Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Laramie River - Laramie - Wyoming

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Winter Stoneflies Morning to Afternoon 16-20 Pats Rubber Leg, Prince Nymph
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Winter Stoneflies Morning to Afternoon 16-20 Pats Rubber Leg, Prince Nymph
March Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail, RS2
April BWOs Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail, RS2
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
May Caddis Afternoon to Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
BWOs Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail, RS2
June Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) Morning to Afternoon 16-18 Comparadun, Sparkle Dun
Yellow Sallies Afternoon to Evening 14-16 Yellow Sally Nymph, Yellow Humpy
July PMDs Morning to Afternoon 16-18 Comparadun, Sparkle Dun
Grasshoppers All Day 6-12 Dave's Hopper, Parachute Hopper
August Terrestrials (Hoppers, Beetles, Ants) All Day 6-12 (Hoppers), 14-18 (Ants & Beetles) Dave's Hopper, Chernobyl Ant, Foam Beetle
PMDs Morning to Afternoon 16-18 Comparadun, Sparkle Dun
September Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail, RS2
Terrestrials (Hoppers, Beetles, Ants) All Day 6-12 (Hoppers), 14-18 (Ants & Beetles) Dave's Hopper, Chernobyl Ant, Foam Beetle
October BWOs Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail, RS2
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
November Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Winter Stoneflies Morning to Afternoon 16-20 Pats Rubber Leg, Prince Nymph
December Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Winter Stoneflies Morning to Afternoon 16-20 Pats Rubber Leg, Prince Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Laramie River in Laramie, Wyoming offers excellent year-round opportunities for fly fishing due to its diverse range of aquatic habitats and plentiful fish. Here are some of the best spots:

  • Big Laramie River: Located near Jelm, this stretch of the river is popular for its abundance of brown and rainbow trout.
  • Laramie Plains Lakes: This productive chain of lakes offers easy access and a high diversity of fish, including largemouth bass and yellow perch.
  • North Platte River: Flowing southeast of Laramie, North Platte is ideal for experienced fly fishers looking for larger rainbow and brown trout.
  • Horseshoe Park: A prime spot for families, this area has several stocked ponds and close proximity to camping facilities.
  • Gray Rocks Reservoir: For a little bit of variety, this reservoir offers access to walleye, channel catfish, and pike, in addition to trout.

Best Access Points

Fly fishing on the Laramie River provides an experience that combines stunning nature and excellent fishing opportunities. Below are some of the best access points in Laramie:

  • Pioneer Park: Located central city, offering easy access to the river along with numerous amenities and RV camping slots.
  • Thief Poudre Recreation Area: Just west of Laramie, this access point is quieter with less fishing pressure. There is also a Forest Service campground nearby for more extended stays.
  • Green Rock: Situated in the Medicine Bow National Forest, this location is an excellent area for fly fishing in a tranquil, forested setting.
  • Optimist Park: This park provides a stretch of slow-moving water that’s ideal for those new to flying fishing or want a more relaxed experience.
  • Jelm Public Access Area: This area is less crowded, offering a more serene, natural fly fishing experience.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: They are a common species target for fly fishing in the Laramie River. This fish species is carnivorous and most often caught in the river’s deeper pools.
  • Brown Trout: This fish species is native to Europe but is abundant in Laramie River because of frequent stocking. They are known for their ferocious strikes and strong fight when hooked.
  • Brook Trout: Although this is a smaller fish species, its aggressive nature makes it a great catch for fly fishing enthusiasts.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Named for the distinctive red-orange slash on its throat, this fish species can be often found in the cool, clear waters of Laramie River.
  • Mountain Whitefish: This is a freshwater fish species which is also targeted by anglers. It has a distinct large, round body and small head.
  • Green Sunfish: While not as common as trout species, this fish is a fun catch on the fly rod due to its aggressive behavior and colorful appearance.
  • Bluegill: These fish have a round, flat body and are highly sought after because of their fighting spirit when hooked.
  • Channel Catfish: Although not a traditional target for fly fishing, they can be caught with the right setup and are known for their hard fights and delicious meat.

About The River

The Laramie River, a key tributary of the North Platte River, is steeped in captivating history. Its glistening waters meander through Colorado, Wyoming, and a splash of Nebraska. This 280-mile long river gets its name from Jacques la Ramee, a daring and adventurous French-British trapper who made the valley his home during the early 19th century.

  • The Laramie River played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States due to its richness in natural resources and transit routes.
  • In the 1860s, the Overland Stage Line established a route near the river that later became a major national route, eventually becoming part of the famous transcontinental railroad.

Today, the Laramie River stands as a testament to a past era, offering a wealth of outdoor activities for modern explorers, from fishing to boating and bird watching. It’s a living monument, breathing life into the surrounding ecosystem and nurturing the region’s biodiversity.

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