There is not much new to report this week - we are in peak runoff and flows are continuing rise throughout the upper North Platte and Laramie River drainages. Fishing conditions will continue to be variable and weather-dependent until we start to see runoff subside. Watch for flows to begin dropping in the coming weeks on higher elevation tributary streams. The most productive fishing will be following cooler nights that stall rising flows for a brief period.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 2,000 cfs
Conditions: Flows are rising and clarity is day-to-day on the upper Platte. Large, flashy streamers stripped close to the bank and beefy double nymph rigs fished in the pockets along the banks will give anglers their best chance at success in these conditions.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Tequeely, Platte River Spider, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Baby Gonga, Dirty Hippy
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, Restless Stone, 20 Incher, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Tim's Stone, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John
Laramie River
Flows: ~ 900 cfs
Conditions: The Laramie has risen considerably, but flows seem to be maxing out this week, watch for flows to start dropping on the Laramie in the next week or two. Anglers may be able to find improved clarity following cooler nights. Much like the Platte, streamers and large nymphs are the go-to in runoff conditions.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Wolly Bugger, Tequeely, Platte River Spider, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Baby Gonga, Dirty Hippy
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, Restless Stone, 20 Incher, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Scuds, Tim's Stone, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John
Tributary Streams
Flows: 160-500 cfs
Conditions: Tributary stream conditions will be day-to-day and highly variable this time of year. Anglers may have luck finding good clarity following cooler nights, as well as finding good clarity at higher elevations. The higher in a drainage you can get, the more water clarity you will be able to find. Be sure to check out snow depth maps, as many of the upper reaches of North Platte and Laramie River tributary streams remain inaccessible due to deep snow.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Wolly Bugger, Tequeely, Platte River Spider, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Baby Gonga, Dirty Hippy
Nymphs; 20 Incher, San Juan Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Scuds, Tim's Stone, CDC Stone, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John
Plains Lakes
Conditions: Reports from the Plains Lakes have indicated that fishing quality has been variable and day-to-day. Water can be a bit murky with the spring wind, so focus on sections of these lakes with good clarity. Slow stripping a streamer close to the bottom can be an effective tactic this time of year.
Flies: Streamers; GB Crystal Bugger, Hell Razor Craw, Wolly Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Baby Gonga
Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Tungsten Zebra Midge, WD40, Juju Baetis