North Platte River Fishing Forecast
Grey Reef section is a world-renowned rainbow trout tailwater with 5000+ fish per mile
Open year-round
Below dams: open year-round, fishable all winter. Gray Reef: flies/lures only to Government Bridge. CLOSED Apr 1-May 15 at Gray Reef for rainbow spawn (new 2026)
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 8:41 PM
37°F
2360 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
tailwater
40°F - 48°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Prime BWO season begins. Overcast days best.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Year-round tailwater BWO. Spring and fall most reliable. Overcast prime.
Midge
Midge
Year-round midge fishing critical. Zebra Midges, Miracle Nymphs. Wind makes dry fly challenging.
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round scud fishing. Pink, gray, olive. Primary food source.
San Juan Worms
Aquatic Worm
Always productive. Red, pink, brown worms.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
| February | 38-46°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March(Now) | 40-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Early PMDs |
| April | 42-50°F | BWOs, Midges, PMD nymphs |
| May | 45-52°F | BWOs, PMDs, Caddis |
| June | 48-55°F | PMDs, Caddis, Tricos starting |
| July | 50-58°F | PMDs, Tricos, Caddis |
| August | 50-60°F | Tricos, PMDs, Hoppers |
| September | 48-56°F | BWOs, Tricos, Streamers |
| October | 45-52°F | BWOs, Midges, Streamers |
| November | 42-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Scuds |
| December | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for North Platte River
Miracle Mile
Famous tailwater section.
Grey Reef
Premier tailwater access.
Alcova
Access near the reservoir.
Casper
Urban access through the city.
How to Fish North Platte River: Tips & Tactics
The North Platte River in Wyoming offers two world-class tailwater sections - the Miracle Mile and Grey Reef - producing trophy rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent due to dam releases. The Trico hatch in summer brings technical dry fly fishing. Fall is trophy season.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific hatches. Sight fishing in the clear water. Streamers produce trophy fish. The tailwaters demand technique.
Water Conditions
Cold dam releases create exceptional conditions. Fish counts are among the highest in the region. Wind is common.
Fly Selection
Scuds and sowbugs year-round. Trico patterns essential in summer. BWO and PMD for mayflies. Streamers for trophies.
Local Knowledge
The Miracle Mile and Grey Reef are world-class. Casper provides full services. Wind is the challenge.
Local Tips
Casper provides full services. The Miracle Mile and Grey Reef are bucket-list destinations. Wind is the challenge.
When is the Best Time to Fish North Platte River?
Spring
Excellent fishing. BWO hatches.
Summer
Trico hatches bring technical fishing.
Fall
Trophy season. Browns become aggressive.
Winter
Year-round tailwater stays productive.
Recommended Equipment for North Platte River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight. 7-weight for streamers.
Line
Floating for dries. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water year-round.
Essential Flies
North Platte River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check Wyoming Game and Fish for tailwater regulations.
Special Regulations
Miracle Mile and Grey Reef have special rules.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
World-class tailwater fishing.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near North Platte River
Local Fly Shops
- Platte River Fly Shop - Casper
- Ugly Bug Fly Shop
- North Platte Lodge
Guide Services
- Platte River Guides
- Grey Reef Anglers
- Wyoming Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
500 - 1500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 58°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
Snake River
Firehole River
Gibbon River
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