UTERCutthroat trout fishing in Wyoming freshwater
In Wyoming freshwater, cutthroat trout peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in May–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat; Yellowstone opens late May.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Cutthroat trout in Wyoming freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawningSnake River fine-spotted cutthroat; Yellowstone opens late May.
- JulyPeakSnake River below Jackson — dry flies all day.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeakYellowstone's backcountry streams.
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish cutthroat trout near Snake River, North Platte (Miracle Mile), Flaming Gorge
Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat, the North Platte's big browns and rainbows, Flaming Gorge's lakers and burbot, and the Wind River high lakes' grayling and goldens.
What to use for cutthroat trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–68°F water, best at 46–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch cutthroat trout in Wyoming freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in May–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Cutthroat trout are here year-round. June: Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat; Yellowstone opens late May.
Where do cutthroat trout hold in Wyoming freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir — around Snake River, North Platte (Miracle Mile), Flaming Gorge, Wind River lakes, Yellowstone, Bighorn River.
What is the best bait for cutthroat trout in Wyoming freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for cutthroat trout in Wyoming freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and change — read the current rule at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications.
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