Inconsistent weather has made for inconsistent fishing conditions on the Laramie and North Platte drainages over the past week. We have seen some excellent days of fishing, as well as some slower days. Fishing quality has been highly dependent on water temperature and clarity. Flows have been fluctuating making for inconsistent conditions, but there is still plenty of great fishing to be had for the angler that pays attention to the weather and plans accordingly. The Big Laramie has been fishing well, with fish chasing streamers and feeding aggressively on days with decent water clarity. The Upper Platte and its main tributaries have been more day-to-day in terms of water conditions, but can still provide good fishing on days with better clarity. The Laramie Plains Lakes are all open and reportedly fishing well.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 1,100 cfs (Northgate)
Conditions: The Platte is on the rise with poor visibility. Fishing has been inconsistent at best. Large streamers and nymph patterns such as the Rubber Legs, Tim's Stone, 20 Incher, and Guide's Choice Hare's Ear in darker colors with large profiles have been the most effective. The Upper Platte will fish the best when flows start dropping a bit, so be on the lookout for multiple days with cooler daytime and nighttime temperatures to improve conditions on the Upper Platte. Flows are likely to continue to increase over the next week with above-freezing nighttime temperatures in the forecast.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Tequeely, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, Tim's Stone, Restless Stone, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Blow Torch
Laramie River
Flows: ~ 115 cfs (Woods Landing, WY)
Conditions: The Big Laramie has been on the rise, with water clarity declining. Fishing has been slow to fair on stretches between Laramie and Woods Landing. All of the upper stretches of the river are almost entirely free of ice. The same flies and techniques utilized for the Upper Platte at this time of year will be productive for the Big Laramie as well.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Tequeely, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, Restless Stone, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Tim's Stone, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Blow Torch
Tributary Streams
Flows: ~ 50 - 250 cfs
Conditions: As always during this time of year, main tributaries to the Upper North Platte have been highly variable depending on weather conditions. Fish have been feeding aggressively when water temperatures and clarity cooperate, but expect to see conditions changing by the day on most of the main tributary streams. Flows should be on the rise with above-freezing temperatures in the forecast for the week ahead. Look for windows of decent water clarity by focusing your efforts right after a drop in air temperature. Large flies with dark profiles will be the best option in these variable water conditions.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Tequeely, Slumpbuster, Wolly Bugger, Platte River Spider, GB Crystal Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, Restless Stone, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Tim's Stone, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Blow Torch
Plains Lakes
Conditions: Reports from the Plains Lakes have indicated that fishing has been good to excellent for the past couple of weeks! The Plains Lakes will offer anglers the best and most consistent option to get hooked up with a quality fish at this point in the season. All of the lakes are open and fish are cruising the shallows looking for meals after a long winter.
Flies: Streamers; Hell Razor Craw, Wolly Bugger, GB Crystal Bugger, Platte River Spider, Tequeely, Pine Squirrel, Hot Head Leech
Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Tungsten Zebra Midge, WD40, Juju Baetis