North Platte River - Fremont Canyon - Wyoming
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon - Water Flow Chart
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon - Weather report & radar
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid-day | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Olive Biot Midge |
| Scuds / Sow Bugs | All Day | 16-20 | Olive / Orange Scud, Soft Hackle Grey Ray | |
| February | Midges | Mid-day | 18-24 | Black Beauty, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Scuds / Sow Bugs | All Day | 16-20 | Rainbow Warrior, Miracle Midge | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoons | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail, Barr’s Emerger |
| Midges | Mid-day | 18-24 | Buckskin, Mercury Midge | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoons | 16-20 | WD-40, Hare’s Ear Nymph |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoons | 16-20 | RS2, Flashback Pheasant Tail |
| Caddis | Late afternoon / Early Evening | 14-18 | Elk Wing Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis | |
| June | Pale Morning Duns | Early Afternoon | 16-20 | Sparrow, Parachute Adams |
| Yellow Sallies | Mid-day | 14-16 | Yellow Stimulator, Yellow Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| August | Terrestrials | Mid-day | 10-14 | Dave’s Hopper, Ant Patterns |
| September | Terrestrials | Mid-day | 10-14 | Chernobyl Ant, Grasshopper Patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | 16-22 | WD-40, RS2 |
| Midges | Mid-day | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, Zebra Midge | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoons | 16-22 | Barr’s Emerger, WD-40 |
| Midges | Mid-day | 18-24 | Chocolate Thunder, Black Beauty | |
| December | Midges | Mornings | 18-24 | Rim’s Semblance Midge, Flash Midge Pupa |
| Scuds / Sow Bugs | All Day | 16-20 | Pink Scud, Miracle Nymph |
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon Access Points
The North Platte River – Fremont Canyon is a premier location for fly fishing, dotted with numerous great access points. Here are a few of the best ones:
- Grey Reef Dam: This is the starting point of Fremont Canyon and provides great opportunities to catch large Rainbow Trout.
- Fremont Canyon Access Area: This public access point just below the dam offers rod bending action for anglers.
- Cardwell Access: Accessed via Kortes Road, this spot lets serious fly fishermen to bask in the beauty of the canyon while catching sizable Brown Trout.
- Peterson Bridge: Way down the river, this spot is less fished due to its distance, but that often equals plenty of unpressured fish.
- Government Bridge Access: This is the last access point and sees lower pressure due to significant rafting.
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon Fishing Spots
The North Platte River – Fremont Canyon is a world-class destination for fly fishing. Here, you’ll find a variety of spots that are perfect for this outdoor hobby.
- Grey Reef: Topmost on the list is the Grey Reef section, perfect to catch rainbow and brown trout. This section has become notorious for its high volume of large fish.
- Fremont Canyon: Known for its rugged cliffs and deep pools, it’s particularly good for dry fly fishing and nymphing.
- Miracle Mile: Despite its name, it’s a seven-mile stretch of freestone river that offers an abundance of fishing opportunities, especially for big brown trout.
- Afterbay Dam: Closer to the dam, water temperatures remain constant throughout the year leading to a high concentration of fish. It’s best to visit here off-peak to avoid crowds.
Whichever spot you choose, ensure to follow fishing regulations for a satisfying and law-abiding experience.
North Platte River – Fremont Canyon Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout – This fish is highly targeted by anglers because of its size and unique colors. The river provides an ideal environment for brown trout.
- Rainbow Trout – Known for their beautiful coloration and vigorous fight when being reeled in, rainbow trout are a favorite among fly fishers in the region.
- Cutthroat Trout – Native to the Rocky Mountain region, Cutthroat Trout are beloved for their unique markings and the challenge they pose to fishermen.
- Brook Trout – Brook Trout are also native to the area and provide great sport for local anglers because of their aggressive nature.
- Mountain Whitefish – Often overlooked by anglers, Mountain Whitefish are abundant in the North Platte River and can provide a fun and rewarding fishing experience.
- Rocky Mountain Whitefish – Similar to Mountain Whitefish, the Rocky Mountain Whitefish is also found in abundance and can be a welcome change for anglers targeting the more common trout species.
- Channel Catfish – Though not a common target for fly fishermen, Channel Catfish are found in the North Platte River, creating a unique challenge for those willing to try their hand at catching them.
- Yellow Perch – Though not a traditional target for fly fishing, Yellow Perch still present a fun opportunity for those looking for something different along Fremont Canyon’s stretch of the North Platte River.
About the North Platte River – Fremont Canyon
Strolling through the pages of history, we’ll find the intriguing tale of the North Platte River – Fremont Canyon. Nestled in Wyoming, this hidden gem has its roots tracing back to Fremont’s 1842 expedition. The river derived its name from the French words “platte,” meaning flat, an homage to its vast and tranquil flow. Steeped in history, it has always been a significant pathway for birds and migrating animals, as well as Native Americans, fur traders, and pioneers.
- Native American Era: Used as a migration corridor by tribes like Cheyenne and Sioux for centuries.
- European Arrival: Explored by Europeans in the late 18th century and was a prime spot for beaver trapping.
- Oregon Trail: The river served as a crucial route for pioneers on the Oregon Trail in the 19th century, offering water, game, and shelter.
The Fremont Canyon’s captivating natural beauty and rich history make it undeniably a must-visit spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
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