Fishing on the North Platte River
Fishing on the North Platte River is a treat for both novices and experts. Not only is the Platte
one of the few rivers that flows North, but more than 65 miles have been designated as a "Blue
Ribbon" trout fishery by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. With more than 2300 fish
per mile and ratings among the highest for productivity, availability, and aesthetics, the North
Platte is well deserving of this title. Since implementing a slot limit in 1980, the size and health
of the fish has improved greatly. In fact, it has improved so much that the Game and Fish no
longer stocks the North Platte, allowing the river to return to a natural state. Also contributing
to this natural state is the fact that from it's origins in the mountains through Saratoga the
river is not dammed. This creates a 141 mile freestone fishery, something unique not only in
Wyoming, but in the U.S. as well. As the North Platte flows through our valley the diverse
terrain of Wyoming is apparent, changing from alpine mountains to high-desert plains in less
than 70 miles. Wildlife is abundant, including deer, antelope, big horn sheep, elk, blue herons,
and more nesting pairs of bald eagles than anywhere else in Wyoming. Spin fishermen are
encouraged to visit mid-June through July, while fly fishing is at its best from mid-July
through the fall. In Wyoming it is important to remember that the river water running through
private land is public, but the river banks and river bottom are considered private property.
Although there are many public access areas along the North Platte, many people prefer to
hire the services of a local outfitter.