Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River

From Reef Creek upstream, all fish over 8 inches shall be released immediately with a creel limit of 6 fish. Artificial flies and lures only in this section. From Reef Creek downstream, the creel limit is 3 fish with only 1 exceeding 12 inches and all legal methods of fishing are allowed. The upper reaches of the river and the canyon offer some spectacular scenery. Big horn sheep and mountain goats (the only population in Wyoming) are often seen on the canyon walls. Numerous small tributaries empty into the river but access is limited to most in the canyon. The fishery of the lower reaches of the river are maintained by periodic stockings by Wyoming Game and Fish (managed as a basic yield fishery) while the upper reaches and canyon are maintained by natural reproduction (managed as a wild fishery).

The Clarks Fork River drainage is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming adjacent to Yellowstone National Park on the Clark's Fork Ranger District. The canyon section of the Clarks Fork River is the only river in Wyoming with the designation "wild and scenic." Summer hiking into the canyon from on top is hazardous under good conditions. Float access to the upper and lower sections are fair with low water being the limiting factor but the canyon is limited to kayakers with expert skill rating. The lower section is accessed by driving State Highway 120 north out of Cody to State Highway 292 which dead ends in the Clarks Fork Canyon. Access to the canyon is limited to about 5 spots with the best access at the lower end. The upper reaches of this canyon and river are reached by taking State Highway 120 north out of Cody for 16 miles to the Chief Joseph Highway 296. This road broadly parallels the river. To reach the very upper reaches of the river take State Highway 212 west. The road is not maintained past State Highway 296 in the winter. State Highway 212 is usually plowed open by Memorial Day.