Fly Fishing Stream Conditions Report: North Platte River - Upper

This year: Flows at Northgate Canyon are running very low, dropping from around 45 CFS down to 30 CFS. Late summer heat has pushed water temperatures above 70 degrees, prompting a voluntary fishing closure from the Colorado/Wyoming State Line to Dugway Campground to protect the trout. Downstream of Government Bridge, the water has been stained and cloudy from a significant rain event a few weeks ago, though conditions are expected to settle out and clear up. When and where fishing is appropriate, a dry-dropper setup has been the most productive approach. Dry flies become highly effective once the bugs start to hatch, with active hatches of smaller insects like PMDs and caddis. Streamer action has also remained consistent for anglers working the deeper pockets. For rigging up, use buoyant attractors like a Chubby Chernobyl or Moodah Poodah as your lead dry fly, trailing a Jigged Green Drake, PMD, or caddis pupa underneath. If you are looking to hunt larger fish, stripping a streamer like the Rusty Trombone can still produce grabs in the deeper runs.

Prior years: No prior years report for this period.