Fly Fishing the North Platte River Wyoming

The North Platte rises between the Rocky Mountains and the Medicine Bow Mountains in Colorado near the town of Walden, and flows north for thirty miles before reaching Wyoming. After reaching Wyoming, it is joined by the Encampment River and then flows another ninety miles to the Seminole Reservoir. Below the Seminole Dam, it flows through the small Kortes Dam and into the famous “Miracle Mile” before reaching the Pathfinder Reservoir. Ultimately, it joins the South Platte River to form the Platte River just east of the town of North Platte, ending its 1.000 mile journey.

Although the North Platte rises in Colorado, the best and the most popular section for fly fishing on the North Platte is the section that starts at the Colorado and Wyoming state line and continues down to the Pathfinder Reservoir. The uppermost section from the Colorado line lies in very remote country and flows through canyons with boulder strewn pocket waters, as well as some white water and is a typical freestone stream with the water levels fluctuating with the amount of rainfall.

The section from Bennett Peak down to Saratoga flows through a broad valley becoming much slower as it passes through long pools, riffles and runs. Cottonwoods line the banks and are often undercut, dumping them into the stream. Small bluffs of limestone emerge from the river and perhaps contribute to the Ph creating fertile waters. Here you will find a healthy habitat for a good population of rainbows and browns.

From Saratoga north, most of the land is ranch land dotted with sage brush and providing limited access. However, some ranchers can be persuaded to let you fish. Otherwise, the river can be fished by float trips. After the river passes under the I 80 bridge, it becomes wider and slows considerably producing some long flats. Although this section contains fewer trout, they can become somewhat larger.

Fly Fishing the North Platte River:
The methods, the equipment and the techniques for fly Fishing the North Platte River vary a good deal and it depends on the particular section and the stream levels in that section. In the upper reaches, the level fluctuates due to snow melting and spring rains. The tailwater sections, experience changing water levels and erratic flows depending on the releases. If the water is rising, the fishing is more difficult however; in declining water levels or stable water levels, the fishing will remain excellent. Be alert to the sirens that will alert you of possible danger.

Spring:
Spring is good time to start fly fishing on the north flat after the ice melts but before the runoff, from about March 1 until April 30. Midges can be used early in the spring followed by the blue winged olives starting in April use the smaller hook sizes of 20 through 28. Follow up with the golden stone flies, the salmon flies and the green drake patterns in larger hook sizes. Bear in mind that more trout are taken with numphs.

Summer:
The blue winged olives will remain active through June and the first part of July; use a larger size 14 pattern. The Pale Morning duns will be good starting about mid June and you will definitely want some terrestrials in your fly box as well.

Fall:
The fall season with its lower flows is one of the most popular seasons for fly fishing. The tricos will start hatching around the middle of July and extend through the middle of September followed by the mahogany duns also in September. Watch for the fall brood of the blue winged olives to hatch as well. Also, in the fall, consider an 8 weight rod with some large streamers to take advantage of the big browns running up out of the reservoir. Some have been reported to be in the 20 to 28 inch class.

Winter:
Fly fishing the North Fork of the Platte River is limited during the winter due to the brutal wind, the cold and the ice. However, if you can stand it, the fly fishing with midges will be rewarding.