General Info: The Wind River Valley is one of the great fishing destinations in all of the lower 48, an underrated gem close to Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Wind River, Absaroka, and Owl Creek mountain ranges and home to hundreds of high elevation lakes and thousands of miles of streams and rivers. The scenic region is not surprisingly starting to become a sought-after spot for outdoor adventurers of all types. For anglers in particular, the Wind River Valley holds a special attraction.
There are 43,000-acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the 185-mile Wind River. There is an abundance of fish and a lack of people. You can head out for hours or days at a time and not see a soul…other than the one on the end of your line. Solitude and scenery are hard to find these days especially so close to some of the most popular outdoor destinations in the country, but the Wind River Valley retains both. Add to that some really good fishing…and it’s a win, win, win.
The Wind River is one of the nation’s best fly fishing spots. It runs through the Old West town of Dubois where the Wyoming Game and Fish Department maintains popular public fishing areas or there are many spots right off the road to park and fish. The river also runs through the Wind River Indian Reservation where you can fish as well, but you’ll need to get a special permit and hire a guide to access trailheads. Permits available in Lander or Riverton.
There are hundreds more fishing spots than I have listed here. You just have to find them. The ones I listed are close to town and easy to find. When we were there in late August, there was hardly anyone there. All these spots that I fished, I never shared a spot with anyone. Except for Wind River Lake on Sunday, there were quite a few people there that day. I went back to Wind River Lake on Monday evening, I had the entire lake to myself for 2 hours!
Dubois, Wyoming. The population was 971 at the 2010 census, although this nearly doubles in the summer with many part-time residents.
Wyoming Game & Fish Department, places to fish
South Map
Spot #1
Jakey’s Fork
Turn south between the bridge and Fish Hatchery Road into the gravel parking lot. Jakey’s Fork is a small stream that feeds Wind River. Waders will be needed as there is heavy brush and willows on each side of the creek. I caught 8-10 trout here in a couple hours. Fished here during the day, I was the only one there!
Spot #2
Wind River / Painted Hills
Turn off of 287 onto Red Hills Road. There is a parking area just before you get to the river on the right. Waders are a must here also. Caught several trout here also, during the daytime hours.
Spot #4
Wind River / North Parker
North Map
Spot #2
Brooks Lake
The mountain stream outlet of Brooks Lake is fish-able for miles down to the beautiful Falls cascade. The stream is accessible along the gravel road leading into Brooks Lake. It is lightly fished, and every holding area has fish