Fly fishing in the Wind River range WY

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
I may go on a 6 day backpacking trip in the wind river range with some friends in early Aug. I know there are some lakes and small streams up there. Is it worth taking a fly rod on this trip? What fly's should I bring? I'll be fishing sub and on the surface if I can. Ill be hunting antelope area 76-2 after the trip and will fish around there before the hunt starts. How safe is leaving my rifle and binos in my rig at the trail head when on this trip? I may try to find a store to keep them for a fee if I can. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
 

wy-tex

Veteran member
May 2, 2016
1,064
347
SE Wyoming
Better check on road conditions. Some are closed due to damage.
Lots of cutthroat trout over there. definitely bring your fly rod or spinning rig.
Bead head prince and caddis flies work over here. Might get some tricos and hopper patterns for fall too.
Never know about the guns, we have left camps set for a week with no problems and leave guns in trucks while shopping, dining and recreating but I would hide it well in the vehicle at a trail head.
Local police or sheriff might store it for you.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
Thanks Tex, never thought about the sheriff and thanks on the fly to use. Fish will be better than dehydrated meals every day.
 

7mag

Active Member
Sep 1, 2014
155
0
Wyoming
Ive had great luck with half backs, mosquito, grass hopper flys but my all time favorite is a black ant pattern. Lots of carpenter ants in the winds.
 

wyohunter1

Member
May 5, 2012
112
1
You got some stellar mountain fishing closer in the Bighorns! I've backpacked both mountain ranges and never go to either without my fly rod and spinning rod.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
I found out we are starting and finishing at the Big Sandy trail head about a 50 mi hike. Is the fishing good on this part of the Winds?
Putting my fly collection based on your recommendations. I plan to take about 2 1/2 weeks off to do the hike and antelope hunt. A great precursor to my retirement some time early next year.
 
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mntnguide

Very Active Member
Fishing the high country lakes doesn't take special flies. Those fish will be hungry and they don't get fished much.. when I go to highcountry lakes I carry a mix of sizes in parachute Adams, royal wulff a coupe hopper types and some prince nymphs. I take a small box of flies with a mixture of those and never have a problem catching fish. You should have a great trip, the Winds are impressive... don't forget your bug spray though!!

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wyohunter1

Member
May 5, 2012
112
1
The Big Sandy area is the busiest place in the winds. You'll see what I mean when you see the trailhead. Get off the beaten path and you'll catch fish. May want to research which lakes up there have Golden Trout if you have interest in catching some.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
I hear you WYhunter but I'm not putting the trip together. I'm hoping to have a good trip regardless of the fishing. I'll have 5 day after our trip end and before my antelope hunt so I'll do some fishing on the big horn around Thermopolis or maybe around Cody. Thanks again for all your help on question I've asked you.