Upper North Platte River

 

Six Mile Gap to Pickeroon Campground

These sections of the river can be treacherous and should always be navigated with an experienced guide. Eight and a half river miles down stream from Northgate Canyon on the river right side is Pickeroon Campground (takeout). Pickeroon is in the Platte River Wilderness Section, and is managed by the USDA Forest Service. This public area offers some of the best wade fishing opportunities on the entire Upper North Platte River.

On the river left side, is a BLM managed site called Prospect Creek Access. We are a fully insured,CPR certified,USDA Forest Service and BLM permitted outfitter. This upper stretch is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful sections of the Platte River Wilderness Area. Therefore, an absolute favorite with the scenic backcountry anglers.

Bennett Peak Recreation Area

The next public take out site, approximately 12 river miles down is Bennett Peak Recreation Area (BLM Managed).  Bennet Peak features maintained public boat ramps.  Therefore, Bennett Peak to Treasue Island (take out) is a great float for hard side drift boats.  As mentioned earlier, this section is BLM managed. So, be sure that your guide/outfitter has a BLM Special Recreation Permit.

Treasure Island

Treasure Island launch site to the town of Saratoga Wyoming (approx.12 river miles) is a lower cottonwood tree lined bank stretch of the North Platte River,  With its narrow runs and deep pools it  offers excellent wild trout habitat. This section of the river is infamous not only for it's great Wyoming fly fishing but also for it's abundant wildlife spotting. Some wildlife you may encounter are bald eagles, osprey, moose, deer, etc,

Treasure Island to Saratoga is probably the most popular float fishing stretch during the summer months. It is common for experienced anglers to have 30-40 fish days on float trips! So, most days you can fish dry flies, nymphs, and streamers all in one day

Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2018 estimated the  Upper North Platte to have around 5000-7000 fish per mile. Most common are Rainbows, Browns, and Cutthroats. This world famous freestone western river is known for its abundant brown trout fishery.  So, if you like to fish big articulated streamers for trophy browns, this is the place for you!

Moving farther down stream, north of Saratoga there are several other notable access areas and float stretches on the North Platte River.  Foote Access, Pic Bridge, Eagles Nest, and Fort Steele are some of our favorite floats during the low flow periods of the season, and offer fantastic streamer water.

Check North Platte River flows here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv/?site_no=06620000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,000

Check out our Saratoga Wyoming fishing report: https://highplainsflyfishing.com/saratoga-wyoming-fishing-report/