North Platte RiverFishing report · river in Wyoming
The North Platte in central Wyoming includes the Miracle Mile below Alcova and the tailwater sections around Gray Reef, offering consistent hatches, good public access, and a mix of trophy and catchable trout. Anglers fish wade and float in these reaches, with summer caddis and PMD seasons particularly good.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on North Platte River
- 01Active October Caddis and Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are providing consistent dry fly action.
- 02Terrestrial activity, including hoppers and beetles, is still strong, drawing surface strikes.
- 03Nymphing remains highly productive, with trout keying on baetis, caddis, and midges subsurface.
- 04Streamer fishing with leech and baitfish patterns is effective for enticing larger, aggressive trout.
- 05Excellent water clarity and low flows enhance wading and sight-fishing opportunities.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
BWO hatches are active in fall on the North Platte, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis hatches are active now, making this a prime dry fly for the North Platte River.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches on the North Platte, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from selective trout.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Black/Olive)
Leeches are a consistent food source in the North Platte River year-round and are highly effective in cold fall water for aggressive trout.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity can still be strong in early fall, and hoppers are a substantial food source for trout along the grassy banks of the North Platte.
Beetle
Terrestrial beetles are still active in early fall and provide surface feeding opportunities for trout on the North Platte River.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A versatile searching nymph that imitates various active aquatic insects, excellent for the consistent nymph fishery of the North Platte River.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters like the North Platte year-round, effective in cold, low flows for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Gray Reef Tailwater
Reputed tailwater stretch below Gray Reef Reservoir with steady flows and large trout in tailrace and riffles.
Guernsey State Park Access
Multiple public access points and boat ramps with productive shore and float fishing upstream and downstream.
Miracle Mile (Alcova)
Short but highly productive freestone run below Alcova Reservoir with prolific hatches and accessible wading.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Ugly Bug Fly Shop
Platte River Guide
Wyoming Anglers
Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing
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Every Thursday: conditions, hatches and what's working across Wyoming, with North Platte River at the top.
Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about North Platte River.
What flies work best on North Platte River?
Our top scored fly patterns for North Platte River right now are Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (100% confidence), Yellow Sally (100% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (100% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in North Platte River?
North Platte River holds Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on North Platte River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for North Platte River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is North Platte River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for North Platte River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.