FishCondishCody, WY Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Cody, WY fishing report
The North Fork Shoshone and the Bighorn below Thermopolis both hold wild trout worth traveling for, but they fish very differently by season. On the Shoshone, brown and rainbow trout are the primary targets, with spring runoff from snowmelt pushing flows high and off-color through late spring. Fishing improves significantly once flows drop and clear in early summer. The Bighorn tailwater runs colder and clearer year-round, producing consistent wild trout action even through winter when most Wyoming rivers are locked up or blown out.
On the Shoshone, focus on seams behind larger boulders and deep undercut banks where browns ambush prey. Weighted stonefly nymphs and sculpin patterns produce well in heavier water. The Bighorn rewards midge and scud patterns fished deep and slow near the bottom in winter, transitioning to PMD and caddis hatches in warmer months. Watch water temperature closely — wild trout feed most aggressively between roughly 50 and 65 degrees. When flows spike, abandon midstream presentations and work the slower water tight to the bank.
Cody, WY river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Cody, WY is SOUTH FORK SHOSHONE RIVER AB BUFFALO BILL RES, WY (site 06281000), about 12.4 miles away. It drains roughly 580 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 45 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 106 cfs |
| Feb | 101 cfs |
| Mar | 110 cfs |
| Apr | 145 cfs |
| May | 685 cfs |
| Jun | 1,655 cfs |
| Jul | 759 cfs |
| Aug | 45 cfs |
| Sep | 12 cfs |
| Oct | 105 cfs |
| Nov | 168 cfs |
| Dec | 120 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Cody, WY dashboard.
What's biting near Cody, WY
The species most likely to be feeding the Shoshone and Bighorn rivers: wild trout. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Cody, WY and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Cody, WY fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Cody, WY?
The species bite forecast for Cody, WY covers what's likely feeding there, including wild trout — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Cody, WY?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on the Shoshone and Bighorn rivers, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Cody, WY?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on the Shoshone and Bighorn rivers as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Cody, WY?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Cody, WY, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Cody, WY
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: