Rivers are on the rise here in southern Wyoming. A snowpack still sitting at 120% of average for the season, combined with warm temperatures and some precipitation in the forecast indicates that we will be experiencing high flows and low visibility on nearly all of our local streams and rivers for the next couple of weeks.
The Plains Lakes will most likely be the best option for anglers itching to get out there. Watch for cooler nights to find the best river conditions. Colder nighttime temperatures can temporarily slow rising flows and improve clarity for brief windows. Large nymph rigs and streamer patterns will be the ticket to getting fish's attention in these muddy conditions.
Upper North Platte
Flows: 1,500 cfs
Conditions: Flows are rising and clarity is decreasing daily 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: 350 cfs
Conditions: Jumps in flow rates have slowed a bit for the Laramie over the past couple of days. 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: 60-300 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