Damn Good Cody Fishing Guides

Out in the heart of Wyoming, where the wild meets the rugged, Cody offers a fishing experience that’s as big and bold as the landscape itself. Whether you're casting a line in the winding Shoshone River or trekking out to one of the many high-altitude lakes, this town is a true haven for anglers who appreciate both solitude and adventure. With its towering mountains, wide-open skies, and crystal-clear waters, Cody invites you to slow down, take a breath, and get lost in the thrill of the catch.

Fishing in Cody feels like a step back into the untamed West, where every cast holds the promise of something big. The Shoshone River runs through it all, a trout-filled treasure that will challenge you with its swift currents and scenic banks. But don’t stop there—Cody’s access to nearby reservoirs and mountain streams means that your fishing days are never the same twice. You might spend one morning chasing rainbow trout in a quiet lake, and the next battling the river’s wild browns. It’s a place where the waters are as varied as the fish that call them home.

When the fish aren’t biting, Cody still has plenty to offer. After a long day on the water, head into town to unwind with a steak at a local saloon or share fish tales with fellow anglers over a whiskey at the bar. Cody’s not just a place to fish; it’s where stories are born, friendships are forged, and you walk away with a sense of adventure that’ll stick with you long after you’ve packed up your gear. From the first cast to the last cold drink, this Wyoming town keeps you coming back for more, season after season.

Fishing in Cody is a chance to step into the wild, to cast a line in some of the most iconic waters the American West has to offer. As spring breaks across Wyoming’s rugged landscape, the rivers come alive with eager fish. The Shoshone River, flowing right through Cody, starts to warm up, drawing trout and walleye into its clear, fast-moving currents. Early mornings, with the sun rising over the foothills and the mist still clinging to the river, are when the magic happens. The anticipation of a fish on the line, set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and wide-open skies, makes Cody a top destination for anglers seeking something a little more untamed.

As summer rolls in, Cody’s fishing scene heats up, and with it comes the excitement of chasing everything from brown and rainbow trout to the legendary cutthroat. The Shoshone River remains a solid choice, with the fish looking for cooler, deeper pockets of water. But don’t overlook the nearby lakes and reservoirs, where the fishing is just as good. It’s during these warm months that you’ll find the locals casting for the big one—working their way up the riverbanks, wading through shallow runs, or setting up by the water’s edge at one of the many stunning lakes that dot the area. And when the sun sets behind the peaks and the colors shift from golden to crimson, there’s no better place to be than on the water, rod in hand, ready for another bite.

By the time fall arrives, Cody starts to settle into a quiet kind of beauty that only this time of year can bring. The fish are still biting, but the crowds have thinned, leaving more space to cast your line in peace. It’s the perfect time to target larger fish, as they’re fattening up for the winter months. The cooler weather makes for comfortable days on the water, and the changing colors of the surrounding landscape—reds, yellows, and oranges—serve as a stunning reminder of just how magical this corner of the world is. Winter may quiet things down, but it’s far from a dead season. The Shoshone, with its reliable flow, still holds plenty of fish, and the solitude of winter fishing in Cody offers something truly special. Whether you’re bundled up against the cold or out there waiting for the first signs of spring, Cody’s fishing seasons have a way of drawing you back time and again.

Cody, Wyoming, is where the wild heart of the West beats loudest, and its waters are the lifeblood of any angler with a taste for adventure. The Shoshone River runs right through the town, offering some of the most exciting fly fishing in the region. For those willing to brave the elements, nymphing is the go-to technique here, with the Shoshone's pockets and runs teeming with rainbow and brown trout. But don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to chase after a trophy cutthroat instead, especially in the cooler months when they’re cruising the deeper holes. There’s something about standing knee-deep in these crisp waters, watching the sun rise over the rugged cliffs, that makes every cast feel like a moment of freedom.

Venture out to the nearby reservoirs, like Buffalo Bill, and you’ll find a different kind of fishing altogether. The expansive waters are perfect for casting a line for walleye, pike, and bass, with a healthy dose of competition from the lake’s abundance of fish. Trolling with a variety of lures is one of the most popular techniques here, especially for pike, whose aggressive strikes can leave your rod bent double in an instant. If you’re more of a stillwater angler, the shoreline’s drop-offs are prime spots for jigging or using live bait to lure the bigger fish that lie below. It’s a whole different rhythm than the river, but one that’s just as satisfying when you pull in a hard-fighting fish.

For those who prefer a laid-back day on the water, Cody has plenty to offer. Fishing along the smaller creeks and ponds, where you can expect to find plenty of bluegill, perch, and brook trout, is the kind of fishing that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon. This is the kind of place where you can set up camp, cast from the shore, and watch the world slip by at its own pace. Whether you’re casting on the Shoshone’s wild current or trolling on Buffalo Bill’s peaceful waters, Cody offers something for every angler—from the seasoned pro to the weekend warrior looking to reconnect with the wild, one cast at a time.

Nestled beneath the rugged peaks of the Absaroka Mountains, Cody, Wyoming is a fishing paradise that’s as wild as the landscape itself. With the Shoshone River cutting through the town and the nearby reservoirs and lakes, anglers are spoiled for choice when it comes to species to target. The Shoshone is home to a fantastic population of rainbow trout, known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. Whether you’re fly fishing the river’s riffles or casting in the calmer pools, rainbows will keep you on your toes, making for a thrilling day on the water.

For those looking for a truly iconic western fishing experience, Cody’s waters are also packed with cutthroat trout. These native beauties are as much a part of Wyoming’s legacy as the surrounding landscapes. The Snake River Cutthroat, in particular, thrives in these cool, clear waters, and chasing them through the river’s runs feels like stepping back into the heart of the wild. These fish are known for their explosive strikes and their bold, colorful markings, making them a must-target species for anyone who loves a good fight and a rich piece of fishing history.

And if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more heft, Cody’s lakes and rivers also offer plenty of opportunity for catching trophy-sized walleye. These elusive fish are a perfect mix of challenge and reward, known for their keen sense of smell and elusive nature. Whether you’re drifting with the current or waiting patiently in one of the many calm coves, walleye will keep you engaged and testing your skills. With its mix of trout, cutthroats, and walleye, Cody’s waters offer a variety of fishing adventures—whether you’re after the thrill of a wild trout or the satisfaction of a well-earned catch.

Cody, Wyoming, isn’t just the gateway to Yellowstone—it’s a prime destination for anyone serious about fishing. With the Shoshone River running through the heart of town, anglers can step out the door and cast into some of the most underrated waters in the West. Known for its gold medal waters, the Shoshone offers an abundance of trout, from cutthroat to brown, and the fishing here is a year-round affair. Whether you’re wading through the canyon’s wild stretches or casting from the bank, the landscape feels as big as the possibilities for your next great catch.

For those looking to venture beyond the town limits, the North Fork of the Shoshone River delivers a more rugged, backcountry experience. This section winds through steep, rocky canyons and offers some of the best dry fly fishing in the state. The waters here are crystal-clear, and the fight from the native cutthroat and rainbow trout is nothing short of exhilarating. The remoteness of the area gives it a wilderness feel, making it perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind and find a quiet stretch of river to call their own.

And while Cody’s rivers are well worth your time, don’t overlook the many pristine lakes that dot the surrounding landscape. Buffalo Bill Reservoir, just a short drive from town, is home to an impressive variety of fish, including lake trout and kokanee salmon. It’s the kind of place where you can drop a line and forget about the rest of the world. With the backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains rising up around you, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a postcard every time you reel in your catch. Cody may be known for its Old West charm, but for anglers, it’s a place where adventure and opportunity meet at the water’s edge.

Cody, Wyoming, might just be one of the best-kept secrets in the fishing world. Nestled in the heart of the Cowboy State, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and valleys, Cody offers anglers a truly wild experience. Whether you're casting for trophy trout in the pristine waters of the Shoshone River or looking for something a bit more rugged in the streams feeding Yellowstone, Cody is a place where fishing feels more like an adventure than just a hobby. With the famous North Fork of the Shoshone River right at its doorstep, Cody has earned a reputation as a prime spot for anyone looking to hook a wild fish in a wild place.

The fishing opportunities here are as diverse as the landscapes. The Shoshone River is a top-notch destination for fly fishermen, with its crystal-clear waters and healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. If you’re willing to head out a little further, the nearby reservoirs like Buffalo Bill Dam offer fishing for everything from walleye to smallmouth bass, all against the backdrop of Wyoming's expansive vistas. And then there's the famous waters of the Yellowstone River, just a short drive away, which give seasoned anglers the chance to fish for cutthroat trout in some of the most scenic and untouched landscapes in the country.

But what really makes Cody stand out is the sense of solitude and rugged beauty that comes with fishing here. There are no crowds, just wide-open spaces, dramatic cliffs, and the sound of your line breaking the stillness of the water. You’ll have the chance to feel truly immersed in nature, whether you're wading the river or casting from a drift boat. Cody isn't just a place to fish; it’s a place to connect with the outdoors in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else. If you're looking for a fishing experience that’s as wild and untamed as the land itself, Cody is waiting.