Fishing the Dog Days
- Andrew O'Neill
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Over the past several years, there typically comes a point in the summer where the main branches and tributaries of our local rivers reach a temperature that is overly stressful for catch-and-release trout fishing. The commonly accepted water temperature where mortality starts to spike is 68-70 degrees. I notify all of my clients as we get into this time of summer that I will be monitoring water temperatures throughout the day and that we will either be cutting it short or moving to another location once water temps climb to 68 degrees.
This season, with one of the poorest snowpacks in recent memory, we are seeing our main rivers (the Laramie and the North Platte) low, mossy, and hot much earlier than usual. Normally, we are enjoying some of the best conditions of the year in early July on these rivers, but conditions have already peaked and flows and water temperatures have not been very conducive to productive trout fishing ever since. We have been recommending concentrating fishing to the early morning hours and exploring higher elevation tributaries and small streams when possible.
The Platte and Laramie Rivers have certainly earned their reputations as world-class western trout streams, so we understand the frustration of anglers who travel far and wide just to find poor flows, high water temperatures, and tough fishing. As we get later into the summer and conditions get trickier, we always recommend anglers explore the vast network of small streams and lakes throughout the Snowy Range.
With over 100 lakes and hundreds of miles of small streams, Snowy Range offers a wide range of options for brook trout, cutthroat trout, and even grayling and golden trout. Due to the brief feeding season, fish are not particularly bashful about taking attractor dry flies throughout the summer and on many small streams it is not uncommon to get a bite in nearly every decent looking bit of holding water.
While you probably won't be setting any state records up here, the nearly endless mileage of fishable water to explore is enough to keep even the most experienced anglers entertained. Whether you want to pull off of Highway 130 and start casting within sight of your vehicle, or lace up the hiking boots and explore backcountry streams and lakes - the Medicine Bow National Forest has something to offer.
Most of the streams and lakes throughout the Snowy Range are teeming with eager brookies, cutthroats, and some brown and rainbow trout. Other species such as grayling and golden trout can be found as well. While some of the lakes can produce larger fish, the average fish up here are in the 6" - 10" range, providing for a pretty entertaining day with a light fly rod and a pocket full of dry flies.
So grab your lightweight rod, some bushy dry flies and floatant, and head for the hills this summer. As always, please feel free to stop by or give us a call at Freeflow Outdoors for friendly advice on high country locations, flies, techniques, and more!
Freeflow Outdoors
516 S 3rd St
Laramie, Wyoming
(307) 460-2221