The annual Grey Reef flushing flows are tentatively set to begin on Monday, March 18th. Provided that the river is free of ice. These regulated flows remove sediment off of rainbow trout spawning beds, with up to 4000 cfs. This event is known for epic fishing conditions thanks to all of the aquatic life getting stirred up. The trout simply gorge themselves!
One day last year we pulled off the river for a quick break. As we looked upstream, we noticed three bald eagles wading intently picking up crayfish in the shallows. Now everyone knows that I am a streamer junkie, so immediately switched to the streamer. Before we even took off we where stripping in good fish off the swing. Point of the story is to appreciate that all species of wildlife benefit from the treasures of the North Platte River during the flush.
From past experience, skilled anglers can expect 50-75 fish days nymphing. Swinging big custom articulated streamers can produce trophy browns and rainbows that will blow your mind! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box on bug selections, but scuds,leeches,egg patterns,baetis,and midges are on the menu. https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=42484
Saratoga Wyoming Fly Fishing Guides
Saratoga Wyoming North Platte River Fishing Report:
Wyoming/Northern Colorado snow pack for 2018 was 98% of normal. Conditions on the North Platte River from the Colorado state line to North Gate Canyon/Six Mile Gap are dropping and clearing daily. Flows at North Gate are holding steady at 1070 cfs. The Salmonfly hatch is in full swing and getting better by the day! Fish are looking up most days, fishing big dries will pay off to the dedicated angler. Two fly nymph rigs with Pats rubber legs and big peacock double bead stone fly nymphs are the top producers. Streamer fishing has been hot with big fish pushed up to the banks and under cuts. Down and across presentations on the swing are most productive,but often a strip and twitch retrieve against the current off the swing will produce explosive strikes. Best color variations have been Brown/Yellow,Olive,Natural,and Black/Whites.
We anticipate prime conditions on all of the freestone sections of the Upper North Platte in the coming weeks to June 15. Stoneflies,Caddis,Green Drakes,Yellow Sally’s,and PMD’s are the main bugs anglers will want to have in their boxes for mid June into July. Fishing the upper reaches from Six Mile,Prospect Creek,and Bennett Peak will be best throughout June. Bennett Peak to Treasure Island tends to follow suit throughout July. Please check out and follow current USGS water data before your outing here.
Miracle Mile flows are currently at 1710 cfs. The Salmonfly hatch is also in full swing right now and getting better by the day. Expect great float fishing throughout the summer season. Double bead stones,Pats rubber legs,and Halfbacks with smaller size 16-22 scuds,mayhems,and juju baetis are producing well. Wine color,Orange,and purple San Juan worms are also deadly. Red, Pink,and purple squirmy worms are also a top producer for many guides and hard core Miracle Mile anglers! We anticipate an epic hopper season this year. We have already seen hopper activity at many locations along the North Platte and still water fisheries. Amys ants,Morrish hoppers,and Chubby Chernobyls in the tan,yellow,purple,and brown variations are typically the best.
Please call 307-399-9464 if you have questions or would like to book your 2018 fly fishing dream vacation in Wyoming on the world famous blue ribbon waters of the North Platte River. We are looking forward to seeing and fishing with all of our return clients and meeting new friends this season!
Pre run off conditions with 2-3 ft visibility most days. We have had reports from expert guides and customers of great two fly nymph and streamer fishing. There has been periods of solid Blue Wing Olive hatches on days with temps in the 40’s! The Mothers Day caddis hatch should be right on schedule! Call,Text, or email if you would like to book a day on the water with our expert die hard fly fishing guides! 307-399-9464 Nate
With this Grey Reef fishing report, we are excited to announce the presence of Grayling introduced into the Grey Reef. Several outfitters have reported solid catch rates. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has been stocking near Speas Fish Hatchery outside of Casper, Wyoming.
Two fly nymph rigs have been the ticket for our clients and guides. However, our big custom articulated streamers are producing trophy browns and rainbows. Consequently, dry fly fishing has been great when conditions are right.
Nymphing with small midges,scuds,and baetis emergers are the key. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to think outside the box on fly selection. Correct presentations with dead drifts and proper line mending is more important. Alternatively, a lot of fish have been caught on the swing.
Please call us at 307-399-9464 anytime with questions or booking information. Our guides are passionate about fly fishing and have the river dialed in. We strive to give you the most up to date fishing reports and the best fishing opportunities.
Miracle Mile Fishing Report-Great day on Friday, March 30th with our family dentist float fishing Miracle Mile. Pre-spawn rainbows are stacking up, and fishing is off the hook! We threw big articulated streamers and landed a few monster browns. Two fly nymph rigs were also productive with scuds,leeches, and midges. Bugs to drift are size 20 juju baetis,brown and red wd40’s,pink squirmy worms,and egg patterns. Brown,Black,and Natural Hot head leech and Pine Squirrel Leeches. Size 16 pink,tan,olive flash back scuds. Articulated streamers in the white,natural, and olive variations are the ticket!
Flows from Kortes dam were around 2800cfs. Float fishing is hands down the best way to reach deep holes where big fish are holding,and the ability to fish every good run on the entire stretch down to Pathfinder.
Call,Text,or email for the best float trip experience in Wyoming!
307-399-9464
