Fishing Report - 8/17/25

It's that low water time of year again. Flows have dropped considerably on the main branches of the Platte and Laramie Rivers as well as lower elevation tributaries, and afternoon water temperatures are climbing into the 70s. Fishing conditions are tough for the main branches and primary tributaries with low flows and warm water. Anglers should concentrate their efforts to the early morning hours when water temperatures are below 68 degrees for the best action.

The best fishing will be found in the high country at this point the year. Alpine lakes and small streams are home to a variety of trout eager to take a dry fly, and while flows are a bit on the low side for the alpine streams as well, water temperatures will stay in a good window to provide good conditions and good fishing throughout the day.

Upper North Platte

Flows: ~ 30 cfs (Northgate)

Conditions: The Platte is very low and seeing high afternoon water temperatures. We recommend restricting fishing to the early morning hours and keeping an eye on water temps if you are fishing the Platte over the next few weeks.

Look for morning hatches of tricos, PMDs, and caddis.

Flies: Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, RS2

Dries; Chubby Trico, Light Cahill, Adams,

Streamers; GB Crystal Bugger, Platte River Spider, Wolly Bugger

Laramie River

Flows: ~ 25 cfs (Woods Landing, WY)

Conditions: Flows remain very low on the Big Laramie creating similar technical conditions as to what we are seeing on the Platte. Anglers looking to fish the Laramie should be on the same program - focus on the early morning hours and monitor water temperatures.

Flies: Dries; Little Yellow Sally, Humpy, Amy's Ant, Hippie Stomper, Light Cahill, Para Adams

Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Blow Torch, HDA FAV, Prince Nymph, 307 Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John

Streamers; Thin Mint, Platte River Spider, Stacked Blonde,

Tributary Streams

Flows: ~ 10 - 50 cfs

Conditions: Tributaries to the Laramie and North Platte Rivers are in a little bit better shape than the main branches, but are still seeing low flows and warm afternoon water temperatures. Focus your efforts on getting a little farther upstream on the tributary streams where more favorable water temperatures can be found. Flows are low, so sizing down on tippet and flies can be helpful.

Flies: Dries; Light Cahill, Para Adams, Stimulator, Elk Caddis, Humpy, Amy's Ant

Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Hell Razor Craw

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

Vedauwoo/Pole Mountain

Conditions: Small streams and ponds throughout the Vedauwoo area will provide a great option for anglers looking to avoid the crowds on the Platte and Laramie. The brookies throughout the area provide reliable fishing and aren't overly picky, a hopper dropper rig will almost always do the trick. Stay a little on the smaller side with dries and nymphs at this point in the season.

Flies: Amy's Ant, PMX, Chubby Chernobyl, Light Cahill, Para Adams, Copper John, Prince Nymph, Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, Wolly Bugger, Thin Mint, Platte River Spider

Alpine Lakes and Streams

Conditions: Alpine lakes and streams will provide the most consistent action at this point in the season. Attractor dries and small streamers are almost universally effective on small streams and alpine lakes throughout the Snowy Range.

Flies: GB Crystal Bugger, Woolly Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Ice Cream Cone, Zebra Midge, Amy's Ant, Hippie Stomper, Humpy, Para Adams