Conditions on rivers and streams are generally low and warm throughout the Laramie and North Platte River drainages. High country lakes and streams will be the best option for anglers looking to fish throughout the day. The Laramie and North Platte are still providing good fishing opportunities, however water temperatures are reaching the high 60s and low 70s by early afternoon. Higher country tributaries are maintaining cooler water temps later into the day, but be sure to keep an eye on water temperatures as even some higher elevation tributaries have been warming up to over 68 degrees by mid afternoon.
If you are releasing fish, remember that when water temperatures start getting above 68 degrees, mortality chances increase significantly, even with proper catch-and-release methods. Additionally, trout will be quite lackadaisical at these temperatures and reluctant to feed. The best options right now will be fishing early in the morning, or heading to the high country where water temperatures are more favorable for trout to feed.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 200 cfs
Conditions: Flows have been fluctuating on the Platte with recent rainfall, and has started steadily dropping over the past few days. Look for fishing conditions to improve on the Platte this week, but be aware of afternoon water temperatures. The best window for fishing will be from first light until about midday. Look for fish to key in on hatches of caddis and PMDs early in the day. Tricos are beginning to make an appearance and fish can get very keyed in on the spinner fall of this hatch. A hopper dropper rig with any combination of caddis, mayfly, or stonefly nymphs fished below a hopper, beetle, or caddis imitation can be productive when fish aren't keyed in on a hatch.
Flies: Dry flies; Chubby Chernobyl, Swisher's Foam PMX, Amy's Ant, 409 Yeager, B/C Dropper Hopper, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahill, Little Yellow Stone, Chubby Trico Spinner
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, RS2, WD40, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, HDA FAV Variant, Blow Torch, Duracell Bomb
Laramie River
Flows: ~20 cfs
Conditions: The Laramie River is on the low side right now and getting quite warm in the afternoon with water temperatures rising above 70 degrees. Fishing will be quite technical with this low of water and should be kept to the very early part of the day to avoid over-stressing fish. Smaller flies and tippet are recommended.
Flies: Little Yellow Sally, Light Cahill, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Griffith's Gnat, Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph
Tributary Streams
Flows: 30 - 75 cfs
Conditions: Higher elevation North Platte tributary streams will be one of the better bets as flows continue to drop and water temperatures increase at lower elevations. Clear water and low flows has fish a little bit more finicky, and downsizing on flies and tippet is recommended.
Flies: Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahill, Parachute Adams, Amy's Ant, Dave's Beetle, Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph
Alpine Lakes and Streams
Conditions: Alpine lakes and streams should provide anglers with a great option with the recent rising temperatures. Water temperatures will remain cooler at higher elevations and fish will continue to feed aggressively as they take advantage of the short growing season. Alpine lakes and streams can provide a great option for some surface action with attractor dries. Ants, beetles, small hoppers, and caddis patterns are good dry fly imitations to start prospecting with.
Flies: Amy's Ant, Dave's Beetle, CDC Ant, Hippie Stomper, 409 Yeager, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper John, Wolly Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Platte River Spider