Crazy Woman Creek
Fly fishing in Wyoming · Beginner · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout
About This Water
Bighorn Mountains stream with brown trout. Historic Old West fishing.
Fishing Recommendations
Located on the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo, Wyoming, Crazy Woman Creek is a hidden gem that offers some of the most scenic and intimate fly fishing in the American West. Flowing through a dramatic, steep-walled canyon before winding through high-plains cottonwood groves, it provides a classic "blue ribbon" experience without the crowds of the nearby Bighorn River.
🎣 Location Overview
Crazy Woman Creek is a diverse freestone fishery. Its character changes drastically as it descends:
- The Upper Reaches: High-elevation meadows with small brook trout.
- The Canyon: This is the heart of the fishery. The creek tumbles through massive boulders and granite walls, creating endless pocket water, deep plunge pools, and short riffles.
- The Lower Section: As it leaves the canyon, it slows down and meanders through private ranch land, turning into a classic meadow stream.
Anglers love this water because it requires technical precision but rewards you with wild, buttery-gold Brown Trout in a setting that feels untouched by time.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary draw here is the Wild Brown Trout. While you will find Rainbows and Brookies in the higher elevations, the canyon and lower stretches are dominated by Browns.
- Behavior: These fish are opportunistic but wary. In the fast canyon water, they hold in the "cushion" in front of boulders or in the soft eddies behind them.
- Feeding: They are highly keyed into terrestrial insects in the late summer and aggressive towards small streamers or large nymphs in the fall as they prepare for the spawn.
- Holding Water: Look for the "seams" where fast and slow water meet. In the heat of summer, they will be in the oxygenated "bubble curtains" at the heads of pools.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (July – August): This is the prime window for dry fly fishing. Once the spring runoff subsides (usually by late June), the water clears and the insect activity explodes.
- Fall (September – October): This is the "trophy" window. As temperatures drop, the Brown Trout become aggressive and territorial. The fall colors in the canyon are spectacular.
Best Times of Day
- Summer: Early morning (6 AM – 10 AM) and late evening (6 PM – Dark). The midday sun can make the fish lethargic in the shallower stretches.
- Fall: Mid-morning to late afternoon. You want the sun to warm the water slightly to trigger insect hatches and fish movement.
Prime Conditions
Clear water is key. If there has been a heavy rain in the Bighorns, the creek can "blow out" and turn chocolate milk color quickly due to the steep terrain. Always check the local USGS gauges or call a shop in Buffalo before driving up.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies:
- Chubby Chernobyl (Size 10-14): Gold, Tan, or Purple. Great for a hopper-dropper rig.
- PMX (Parachute Madam X): High visibility in the broken canyon water.
- Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14-18): A staple for the evening rise.
- Nymphs:
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (Size 10-12): Weighted stonefly patterns are killer in the deep canyon holes.
- Pheasant Tail (Size 16-20): A classic that mimics the natural mayflies.
- Streamers:
- Wooly Bugger (Black or Olive): Effective in the fall.
- Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear (Streamer version): Works well when fished "swing" style.
Effective Techniques
- The Hopper-Dropper: This is the "bread and butter" technique for Crazy Woman. Use a buoyant dry fly (like a Chubby) and hang a bead-head nymph 18–24 inches below it.
- Tight-Line Nymphing: In the canyon's pocket water, a traditional fly line can get caught in conflicting currents. High-sticking or Euro-nymphing through the deep pockets is incredibly effective.
- Short Casts: This is not a place for 60-foot casts. Stealth and short, accurate presentations are more important.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Canyon Road: The drive through Crazy Woman Canyon (Crazy Woman Canyon Rd) is narrow and rugged. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. There are numerous pull-offs where you can scramble down to the water.
- Think Small: While there are big fish, the average Brown is 10–14 inches. Use a 3-weight or 4-weight rod to make the most of the experience. A 9-foot rod can be tough in the brushy sections; a 7'6" or 8' rod is often better.
- The "Shadow" Factor: Because the canyon walls are so high, the creek goes into shadow early. This "artificial twilight" can trigger a massive hatch of Blue Winged Olives or Caddis even at 3:00 PM.
- Stealth is Vital: The water is crystal clear. Avoid wearing bright colors and try to stay low when approaching the banks to avoid "spooking" the pool.
⚠️ Important Information
Access Information
- Public vs. Private: Much of the canyon is within the Bighorn National Forest and is public access. However, as the creek flows east toward the interstate (I-90), it passes through private ranch land. Always respect "No Trespassing" signs.
- The Road: Crazy Woman Canyon Road is often closed in the winter and spring due to snow and mud. Check with the Forest Service in Buffalo for current road status.
Regulations & Permits
- A valid Wyoming Fishing License is required.
- An Invasive Species Decal is required if you are using a boat (though this is strictly a wading creek).
- Check the current Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) regulations for specific creel limits, though Catch and Release is strongly encouraged to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Special Considerations
- Wildlife: This is bear country (both Black and occasionally Grizzly). Carry bear spray and be "bear aware."
- Physicality: Fishing the canyon requires some hiking and rock scrambling. Wear wading boots with good felt or Vibram soles and studs.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Mid-day/Afternoon | #18-22 | Parachute Adams #18-22, RS2 #20-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | June, July | Late Morning/Early Afternoon | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Split Case PMD #16-18, PMD Quigley Cripple #16-18 |
| Mother's Day Caddis Brachycentrus occidentalis | caddis | May | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Peacock Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Holy Grail #14-16 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | June, July | All Day | #8-12 | Pat's Rubber Leg #8-12, Chubby Chernobyl #10-12, Golden Rogue Stone #10-12 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche spp. | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Godzilla Caddis #14-16, Z-Lon Caddis #16-18, Green Weenie #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Drowned Trico Spinner #22-24 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla spp. | stonefly | July, August | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Stimulator #14-16, Little Yellow Sloan #14-16, Yellow Sally Foam Stone #14-16 |
| Grasshoppers Acrididae | terrestrial | August, September | Mid-day/Afternoon | #8-12 | Morrish Hopper #10-12, Parachute Hopper #12, Rainy's Grand Hopper #8-10 |
| Zebra Midge Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge (Black/Silver) #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-22, Morgan's Midge #20-22 |