Thanks to Platte River Fly Shop & Mark Boname Photography for our latest installment in our look at Wyoming hunting & fishing!
Fall is definitely known as “trophy trout time” on the North Platte River Tail Waters and it’s one of our favorite times to fish. Because of the heavy snow pack runoff, the North Platte has been high all summer and is finally starting to recede to its normal fall clear low levels.
Photo by Mark Boname Photography
Streamer fishing is probably our most favorite way to fish the North Platte because it produces so many large fish. As the river drops this fall, the lower flows will give fisherman access to classic runs, flat-water glides, and undercut banks that are typically obscured by higher flows during the summer. With this clear water most of the time you can actually see the fish come out of nowhere and eat your fly. Streamer fishing in general involves a little more casting than other methods but the reward is definitely there. It is truly something special when a big fish almost pulls the rod from your hand while attacking your fly on the retrieve.
It can also be said with reasonable confidence that fall on the North Platte offers anglers their best shot at a true trophy. Double digit browns as well as rainbows are caught every year in the fall. On these fall streamer trips you won’t catch as many fish as nymphing in the spring and summer months but the size and quality will make up for it.
To streamer fish effectively you must cover a lot of water; so fishing from a boat is the most effective way to cover long sections of the river. However, those that wade can also do well by using a heavier sinking line. We recommend a 7 to 8 weight fly rod with a sink tip line for throwing big streamers all day.
Photo by Mark Boname Photography
Don’t forget to bring your dry fly rod and a box of small dry flies as well. Fall is one of the best dry fly fishing times of the year. We have both a good Blue Wing Olive and Pseudo hatch along with some left over hoppers and caddis. Watch the banks as you float down river as these fish are feeding very quietly and half the time you have to see them to know they are there.
We hope you have a great successful fall fishing season and please don’t hesitate to visit our website at www.wyomingflyfishing.com, our Facebook page at North Platte River Fly Shop, or call the Platte River Fly Shop at 307-237-5997.
Article by the Platte River Fly Shop Guide Staff / Photography Mark Boname
Thanks Mark & Platte River Fly Shop for this column! Happy fishing this fall season — the weather is still gorgeous, so be sure to get out there!
‘Til Next Time…I’m craving more outdoor activities while the weather’s so beautiful!
Kati Hime, Editor
editor@wyolifestyle.com
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