Wind River
Dubois to Boysen
W Wyoming, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06224000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 797 cfs, the Wind River is hitting that sweet spot as runoff recedes — flows have dropped to prime June levels and water's clearing up nicely. Peak caddis season is underway with Hydropsyche species active in the #14-18 range. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions. Focus evenings when caddis emerge, but watch for brutal wind forecasts hitting 31 mph Saturday. The canyon stretch near Riverton should fish exceptionally well at these flows.
- Flow: 797 cfs — ideal post-runoff level. Water clearing and fishable throughout most sections, with canyon beats near Riverton in prime shape.
- Hatches: Peak caddis month — Hydropsyche active #14-18. Try Elk Hair Caddis #16, X-Caddis, and Stimulator #14 from late afternoon onward.
- Water Temp: Should be running 50-58°F range — perfect for sustained caddis emergence and active feeding throughout the water column.
- Best Window: Thursday-Friday before weekend wind bomb. Saturday's 31 mph gusts will make casting miserable — fish early or wait until Sunday.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–Sept
The Wind River runs from the Wind River Range through Wind River Indian Reservation and on to its junction with the Bighorn at Boysen Reservoir. The river offers diverse trout fishing: high-country tributaries on the reservation hold native Colorado River cutthroat (tribal permit required); the middle river through the Wind River Canyon below Boysen Dam is a productive tailwater for browns and rainbows. The canyon section is dramatic — a deep gorge with limited road access, drift boat float trips dominating the productive water.
The Wind River physically becomes the Bighorn River where it emerges from Wind River Canyon — the same water flowing under two names, a quirk of pioneer-era cartography that has confused fishermen for generations.
June Outlook
The Wind River above Boysen Reservoir offers excellent cutthroat and brown trout fishing as runoff subsides.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stone
- Stimulator
Tips
The canyon section near Riverton fishes best as flows drop. The Wind River Valley offers beautiful scenery and productive fishing. Caddis and PMD hatches from late afternoon onward.
Water Notes
Flows drop from runoff peak to 800–2,000 cfs in June. Clear and cold 50–58°F.
July Outlook
July brings hopper-dropper fishing to the Wind River's open valley sections. The canyon sections continue to produce dry fly action.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
Tips
The Wind River is less crowded than Wyoming's more famous waters. Excellent fishing with fewer people. Both float and wade access available.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs. Water 58–65°F. Good conditions throughout July.
August Outlook
Excellent hopper fishing on the Wind River. The sage flat banks produce classic terrestrial action.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant
Tips
The sagebrush flats along the Wind River are ideal hopper habitat. Fish the afternoon sessions when hoppers are most active along the bank edges.
Water Notes
400–900 cfs. Water 60–66°F. One of Wyoming's better-kept hopper rivers.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season and excellent streamer fishing for large brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
The Wind River holds some impressive brown trout that show up in September as spawning season approaches. Streamers along the banks produce the largest fish.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Cooling 52–60°F. Good fall conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
May, Sep | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Thermopolis and Lander are the main bases. Wind River Reservation tribal permit required for reservation waters. Wyoming fishing license required for Boysen Dam tailwater. Float trips dominate Wind River Canyon.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Wyoming Fishing Company
Regulations & License
Fishing in Wyoming requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Wyoming fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Wind River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Wind River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.