Current Conditions

Flow Rate Flow Rate
Wading:50–300 cfs
Floating:Not floatable
Current flow affects each method differently—see condition ratings.
79 cfs
Trend Trend
🔴Dropping Fast - ≤ -30%
🟠Dropping - -10% to -30%
🔘Stable - -10% to +10%
🔵Rising - +10% to +30%
🔴Rising Fast - > +30%
+3%

Flow data from USGS, USBR .

Hatch Guide for North Platte River - Fremont Canyon

Gear Recommendations

ROD 5-6wt
LEADER 9-12ft , 3X-4X taper
TIPPET 0X-4X
INDICATOR Yarn, NZ style, or dry-dropper
RIG Streamer rig
Fish: 14-20 inches avg

⚠️ REGULATIONS

  • Artificial flies & lures only
  • Single-point barbless hooks required
  • Pegged attractors PROHIBITED

Fremont Canyon (vehicle bridge 0.8 miles below Pathfinder Dam downstream to Alcova Reservoir) — Wyoming Game & Fish Area 5 regulations (item 25, 2026 brochure): single-point barbless hook artificial flies and lures only; pegged attractors prohibited; creel limit 1 trout per day, all trout under 20 inches must be released immediately. Live baitfish are explicitly excluded from this reach's Area 5 live-baitfish allowance and are therefore prohibited. Maximum 3 hooks/devices per line (statewide rule). Valid Wyoming fishing license required. See https://wgfd.wyo.gov/regulations.

View official Wyoming regulations →

*Verify current regulations before fishing. Rules may change.

Map North Platte River - Fremont Canyon

Nearby Rivers to Fly Fishing North Platte River – Fremont Canyon

Fish Species

Fly Fishing North Platte River - Fremont Canyon

Fly fishing North Platte Fremont Canyon is a technical and scenic tailwater section of the North Platte River in Central Wyoming, tucked between the granite cliffs below Pathfinder Dam. This narrow canyon flows for a few miles before reaching Alcova Reservoir, and while short, it offers some of the most challenging and rewarding trout fishing in the region. The North Platte here is cold and clear, with deep slots, fast chutes, and slick tailouts — all requiring precise presentation and stealthy approach.

This section is known for its large, wary Rainbow and Brown Trout, often sight-fished with light tippet and small flies. Midges and Blue-Winged Olives dominate the hatch list, especially in early spring and fall, while summer fishing may include terrestrials and occasional Tricos. Fremont Canyon fishes best at lower flows — typically between 50 and 300 CFS — allowing for safe wading and optimal conditions for technical dry fly and nymph fishing. Despite its smaller size, it produces surprisingly large trout that thrive in the deep pockets and oxygenated flows.

With year-round fishable water and easy access from Casper, Fremont Canyon is a favorite for local anglers and traveling fly fishers alike. The canyon is largely public land, with multiple access points, trails, and parking areas near the dam and along the bluff. It’s also one of the best winter fisheries in the state due to regulated tailwater flows and less angling pressure. Whether you're targeting sighted risers or nymphing the seams, Fremont Canyon offers a beautiful, demanding, and highly rewarding fly fishing experience on the North Platte.