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 07/31/26
At 564 cfs, the Wind River is running on the low end of its typical July range — fishable throughout, with excellent wade access in the open valley stretches between Dubois and Boysen. Lower flows concentrate fish in predictable lies and make for easier reading of structure. Caddis (Hydropsyche, #14–18) are the primary hatch this week; with afternoon highs pushing into the upper 80s and 90°F confirmed, expect egg-laying flights and surface activity in the cooler bookend hours. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions and calendar. Hopper-dropper rigs should shine along cut banks and grassy edges mid-morning through early afternoon before heat stress sets in; swap to a soft-hackle or X-Caddis swing as light fades. Wind is a real factor all four days, with gusts to 20–24 mph — keep leaders short, use a weighted dropper, and favor canyon sections where terrain offers some shelter.
- Flow: 564 cfs — low-end for late July, excellent wading throughout. Fish are concentrated in deeper runs and shaded cut banks.
- Hatches: Caddis (Hydropsyche) peaking — Elk Hair Caddis #16, X-Caddis, and Stimulator #14 on top; Soft Hackle swing for subsurface takes. Hoppers productive mid-day.
- Water Temp: Seasonal context puts water 58–65°F — ideal caddis range. With highs near 90°F, fish early or late to avoid afternoon thermal stress.
- Best Window: 7–10am and again 6–8pm. Midday heat and persistent 20+ mph winds favor streamers or nymphs in deeper structure, not dry fly presentations.
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.