Boysen tailwater) produces solid hatches and good year-round opportunities, especially below Boysen Dam where temperature regulation creates strong trout habitat; upstream freestone sections hold healthy wild trout populations.
River flow last 30 days
What's working on Wind River
- 01Current flows at 1790 cfs with clear skies and cool 44°F temperatures.
- 02Fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches possible on warmer, overcast afternoons.
- 03Consistent subsurface midge and egg activity.
- 04Target Grayling and Whitefish, along with various trout species.
- 05Focus fishing efforts on softer water, current seams, and deeper pockets.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects active for Grayling and Whitefish in fall.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches the prevalent fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, appealing to selective Grayling and Whitefish.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent year-round food source; this pattern is highly effective for Grayling and Whitefish in fall.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Targets opportunistic Grayling and Whitefish that feed on dislodged eggs during fall spawning periods.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A go-to streamer for colder, higher water, imitating leeches and baitfish, appealing to predatory Grayling and Whitefish.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Mimics sluggish baitfish and annelids in cooling fall waters, effective for Grayling and Whitefish.
Where to fish and who to ask
Boysen Dam Tailrace
Primary tailwater below Boysen Reservoir with year-round trout activity and strong nymph/streamer opportunities.
Dubois / Wind River Canyon Reach
Upper Wind River canyon and meadow reaches near Dubois offering freestone dries and scenic backcountry fishing.
Hot Springs State Park / Thermopolis Access
Downriver access near Thermopolis with reliable trout runs and public parks for easy wading.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Thermopolis Fly Shop
Bighorn Drifters
Get Wind River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing in Yellowstone National Park – Regulations & Best Waters
Master Yellowstone's world-class trout waters with essential regulations and top fishing spots for unforgettable angling experiences.
Fly Fishing Grand Teton National Park – Where to Go & What to Expect
Best Backcountry Fly Fishing in the USA
Discover America's premier wilderness fly fishing destinations, from Idaho's pristine mountain streams to Wyoming's remote alpine waters.
Fly Fishing Regulations by State – What You Need to Know Before You Go
Navigate state fishing regulations with confidence. Essential licensing, permit, and rule information for fly anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Wind River.
What flies work best on Wind River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Wind River right now are Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Wind River?
Wind River holds Grayling, Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Wind River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Wind River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Wind River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Wind River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.