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 10/02/26
The Wind River through the Dubois-to-Boysen corridor is running at 125 cfs — lean, clear fall flows that concentrate fish in the deeper slots and soft seams along undercut banks. This is classic early-October conditions on a freestone: water temps are likely hovering in the low-to-mid 40s°F in the mornings but climbing through the 50s by early afternoon with highs forecast in the low 70s. That midday warming is your trigger window. BWO hatches on a freestone like this won't materialize until the water sheds the overnight chill — expect sporadic Baetis activity from roughly 11am to 2pm, peaking when cloud cover filters in. No fresh shop intel available — this outlook is built on current gauge data and hatch calendar. Fish a Sparkle Dun #20 or RS2 dropper under a subtle indicator during the emergence window, and prospect with a dark Pheasant Tail or Zebra Midge in the deeper runs through the morning.
- Flow: 125 cfs — lean, clear late-season flows. Fish are stacked in deeper slots and soft edges along undercut banks. Wade carefully in low, transparent water.
- Hatches: BWO/Baetis #18–22 are the story. Expect emergence midday (11am–2pm) once water temps climb through the 50s. Sparkle Dun #20 and RS2 are the go-to presentations.
- Water Temp: Morning temps likely in the low-to-mid 40s°F on this freestone — too cold for reliable hatch activity until air warms. Approach the 50°F threshold by late morning.
- Best Window: 10am–2pm with highs in the low 70s. Morning wind up to 22mph on Oct 2 could be a factor — lighter wind days Oct 4–5 favor technical 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.