Fly fishing the North Platte River should be at the top of everyone's list. If the North Platte River had a trademark it would undoubtedly be the variety of water and experiences it offers to anglers. With The Upper River, The Lower River, The Tributaries, and The Tail waters at Miracle Mile Grey Reef, the North Platte River has it all!
The Upper River:
We refer to the North Platte River above Saratoga, Wyoming as the Upper River. The water is best described as classic "Blue Ribbon" freestone trout water. This classification of water is characterized by its scenic beauty and the high quality of fishing it provides. Huge in-stream boulders, deep canyons, and ponderosa pines make for an aesthetic as well as a unique angling experience. It's the kind of water and wilderness that makes you feel like a kid again; and is visited most often by our guides when they are not working. Most of our guiding on The Upper River is a combination of drift fishing and wading. If you have never float fished a Western River, this is a great one to start with.
The Lower River:
From Saratoga to Seminoe Reservoir, is characterized by runs and riffles followed by long slicks. The gradient lessons and the river becomes more exposed as it winds its way North through the high desert. Sandstone cliffs, sagebrush hills, and stands of cottonwoods grace the river. The Lower River offers some of the most intense hatches and rewards its' patrons with beautiful fish. Some of the best dry-fly fishing anywhere can be found throughout this forty mile section of river. This is also a favorite float for overnight trips. We spend many days sharing the secluded beauty of The Lower River with bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife.
The Miracle Mile:
The first major tailwater on the North Platte River, the Miracle Mile, needs no introduction - truly a magnificent fishery that offers the angler great opportunity for very large trophy trout. This section of river is fishable throughout the year with certain months offering more opportunity than others. Although The Mile is floatable, it is much more effective to wade-fish, allowing anglers to cover more water. Although nymphs and indicators are the norm, there is often great dry fly fishing that many fishermen do not take advantage of.
Grey Reef:
There has been a lot of hype about this section of the river the past few years. This attention is well deserved. The second major tail water on the North Platte River, Grey Reef (near Casper, Wyoming) boasts impressive numbers of fish, many in the three to six pound range with the occasional eight-pound plus monster. Although predominantly a rainbow fishery, many beautiful browns and cutthroats are caught each season. Early season nymph fishing and late season dry fly fishing are the usual highlights. For information on Guided Grey Reef Trips, see our guiding partners, Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing.
"Given the little time most of us have to fish, and given the desire of most 'flyfolk' to actually relax and come home with a< |
