Get ready for some of the best fly fishing Dubois has to offer with ZT's Angling Co.'s evening hatch adventure. As the sun dips low, we'll hit the sweet spots on Wind River where the trout are jumping and the flies are buzzing. This half-day trip is timed perfectly to catch that magic hour when the water comes alive and the big fish come out to play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our guides know exactly where to go for prime catches and unforgettable Wyoming views.
Picture this: You're wading into the crystal-clear waters of Wind River just as the day's heat starts to fade. The evening air is crisp, filled with the sound of rushing water and the occasional splash of a jumping trout. Our expert guides will lead you to the honey holes where Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat trout are known to feed during the evening hatch. We'll spend about 4 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to perfect your cast and hopefully land a few beauties. And for the night owls among us, we might even stay out after dark for some thrilling mousing action, targeting those trophy Browns that only come out under cover of night.
We'll be doing some walk-and-wade fishing, so come prepared with waders and boots if you've got 'em (if not, no sweat - we can hook you up). Our guides will get you set up with the right flies for the conditions - could be caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, or drakes, depending on what's hatching. We'll show you how to read the water, spot those feeding lanes, and present your fly just right to entice a strike. And if you're up for it, we might break out the mouse patterns as darkness falls for a shot at those lunker Browns that haunt many an angler's dreams.
There's something special about evening fishing on Wind River that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the setting sun paints the water gold, or how the mountains loom large in the fading light. Could be the heart-stopping moment when a big trout slams your fly, or the peaceful quiet that settles over the river as night falls. Whatever it is, our guests tell us time and again that this trip is a highlight of their Wyoming adventures.
Rainbow Trout: These acrobatic fighters are a favorite among fly fishers. Known for their spectacular leaps and runs, Rainbows in Wind River can reach impressive sizes. They're most active during the evening hatch, eagerly rising to well-presented dry flies. Look for them in faster currents and at the heads of pools.
Brown Trout: The kings of Wind River, Brown Trout are the trophy fish many anglers dream of. They're cunning and cautious, often feeding selectively on specific insects. As evening turns to night, big Browns become more active, sometimes chasing larger prey like mice or small fish. This is when the real giants might make an appearance.
Mountain Whitefish: Often overlooked but fun to catch, Whitefish are abundant in Wind River. They're more likely to take nymphs fished deep, so if the surface action is slow, dropping your flies down might lead to some Whitefish action. They put up a good fight and are a tasty treat if you're keeping fish for the pan.
Cutthroat Trout: The native trout of Wyoming, Cutthroats are a special catch. They're known for their vibrant colors and the distinctive red slash under their jaw. Cutthroats are often eager risers, willing to take dry flies even when other species seem lockjawed. They prefer cooler, higher elevation stretches of the river.
Brook Trout: While not as common as the other species, Brookies are a treat when you find them. These beautiful char are most often found in the smaller tributaries and headwaters of Wind River. They're aggressive feeders and will often take a well-presented dry fly with gusto, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
Look, I could go on all day about the joys of evening fishing on Wind River, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to land your first trout on a fly or you're after that trophy Brown you can brag about back home, this trip's got something for everyone. The evening hatch is prime time on the water, and spots fill up fast. So don't wait - grab your spot now and get ready for some of the best fly fishing Wyoming has to offer. Trust me, once you've felt the tug of a Wind River trout in the golden light of sunset, you'll be hooked for life.
Brook trout are the colorful little fighters of Wind River's high country. These native char typically run 6-12 inches in our mountain streams, with a few reaching 14-16 inches in prime habitat. You'll find them in cold, clear headwaters, often hiding near logs or undercut banks. Late summer and early fall are prime, as brookies get aggressive before spawning. Anglers love targeting these fish for their beautiful spotted patterns and eager feeding habits. They may be small, but brook trout make up for it with spunk - expect quick strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating if you want to keep a few for the pan. To boost your chances, try small dry flies or terrestrials like ants and beetles. Local tip: Focus on plunge pools below small waterfalls where brook trout stack up to feed on drifting insects.
Brown trout are the kings of Wind River, with some real monsters lurking in the deeper pools. These fish average 8-24 inches but can top 30 inches in prime habitat. Look for them in slower currents near cover like logs or boulders. Browns are most active at dawn and dusk, especially during fall when they get aggressive before spawning. Anglers love targeting browns for their strength, cunning, and selective feeding habits. It's a real chess match trying to fool a big brown. They put up a dogged fight, often staying deep and using the current to their advantage. For the best shot at a trophy, try night fishing with mouse patterns - nothing gets the adrenaline going like a huge brown exploding on your fly in the dark. Pro tip: Focus on presenting your fly naturally and avoid spooking these wary fish with sloppy casts or false steps.
Cutthroat trout are the native jewels of Wind River, known for their vibrant colors and distinctive red slash under the jaw. These fish typically run 8-16 inches in our streams, though some can reach over 20 inches in bigger water. You'll find cutthroats in clear, cold riffles and pools, often in higher elevation stretches. They're most active during summer, eagerly rising to dry flies. Anglers love cutthroats for their willingness to take a fly on the surface and their feisty fights. They're not as wary as browns, making them great for beginners. But don't underestimate them - big cutthroats can still put a serious bend in your rod. For best results, try prospecting with attractor dry flies like stimulators or purple hazes. Local tip: Focus on the seams between fast and slow water, where cutthroats often hold to ambush prey.
Mountain whitefish might not be as glamorous as trout, but they're a blast to catch and abundant in the Wind River. These sleek, silver fish usually run 10-16 inches and prefer deep, cool runs with rocky bottoms. Fall and winter are prime seasons, as whitefish school up and feed aggressively. They're not picky eaters, so small nymphs or maggots drifted near the bottom often do the trick. Whitefish fight hard for their size, with quick runs and head shakes. Many anglers overlook them, but they're fun to target when trout aren't biting. Plus, they're excellent smoked or pickled. To boost your chances, use light tippet and small flies - size 16-20 midges or caddis larva patterns work well. My local tip: Focus on deeper slots behind big boulders where whitefish stack up to feed.
Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers here on the Wind River. These beauties typically run 8-24 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in cool, clear waters - often hanging out near riffles, deep pools, or undercut banks. Late spring through fall is prime time, with evening hatches bringing them to the surface to feed. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs when hooked. Their pink-orange flesh also makes for excellent eating if you decide to keep one. For the best shot at landing a trophy, try drifting a nymph through deeper runs or throwing streamers near structure. My go-to tip: Match your fly to whatever insects you see hatching, and don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and colors until you find what they're keyed in on that day.