North Platte - 6 Mile Gap

About North Platte - 6 Mile Gap

The North Platte River at Six Mile Gap offers anglers 20 miles of wade fishing access into a Blue Ribbon trout fishery. This section marks the first access point on the North Platte in Wyoming, situated within the Platte River Wilderness Area. From the parking lot and improved campsites on the hill, anglers can follow a trail down to the river. While there’s no boat ramp here, the trail allows access for carrying or dragging boats to the water. Mechanical transportation like four-wheelers and bicycles are prohibited in the wilderness area, ensuring a quiet experience. The river itself changes significantly as it flows downstream from Six Mile Gap. Initially, it carves through deep canyons, characterized by tight, narrow runs, pocket water, and boulder gardens. This pristine freestone river then transitions into wide, meandering flats with long riffles, runs, and slow-moving slicks, eventually becoming a braided, cottonwood-lined river. This varied water character provides diverse holding lies for fish throughout the 20 miles accessible from Six Mile Gap. The farther you walk from the access point, the fewer other anglers you are likely to encounter. This 60-mile stretch of the North Platte, from Routt to Saratoga, holds an impressive 4000-7000 fish per mile, primarily brown and rainbow trout, alongside some Snake River cutthroats. Douglas Creek, which flows into the North Platte nearby, adds to the fishery with its own populations of brown and brook trout. Both dry fly and nymph fishing are consistently productive here. During the fall, anglers can specifically target trophy browns by throwing big streamers, making it a prime time for larger fish. While wade fishing is the primary method from Six Mile Gap, floating is also an option for experienced oarsmen. The 9.8 river miles from Routt to Six Mile Gap, known as North Gate Canyon, feature Class 4 and 5 whitewater and large boulders, requiring rafts rather than hard McKenzie style drift boats. This section is highly technical and demanding. The 8.5 miles from Six Mile Gap to Pickaroon Campground can also be treacherous, so plan your float carefully. For those floating North Gate Canyon, ideal flows are between 1000 and 3000 cfs. Always be aware of river conditions and your skill level when considering a float.