Fishing Report - 4/16/26

We are in pre runoff mode and seeing some pretty good conditions around the Laramie and Platte River valleys! With some colder temperatures in the forecast, expect flows to drop a bit heading into the weekend, which should improve clarity but will also bring down water temperatures. Fish have started to get into feed mode, but we haven't quite seen that switch get flipped into a springtime smorgasbord. Plains Lakes, the North Platte, and lower elevations of the Laramie River will most likely be the best bet until we see water temperatures come up a bit.

As always, please feel free to give us a call at (307) 460-2221 or stop in the shop anytime for the most up-to-the-minute fishing reports and fly selections!

Upper North Platte

Flows: ~ 105 cfs (Northgate)

Conditions: Flows on the Platte have been fluctuating over the past couple of weeks, but we should see flows start to steadily rise over the next week. Barring any major jumps in flows, fishing conditions should be fair to good if visibility remains decent. The Upper Platte is now fully open and accessible throughout the canyon section.

Flies: Nymphs; 20 Incher, Pat's Rubber Legs, Tim's Stone, San Juan Worm, Get Down Worm

Streamers; GB Crystal Bugger, Platte River Spider, Wolly Bugger, Mini Dungeon, Sculpzilla, Silvey's Sculpin, Circus Peanut

Laramie River

Flows: ~ 25 cfs (Woods Landing, WY)

Conditions: Flows remain fairly low on the Laramie, but the river is free of ice and fishing fair to good. Conditions have been day-to-day, with water temperatures still on the low side, but fishing quality should continue to improve as we see water temperatures rising and an increase in aquatic insect activity.

Flies: Nymphs; 20 Incher, Pat's Rubber Legs, Tim's Stone, San Juan Worm, Get Down Worm

Streamers; GB Crystal Bugger, Platte River Spider, Wolly Bugger, Mini Dungeon, Sculpzilla, Silvey's Sculpin, Circus Peanut

Tributary Streams

Flows: ~ 20 - 70 cfs

Conditions: Tributaries to the Laramie and North Platte Rivers are day-to-day and seeing various stages of runoff. The Little Laramie is running at about 70 cfs, while Brush Creek on the Saratoga side already seems to be on the drop at 25 cfs this morning. Focusing your efforts on tributaries that are dropping and clearing will produce the best results this time of year.

Flies: Nymphs; 20 Incher, Rubber Legs, Hare's Ear, Copper John, San Juan Worm

Streamers; Thin Mint, Wolly Bugger, Platte River Spider, Tequeely, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga

Vedauwoo/Pole Mountain

Conditions: No reports from Veduawoo/Pole Mountain this season.

Flies: N/A

Alpine Lakes and Streams

Conditions: Frozen

Flies: N/A