The Shoshone River

The Shoshone River flows from the high peaks of the Absaroka Range through the scenic corridor leading to Cody, Wyoming. It provides an excellent change of pace for guests who want to experience fishing across state lines and sample a different kind of western water. The Shoshone is one of the most underrated trout rivers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem — and one of the most scenic.

The North Fork and South Fork of the Shoshone each offer distinct character. The North Fork flows through Wapiti Valley — a rugged canyon corridor with dramatic scenery, productive pocket water, and stretches of technical dry fly fishing. The South Fork provides a more open, meadow-like setting with longer runs and glides that reward patient presentation and careful wading.

The Shoshone supports healthy populations of Yellowstone Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, with occasional Brook Trout in the upper tributaries. Fish average 12 to 16 inches, with cutthroat often exceeding 18 inches in the deeper runs. The river fishes best as a wade trip, and the intimate access points allow anglers to work productive water without the need for a boat.

For guests staying multiple days, the Shoshone adds variety and a sense of adventure that rounds out a week spent on Montana's home waters. It's a particularly good option during mid-summer, when the Shoshone's higher elevation keeps water temperatures cooler than some of the lower-elevation rivers in our rotation.

The Drive — An Experience in Itself

The route from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge to the Shoshone takes you through the Beartooth corridor — one of the most dramatic mountain drives in the American West. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the approach through Sunlight Basin offer views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness that rival anything in Yellowstone National Park. Many guests describe the drive as a highlight of their trip, not just a commute to the river.

Your guide handles all driving and logistics, and we typically recommend the Shoshone as a day trip during a four-night or longer package. The combination of new water, stunning scenery, and a cross-state adventure makes it one of the most memorable days of any visit.