North Fork Shoshone River

Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 18
Species: 7

The North Fork of the Shoshone River offers some of Wyoming's finest fly fishing experiences. Rated among the top 10 freestone rivers in the Rocky Mountains, this scenic waterway begins on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park and flows through the Shoshone National Forest and Washakie Wilderness. With 50 miles of water within the forest and another 18 miles through a mix of private and BLM lands, the river provides exceptional fishing opportunities in a pristine setting. Despite bordering Highway 14/16/20 leading to Yellowstone's East entrance, the North Fork remains relatively uncrowded due to visitors rushing to reach the park. This undiscovered gem combines stunning mountain scenery with healthy populations of wild trout and abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears.

Wyoming licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at North Fork Shoshone River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Tiger Trout

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on North Fork Shoshone River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on North Fork Shoshone River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Wyoming licenses and regulations

Wyoming Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Wyoming Fishing License

A fishing license is required for residents and nonresidents age 14 and over. Nonresidents under age 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license.

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Wyoming Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Wyoming Stream Access Laws

In Wyoming, landowners own the streambed. Anyone may float across private land on navigable water, but the streambed is the property of the owner. Minor and incidental contact with the streambed is not considered trespassing. As stated by Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “Anglers are not allowed to wade fish or fish from a bank or island without permission if the stream bank, island, or streambed is privately owned. Wading, bank fishing, or anchoring without permission is trespassing.”

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Take North Fork Shoshone River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around North Fork Shoshone River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for North Fork Shoshone River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish North Fork Shoshone River and check the forecast before you go.