Fishing the Greys River in Star Valley, Wyoming

Join us for unforgettable Wyoming fly fishing trips with experienced local guides. Whether you're new to the sport or an avid angler, our custom adventures showcase the very best of Star Valley fly fishing, from scenic rivers to wild trout waters.

Discovering the Greys River

Tucked between the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges, the Greys River stretches about 60 miles from high alpine headwaters south of Alpine into the Snake River near US 89/26. Renowned as the longest undammed river in Wyoming, it's a dream destination for fly anglers seeking mountain waters, varied structure, and wild trout

The remote valley is rich with wildlife—elk, moose, deer, beaver, otter,a nd birds of prey—adding to the immersive wilderness experience

🎣 Trout Species & Fishing

The Greys River hosts wild Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, with scattered browns, rainbows, and brookies. In some stretches, over 95% of the trout are native, a healthy indicator of ecosystem balance

From pocket-water riffles up high to deep meadow pools downstream, expect strong, spirited fighters—even smaller cutthroats (5–10″) can put up intense battles.

📅 Best Time to Fish

Ideal fishing often runs from late June through September, following the snowmelt and road access

. Snowpack and runoff patterns may influence water clarity and flow—check local conditions before heading out .

🧠 Techniques & Hatches

Dry flies:
- Mayflies (light Hendricksons, PMDs, gray mayflies) hatch mid-morning and evening—use small dries.
- Stoneflies (yellow sallies, salmon flies) appear in early summer—great for hopper patterns late season.
Nymph rigs: Drop weighted nymphs below an indicator; strike when the bobber dips. Better to cast with a wider “chuck‑and‑duck” loop for heavier rigs
Streamers: Effective in early morning, late evening, or cloudy conditions—a large minnow imitation can provoke aggressive strikes.
Terrestrials: Grasshoppers, beetles, and ants face late summer—try a hopper-dropper rig to mimic terrestrial feeding.

🚗 Access & Regulations

Greys River Road runs along most of the canyon, but rough gravel sections may need high-clearance vehicles—road access opens once snow clears
Public lands span almost the entire watershed, offering tons of legal access (Forest Service-managed).
Regulations: upper sections allow bait; from Corral Creek downstream, only flies and lures are permitted; bag limits restrict the keep size/proportion of cutthroat

📸 Wildlife, Scenery & Camping

Expect scenic campsites with moose, deer, or even bear—common sightings along the river corridor.
Wildflowers and aspen groves add color, especially mid-summer into autumn.
For wild fishing bliss, try the upper Greys or Little Greys tributary—float trips are possible downstream, but technical sections demand scouting.

🧳 Planning Tips

Best gear: 4–6 wt rod, floating line, variety of drys, nymphs, heavy dropper, streamers, hopper patterns.
Check river conditions and snowpack levels before your trip.
Bring high-clearance transport for rough stretches.
Respect angler etiquette—give other anglers space and don’t disturb the water they’re fishing in.

📘 Guided Trips & Resources

If you're new or prefer expert support, fly fish star valley in Afton offers guided walk‑and‑wade or float trips on Greys and other local waters—gear and flies included, runs mid‑June to October

In summary, the Greys River is a rugged, scenic gem perfect for fly anglers chasing native cutthroat amid pristine backcountry. From spring’s stonefly blast to autumn hopper falls, varied techniques will score trout. Bring rugged gear, local knowledge, and respect for the wild surroundings for a truly memorable fishing adventure.

Tight lines—and enjoy the solitude of the Greys!