Late Summer fishing is upon us, and that means low flows and warm water. We recommend that anyone fishing on the North Platte, Laramie, or main tributaries carry a stream thermometer to monitor water temps throughout the day. We have been doing most all of our fishing on the lower elevation rivers and tributaries early in the day - getting on the water around sunrise and fishing until around noon. Tricos are making an appearance and can provide some great morning action on the North Platte and some tributaries, but feeding activity typically slows as fish become lethargic in the warmer afternoon waters.
Higher elevation lakes and alpine streams will be the best option for anglers looking to maximize their fishing at this point in the season. Some recent rainfall, and more in the forecast has cooled some of our rivers a bit, but smaller streams and lakes above 9,000' will give anglers the best opportunity to cast to active fish throughout the day.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 150 cfs (Northgate)
Conditions: The Platte is in great wading condition and continues to fish well in the morning. Fish are becoming lethargic and feeding activity is slowing down as water temperatures rise in the afternoon. Hopper droppers will remain the most productive prospecting rig, and anglers looking to match the hatch should have some PMD, caddis, and trico patterns in their boxes.
Flies: Dries; Stimulator, Light Cahill, Corn Fed Caddis, Elk Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Amy's Ant, Hippie Stomper, Chubby Trico Spinner, Para Adams, Batwing Emerger,
Nymphs; HDA FAV, Blow Torch, Devil Jig, Copper John, RS2, 20 Incher, Rubber Legs, WD40, Psycho Prince
Streamers; Platte River Spider, Tequeely, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga
Laramie River
Flows: ~ 30 cfs (Woods Landing, WY)
Conditions: The Big Laramie has dropped considerably and is a little bit on the low side despite recent rainfall. Anglers can still have good dry fly and hopper dropper action in the mornings when fish are more active. Carry a thermometer and monitor stream temperatures, avoid fishing in water temps over 68 degrees if you are catching and releasing fish.
Flies: Dries; Chubby Chernobyl, Swisher's Foam PMX, Amy's Ant, Hippie Stomper, CDC Ant, Humpy, Yellow Sally, Para Adams, Light Cahill, Chubby Trico Spinner
Nymphs; Guide's Choice Hare's Ear, HDA FAV, Blow Torch, Psycho Prince, 307 Nymph, Copper John, 20 Incher, Rubber Legs
Streamers; Wolly Bugger, Platte River Spider, Thin Mint, Tequeely, Baby Gonga
Tributary Streams
Flows: ~ 20 - 70 cfs
Conditions: The tributary streams have been fishing a bit more consistently than the main branches of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers. Being a bit higher in elevation, we have seen more favorable temperatures and resulting feeding activity on some of the North Platte and Laramie tributaries. Water temperatures can still rise above that 68 degree in the afternoon, especially at lower elevations, so be sure to carry a stream thermometer on the tributaries as well.
Flies:Â Dries; Chubby Chernobyl (8-14), Swisher's Foam PMX, Amy's Ant, Stimulator, Elk Caddis, CDC Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis, Humpy, Para Adams
Nymphs; Tim's Stone, 20 Incher, Blow Torch, HDA FAV, Guide's Choice, Prince Nymph, Devil Jig, Copper John, Dirty Bird, Caddistrophic Pupa
Streamers; Slumpbuster, Wolly Bugger, Platte River Spider, GB Crystal Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Dirty Hippie, Baby Gonga
Alpine Lakes and Streams
Conditions: Higher elevation lakes and streams will provide the best option for anglers looking to maximize their effective fishing time. Most lakes and streams above 9000' in elevation should stay below 68 degrees throughout the day, but it never hurts to have a stream thermometer in your kit anyway. Fishing can be quite productive at these higher elevations due to the short feeding window. Small streamers, attractors dries, and nymphs both dead-drifted and stripped can all be effective methods on alpine lakes.
Flies: Streamers;Â GB Crystal Bugger, Wolly Bugger, Pine Squirrel, Hale Bopp
Dries; Amy's Ant, Swisher's Foam PMX, Stimulator, Light Cahill, Para Adams
Nymphs; Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Tungsten Zebra Midge, WD40, Juju Baetis
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