Fall fishing is just about in full swing here in southern Wyoming. Many of our local rivers and streams are running low and clear, but recent rainfalls have bolstered flows on the North Platte and Laramie Rivers, along with several tributary rivers. Some insect activity can still be observed, but streamers and nymph rigs will be the key set ups this time of year.
Brown and brook trout will be getting into spawning mode, and rainbows will certainly take notice once eggs start drifting downstream. Be mindful of spawning trout, especially on smaller tributaries, and avoid fishing and walking over or near spawning beds, also called redds, which are spawning nests made by fish typically found in shallow water and denoted by patches of lighter colored rock in shallower portions of the stream bed.
This will be our last fishing report for the season as winter will be just around the corner.
Upper North Platte
Flows: ~ 100 cfs
Conditions: After a long and hot summer, the Platte River valley has finally been receiving some precipitation and much cooler temperatures. Look for fish to be feeding aggressively on larger meals as they bulk up for the winter ahead. Streamers and double nymph rigs will be the best bets, but anglers should still be ready for some dry fly action on warmer days. Look for BWOs, caddis and hoppers at this point in the season.
Flies: Streamers; Sculpzilla, Wolly Bugger, Tequeely, Platte River Spider, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel, Wedge Head, Baby Gonga, Dirty Hippy
Dry flies; Parachute Adams, Blue Wing, Chubby Chernobyl, Swisher's Foam PMX, 409 Yeager, B/C Dropper Hopper, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis
Nymphs; Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Dirty Bird, Devil Jig, HDA FAV Variant, Blow Torch, Duracell Bomb
Laramie River
Flows: ~ 25 cfs
Conditions: The Laramie River is running a little bit on the low side, but fishing should still be quite productive with streamers and double nymph rigs. BWOs and caddis may be good options on days with nicer weather.
Flies: Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Griffith's Gnat, Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Sculpzilla, Tequeely, Wolly Bugger, Baby Gonga, Dirty Hippy
Tributary Streams
Flows: 75 - 100 cfs
Conditions: North Platte and Laramie River tributaries have seen a considerable bump in flow rates following recent rainfall. This will make for excellent fishing conditions over the next few weeks as fish
Flies: Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Light Cahill, Parachute Adams, Amy's Ant, Dave's Beetle, Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Sculpzilla, Wolly Bugger, Platte River Spider, Slumpbuster, Pine Squirrel
Alpine Lakes and Streams
Conditions: Fish in the high alpine will be in gorge-mode as they aggressively bulk up for winter. Streamers should be the primary option at this point in the season, with dry flies coming into play on warmer days.
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
Comments