5 Best Fly-Fishing Spots Near Sheridan, WY
Snowmelt feeds a network of cold, clear streams holding wild brown and rainbow trout year-round. Some of Wyoming's best fly fishing is within 45 minutes of downtown Sheridan.
Dalton Goodyear · Jan 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Sheridan County sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, where snowmelt feeds a network of cold, clear streams holding wild brown and rainbow trout year-round. You don't need a guide, a float plane, or a remote lodge. Some of Wyoming's best fly fishing is within 45 minutes of downtown Sheridan — and most of it is free, walk-in public water.
| Spot | Distance | Species | Best Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tongue River Canyon | 20 min | Brown trout | Jun–Oct | Intermediate |
| Little Goose Creek | In town | Rainbow, brown | May–Sep | Beginner |
| Big Goose Creek | 25 min | Rainbow, brown | Jun–Sep | Intermediate |
| Bighorn Lake | 90 min | Walleye, rainbow | May–Sep | All levels |
| Cloud Peak Wilderness | 60+ min | Cutthroat | Jul–Aug | Advanced |
All spots except Cloud Peak Wilderness are accessible as day trips from downtown Sheridan.
You don't need a guide, a float plane, or a remote lodge. Some of Wyoming's best fly fishing is within 45 minutes of downtown Sheridan.
Spot 1 — Tongue River Canyon
The Tongue River Canyon is the most dramatic and productive fishery in the area. The canyon cuts through red rock walls south of Dayton, holding wild brown trout in deep pools and fast runs. Access is straightforward: park at the trailhead off Highway 14 and wade in. Open year-round for catch-and-release on artificial lures.
Best for: Experienced waders comfortable with swift water. The canyon pools produce fish in the 14–18 inch range consistently. Bring a 5-weight rod, size 14–18 Elk Hair Caddis, and Pheasant Tail nymphs.
Spot 2 — Little Goose Creek
Little Goose Creek flows right through Sheridan — and it holds trout. Kendrick Park offers easy walk-in access, making this the best option for families with kids or anyone who just wants a couple of hours on the water without a long drive.
Best for: Beginners, families, and evening after-dinner casts. Fish tend toward the smaller end (8–12 inches) but the setting — right in town, mountains visible — is hard to beat.
Spot 3 — Big Goose Creek
Big Goose Creek offers longer runs, less pressure, and slightly bigger fish. Access through Story and Big Goose Canyon Road gives miles of public water. Perfect for dry fly fishing on summer evenings.
Best for: Intermediate anglers looking for dry fly action. PMD and BWO hatches are reliable in June and September. Bring a 4-weight for tighter meadow sections.
Spot 4 — Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Reservoir)
Drive 90 minutes south to Lovell and you reach Bighorn Lake — a 71-mile-long reservoir in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area holding trophy-class walleye, largemouth bass, and large rainbows. A day trip from Sheridan makes sense with a kayak or pontoon. The canyon scenery alone justifies the drive.
Spot 5 — Cloud Peak Wilderness Alpine Lakes
The Cloud Peak Wilderness contains dozens of high-elevation alpine lakes above 9,000 feet holding native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. These fish have rarely seen a fly. Most lakes require a 6–12 mile hike.
Best for: Backpackers who fish. The combination of remote solitude, native fish, and high-country scenery is unmatched.
Wyoming Fishing License Required
A Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers 14 and older. Non-resident day licenses available at wgfd.wyo.gov or at local sporting goods stores. Kids under 14 fish free with a licensed adult.
The Fly Shop of the Bighorns
Stop at the Fly Shop of the Bighorns on N. Main in Sheridan before you head out. Local guides, current conditions, fly patterns tied for these specific waters, and better advice than anything you'll find online.
When to Go
- May–early June: Runoff season — rivers high and turbid. Stay on lower creek sections.
- Late June–July: Prime dry fly season. Water clears, hatches peak, fish active all day.
- August: Midday slow in low water years. Fish early morning and evening. Alpine lakes at their best.
- September–October: Shoulder season magic. Browns begin pre-spawn runs.
- Winter: Tongue River Canyon open year-round. Nymphing below ice shelves can produce surprisingly well.
Stay Near the Water
Most of these spots are within 30–45 minutes of downtown Sheridan. Stay in a Wyo Stays property and you're on the water before 7 AM.
My Story Creekside Cabin
Story, Wyoming · ★ 4.7
Rustic Ridge Cabin
Dayton, Wyoming · ★ 4.9
Downtown Sheridan Apartment
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 4.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A Wyoming fishing license is required for all anglers 14 and older. Non-resident day licenses are available online through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department or at any local sporting goods store in Sheridan. Kids under 14 fish free with a licensed adult. Licenses can be purchased at wgfd.wyo.gov or at the Fly Shop of the Bighorns on N. Main in Sheridan.
Tongue River Canyon is the most productive and dramatic fishery near Sheridan — 20 minutes from downtown, holding wild brown trout in deep pools and fast runs. Big Goose Creek near Story offers excellent dry fly fishing in meadow sections. Little Goose Creek runs through Sheridan itself for easy walk-in access. Cloud Peak Wilderness alpine lakes hold native Yellowstone cutthroat trout for adventurous backpackers.
Late June through July is prime dry fly season — water clears, hatches peak, and fish are active all day. September through October offers shoulder season magic with fewer people and excellent hatch activity as browns begin pre-spawn runs. May through early June is runoff season with high, turbid water — stick to lower creek sections. Winter fishing in Tongue River Canyon can be surprisingly productive.
Wyo Stays manages 65+ properties in Sheridan County. For creek access, the Bighorn foothills properties near Story and Dayton put you 10–15 minutes from the best water. Downtown Sheridan properties are 20 minutes from Tongue River Canyon. Book direct at wyostays.com and save 16–20% versus Airbnb or VRBO.