With rainfall and warmer temperatures dominating the forecast for the next week, expect to see the North Platte and Laramie Rivers, along with major tributaries on the rise for the next week at least. Anglers who keep a keen eye on weather and flows will be rewarded with brief windows of good fishing conditions following cooler nights and dropping flows. For the most part, all of our local rivers and streams will be on the rise with decreasing clarity, making for difficult fishing conditions at best. The next couple of weeks might be a good time to check out the Laramie Plains Lakes or the tailwater sections of the Platte near Alcova and Casper.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 1,200 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:Â 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: ~ 300 cfs (Woods Landing, WY)
Conditions: The Big Laramie has jumped up considerably in the past week, and should continue to do so with warm weather and precipitation in the forecast. Anglers should look to the Little Laramie River as flows haven't jumped quite as much as the Big Laramie, making conditions a little more favorable.
Flies:Â 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 - 400 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 will primarily be rising during 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:Â 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;Â 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