Fly Fishing Wind River - Dubois (Upper Wind River)

Fly fishing Wind River Dubois brings anglers to the upper Wind River in the Absaroka foothills, where the river is a small, energetic mountain stream. Near Dubois, WY, the Wind (locally called the Upper Wind or Wind River proper) tumbles out of Togwotee Pass and flows through a valley of ranches and red rock badlands. This section is freestone water with a classic mix of riffles, runs, and pocket water. It's home to a trifecta of trout species: wild Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are common, and Brook Trout flourish in cooler tributary-fed stretches closer to the mountains. The river's headwater nature means flows are moderate – ideal wading is at summer base flows around 100 CFS, though runoff in May–June can swell it beyond 600 CFS briefly. Public access is good thanks to Shoshone National Forest land upstream of Dubois and various highway pull-offs (US-26/287 parallels much of the river). The town of Dubois even has a public fishing park. Attractor dry flies are a staple in these waters – Royal Wulffs, Stimulators, and hopper patterns can take trout from June through September. The upper Wind's trout are opportunistic feeders; with relatively short growing seasons, they won't pass up a big meal. Hatches are smaller in these nutrient-poor waters but present: caddis at dusk, some PMDs and Yellow Sallies in summer, and excellent midge hatches in early season. Because of the river's modest size, stealth and accurate casting are crucial – often you'll spot trout holding behind boulders or along seams in the clear water, and a delicate presentation is needed to avoid spooking them. The scenery around Dubois is a highlight: colorful striped badland hills and distant peaks of the Absarokas frame the river. Anglers often find themselves completely alone on this water, aside from the occasional moose or deer coming to drink. Trout sizes average 8–14 inches here, but occasional browns to 18 inches can be found in deeper pools, especially below irrigation diversion dams or beaver ponds. Fall is especially pretty, with cottonwoods turning gold and brook trout in spawning colors lighting up the headwater creeks. While the upper Wind may not produce the lunkers of the lower river or Boysen Reservoir tailwater, it offers fantastic small-stream fly fishing in a setting rich with Old West charm. Dubois, a rustic cowboy town, makes a great basecamp for exploring this underrated fishery tucked along the Continental Divide's flank.