Fly Fishing North Platte River - Saratoga

The North Platte River through Saratoga is widely regarded as the finest stretch of the Upper North Platte, a Blue Ribbon freestone fishery that winds through the scenic Upper Platte Valley in south-central Wyoming. From Treasure Island downstream to Sinclair, this approximately 50-mile section offers exceptional fly fishing for wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and native cutthroat trout in a setting that combines accessible town water with remote ranch country. The river here benefits from the contributions of the Encampment River and numerous spring-fed tributaries, which add cold, nutrient-rich water that supports robust aquatic insect populations and healthy trout numbers.

The Saratoga section flows through a mix of braided channels, gravel bars, riffles, deep runs, and classic freestone pools. The river bottom is predominantly cobble and gravel, providing excellent spawning and insect habitat. Through the town of Saratoga, the river is easily wadable during normal summer and fall flows, with public access at several bridge crossings and parks. Upstream and downstream of town, the river widens into braided channels with cottonwood-lined islands and willow-covered banks that provide excellent holding water. The hot springs that give the town its name contribute geothermally warmed water that keeps the river open and fishable through winter, creating a year-round fishery near town. The surrounding landscape is classic Wyoming high country — sagebrush ranchland backed by the Sierra Madre and Snowy Range mountains.

This section supports excellent populations of wild brown trout and rainbow trout, with fish averaging 13 to 17 inches. Trophy brown trout exceeding 20 inches are present, with fish over 24 inches caught each season, particularly during fall streamer fishing. Rainbow trout are strong and acrobatic, thriving in the well-oxygenated riffles and runs. Native cutthroat trout are present in smaller numbers, especially in tributaries and upper reaches. The combination of good flows, excellent water quality, and diverse habitat makes this one of the most productive wild trout fisheries in Wyoming. Mountain whitefish are also abundant throughout the section.

Hatch activity is outstanding from spring through fall. Blue-winged Olives kick off the dry fly season in April and May, followed by prolific caddis hatches through early summer. PMDs and Green Drakes provide excellent dry fly opportunities in June and July. The section is renowned for its terrestrial fishing from mid-July through September — grasshoppers are abundant in the surrounding ranchland, and trout feed aggressively on hopper patterns fished along undercut banks and grassy edges. Tricos produce excellent morning fishing in late summer. Fall brings back BWOs along with spawning brown trout that respond to streamers and egg patterns. Stonefly nymphs are effective year-round, particularly golden stones in spring and early summer. The hot springs influence near Saratoga extends the season through winter, with midges and small BWOs producing fish on warm afternoons.

Optimal flows for wading range from 200 to 800 CFS, with 300 to 600 CFS being ideal. During spring runoff (late May through June), flows can exceed 2,000 CFS, making floating the preferred approach. The river is floatable from roughly 500 to 2,900 CFS. Summer base flows typically settle into the 200 to 500 CFS range by early July. Access is excellent through the Saratoga area, with Treasure Island at the upstream end, multiple bridge crossings through town (Kathy Glode Park, Veterans Island, Saratoga Lake Road), Pick Bridge FAS and Ryan Park Road bridge downstream, and Foote Access near Sinclair at the downstream end. The town of Saratoga provides full services including lodging, restaurants, and two excellent fly shops — Hack's Tackle and Outfitters and the Platte River Fly Shop. The Hobo Hot Springs in town offer free public soaking, a perfect complement to a day on the river. The nearest commercial airport is Laramie Regional (LAR), approximately 90 minutes east, with Denver International (DEN) about 4 hours south.