Encampment River
Fly fishing in Wyoming · Intermediate · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
About This Water
Southern Wyoming stream with brown and rainbow trout. Scenic Sierra Madre fishing.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the Encampment River, one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets. As a guide, I often tell clients that if they want the fame of the North Platte with half the crowds and twice the scenery, the Encampment is the place to be. This is a classic Western freestone river that drains the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains before joining the North Platte near the town of Riverside.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fishing the Encampment.
🎣 Location Overview
The Encampment River is a "Wild and Scenic" designated waterway, and it earns that title every inch of the way. It transitions from a high-gradient, boulder-choked canyon stream in its upper reaches to a meandering, meadow-style river as it approaches the valley floor.
What makes it special is its remoteness. While the nearby Miracle Mile and Grey Reef get the headlines, the Encampment offers a more intimate, "wild" experience. It is primarily a wading river; while some sections can be floated in very high water (late June), it is largely the domain of the walk-and-wade angler. The water is crystal clear, cold, and highly oxygenated, providing a perfect habitat for wild, hard-fighting trout.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The kings of the lower river. They are notoriously predatory here. Look for them in deep undercut banks and behind large mid-river boulders. During the fall, they become highly aggressive as they prepare for the spawn.
- Rainbow Trout: Found throughout the system, typically holding in the faster "bubble lines," riffles, and the heads of pools. They are acrobatic and love a well-presented dry fly.
- Brook Trout: Primarily found in the upper reaches (Hog Park area) and the smaller high-altitude tributaries. They are opportunistic feeders and display stunning colors in late summer.
Behavior Note: These fish are "freestone" fish, meaning they rely on seasonal hatches rather than constant midge activity. They are generally less "picky" than tailwater fish but are very spooky in the clear, low water of late summer.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Summer (Late June – August)
- The Prime Window: Usually starts in late June once the runoff subsides.
- July: This is the "Golden Month." You get the legendary Salmonfly hatch followed by Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies.
- Time of Day: Early morning for nymphs; 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for dries; evening for caddis activity.
Fall (September – October)
- The "Big Fish" Window: As water temperatures drop, the Brown trout begin to move.
- September: Incredible terrestrial fishing (hoppers/ants).
- October: Focus on streamers. The cottonwoods turn gold, the crowds disappear, and the fish are looking for a calorie-heavy meal before winter.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies
- Stoneflies: Chubby Chernobyl (Orange/Gold, size 8-12), Rogue Foam Stone.
- Mayflies: Parachute Adams (14-18), Purple Haze (14-16), PMDs (16).
- Terrestrials: Amy’s Ant, Dave’s Hopper, or any foam-bodied beetle pattern.
Nymphs
- Attractors: Pat’s Rubber Legs (Coffee/Black), Prince Nymph (12-14).
- Droppers: Bead-head Pheasant Tail (16-18), Frenchie (16), Copper John (Red/Silver).
Streamers
- Patterns: Goldie, Kraft’s Kreelex, or an Olive/Black Wooly Bugger.
- Technique: "Pounding the banks." Cast tight to the willow line and give the fly aggressive strips.
Pro Presentation Tip:
Use a Dry-Dropper rig. In the Encampment’s pocket water, a high-floating foam fly (like a Chubby) with a weighted nymph 2-3 feet below is deadly. This allows you to cover two zones and acts as a strike indicator that won't spook fish in clear water.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Wilderness Section: If you are physically fit, hike into the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness. The further you walk from the trailhead at Odd Fellow’s Campground, the better the fishing gets. The fish here rarely see flies and are extremely eager to rise.
- The "Salmonfly" Timing: The Big Sage (Pteronarcys) stonefly hatch usually hits in early July. It moves upstream. If you miss it at the mouth, drive further up into the canyon to find the "leading edge" of the hatch.
- Stealth Matters: Because the water is so clear, avoid "lining" the fish. Cast from a downstream-diagonal position and keep a low profile on the banks.
- Wading Safety: The rocks in the Encampment are notoriously slick and "rolly." I highly recommend felt-soled boots (where legal) or studs, and a wading staff is a must in the canyon.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: There is excellent public access via the Medicine Bow National Forest and several BLM parcels. However, the lower river near the town of Encampment flows through significant private ranch land. Always respect "No Trespassing" signs. Wyoming law dictates that you must stay off the riverbed when it passes through private land.
- Regulations: You need a valid Wyoming Fishing License and a Conservation Stamp. Check current WY Game & Fish booklets for any "emergency closures" due to high water temps in late August (though the Encampment usually stays cool).
- Wildlife: This is Bear Country. Both Black Bears and the occasional Grizzly can be found in the Sierra Madres. Carry bear spray and be "bear aware," especially when cleaning fish or hiking through thick willows.
- Cell Service: Expect zero service once you leave the highway and head into the canyon. Download your maps for offline use.
Guide’s Final Thought: The Encampment is a "personality" river. It’s moody, beautiful, and rewards the angler who is willing to hike an extra mile. Bring your 5-weight rod, a box of bushy dries, and plenty of water—you're going to have a world-class day.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica | stonefly | June, July | All Day | #4-8 | Rogue River Stone #4-8, Pat's Rubber Leg #6-10, Cat Puke #6-8 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | June, July | Morning/Afternoon | #8-12 | Chubby Chernobyl (Gold) #8-12, Iron Lotus #12-14, Norm Wood Special #10-12 |
| Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Baetis spp. | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, JujuBaetis #18-22 |
| Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | July, August | Morning/Early Afternoon | #14-18 | CDC Pheasant Tail #16-18, Sparkle Dun #14-18, Quigley Cripple #16-18 |
| Green Drake Drunella doddsi | mayfly | July | Afternoon/Evening | #10-12 | Green Drake Hairwing #10-12, Dorado Drake #10-12, Dodd's Nymph #10-12 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla spp. | stonefly | July, August | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Foam Dry #14-16, Little Yellow Sloan #14-16 |
| American Grannom Brachycentrus occidentalis | caddis | May, June | Morning/Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Holy Grail #14-16 |
| Grasshoppers Orthoptera | terrestrial | August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #8-12 | Morrish Hopper #8-12, Parachute Hopper #10-12, Rainy's Hopper #10-12 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Sunken Trico #22-24 |