Fly Fishing Encampment River - Encampment

Overview

The Encampment River flows from a mountain canyon into the North Platte Valley near Encampment and Riverside, Wyoming. Cottonwoods and willows line riffles, deep pools and boulder gardens, with sagebrush hills framing the lower valley. Brown and rainbow trout hold behind rocks and along undercut banks, giving anglers distinct seams and pockets to work.

River Character and Seasonal Fishing

Cobble, gravel and boulders divide the current into varied feeding lanes. A short nymph drift can cover the softer edge of a run, while a dry-dropper suits a pocket when trout feed higher in the water. Canyon banks and obstacles make movement through the river a separate consideration from choosing flies.

Green drakes provide early-summer mayfly opportunities, followed by golden stoneflies and caddis through summer. Hoppers, beetles and ants offer bankside choices in late summer. Blue-winged olives add spring and fall options on overcast days, and a streamer can search deeper pools or undercut banks when surface feeding is quiet.

Access

Encampment River Campground has day-use parking and a foot trail for river fishing. From WY 70 west of Encampment, turn south onto County Road 353, continue one mile to BLM Road 3407, then follow it about three-quarters of a mile to the campground.