FLY FISHING WYOMING AND THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER

	Fly Shops		Water Flows		Fishing Reports		Driving Directions
	Lodging		Guides/Outfitters		Places to Eat		Real Estate/Properties

The North Platte, located in South Central Wyoming, has over a hundred and fifty productive miles of river. Flowing through beautiful broad canyons and gentle sloping valleys, this large river is known for its great freestone water above Seminoe Reservoir and seven miles of exceptional tail-water fishing below it, also known as the "miracle mile". Below Alcova Reservoir (Gray Reef Reservoir) is another blue ribbon tail-water section. Large browns and rainbows are prevalent throughout the fishery.

From inside the Colorado state line the North Platte flows north into Wyoming followed by Route 230. This first stretch of river flows through a broad canyon tumbling over rocks and boulders while passing through areas of white-water. Rainbows and browns flourish in the well oxygenated cool water.

Access can be gained along Routes 230 and 130, especially at any of the campgrounds that dot the river through this stretch. The most popular float trip is from Treasure Island Access to Saratoga. The river fishes well, all the way from inside the Colorado state line to where route 80 crosses.


CLICK FOR MAP

Below route 80 to Seminoe Reservoir, the river becomes slow and deep with a smaller population of fish. Saratoga is a large town and a good starting point for fishing in this area. The freestone section is dependent upon snow melt and rain to keep its flows strong throughout the summer months. When the water gets to low in the southern freestone reaches, the two tail-water sections to the north are outstanding options. Many anglers spend their time on the tail-water sections even when the fishing around Saratoga is outstanding.

Below Seminoe reservoir is the famed "Miracle Mile" section of the North Platte. This piece of water is seven miles long and offers outstanding fishing for resident as well as migratory trout that come up from Pathfinder Reservoir. Quality hatches occur with the cold consistent flows from the reservoir. Large rainbows and browns are consistently caught throughout this section with the average size in the 15-18 inch class with many over 20 inches. The fall is a great time to try your luck on the large migratory brown trout. Streamers and nymphs are always productive in the "miracle mile". This area ends its journey at Alcova Reservoir which is also known as Gray Reef Reservoir. Access can be gained using Seminoe and Kortes Roads.

Below Alcova Reservoir is another tremendous tail-water fishery. This area of river has recently been governed with better flows resulting in an outstanding fishery, especially for large rainbow trout, some of which reach five plus pounds as well as an abundant supply of browns. Floating this section is a great way to cover the water. Access can be gained via Route 220 and which parallels this piece of water.

Hatches on the North Platte are excellent. Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Tricos, and Mahogany Duns are some of the better mayfly hatches. Golden Stones, Salmon Flies, and Little Golden Stones make up much of the stonefly activity from mid May to mid June. Caddis, terrestrials, and midges are also very important on the North Platte. Nymphs and streamers are a mainstay throughout the season. Woolly buggers and large buggy nymphs will also work well. Sinking lines will help get your streamers down in some of the deeper pools during high water.

If you are visiting the area make sure to give the North Platte a try. It is a tremendous river and well worth a long drive. If you are planning a trip to the North Platte the closest commercial airports are in Cheyenne, Laramie, and Casper.

The North Platte River provides beautiful scenery, quality water, and outstanding fishing throughout the entire season.

FLY FISHING WYOMING AND THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER

CLICK FOR MAP