Fly Fishing North Platte River - Upper North Platte

Fly fishing the North Platte River through the Upper North Platte section is Wyoming's wildest trout fishing experience, spanning roughly 44 miles from the Colorado state line downstream to Treasure Island near Saratoga. This Blue Ribbon freestone reach begins where the river exits Northgate Canyon into Wyoming, cutting through the federally designated Platte River Wilderness before gradually opening into the sage-covered valleys of Carbon County. The river has not been stocked since 1979, and WGFD surveys consistently document 4,000 to 7,000 wild trout per mile in the canyon and wilderness sections — some of the highest densities on the entire North Platte system. With no motorized watercraft allowed on the full stretch and most access requiring miles of dirt road, this section rewards anglers willing to work for solitude and exceptional fishing.

The river's character changes dramatically across four distinct zones. From the state line to Six Mile Gap, the river finishes its descent through the rust-red walls of Northgate Canyon with Class II and III rapids, deep plunge pools, and boulder-strewn pocket water — best suited for experienced rowers or guided trips. Below Six Mile Gap, the Platte River Wilderness section flows 8.5 miles to Pickaroon through a forested corridor of Ponderosa pine and granite bluffs, where the river braids into side channels, deep runs, and cobbled riffles that hold impressive numbers of trout in relatively compact water. From Pickaroon to Bennett Peak, the canyon gradually opens and the river widens through a transitional zone of longer pools, gravel bars, and cottonwood-lined banks. The final stretch from Bennett Peak to Treasure Island opens into early meadow water with sweeping bends, undercut banks, and the classic riffle-run-pool sequences that define upper North Platte float fishing.

Wild brown trout dominate the fishery, holding in the deepest runs, undercut banks, and log jams throughout the section. Rainbows thrive in the faster riffles and pocket water, particularly in the canyon and wilderness zones. Cutthroat trout are present in smaller numbers, mainly in the upper reaches near the state line. Fish average 13 to 17 inches with strong representation of 16- to 20-inch browns, especially in the wilderness sections where fishing pressure is minimal. The river's Class 1 fishery rating (over 600 pounds of trout per mile) and Blue Ribbon designation reflect the exceptional quality of this wild trout population.

Hatches are diverse and match the freestone character. Golden stoneflies are the signature hatch, with adults appearing in June and July and nymphs productive well before emergence — swinging stonefly patterns through the canyon's boulder gardens is electric fishing. BWOs are important in spring (April–June) and fall (September–November). PMDs and caddis dominate the summer months, with evening caddis emergences particularly productive from Pickaroon downstream. Tricos provide outstanding morning spinner fall fishing from July through September in the meadow sections near Treasure Island. By midsummer, grasshoppers become a staple as the surrounding sagebrush country produces abundant terrestrials. Fall brings aggressive brown trout and streamer fishing that rivals anywhere in the state. Nymphing with stonefly imitations, beadhead mayflies, and caddis larvae is productive year-round, especially during higher flows or when hatches are sparse.

Access requires planning and a sense of adventure. Six Mile Gap is the first Wyoming access, reached via forest roads south of Encampment with carry-in access only and no boat ramp. Pickaroon Campground, 27 miles of dirt road from the highway, has a primitive dirt ramp and marks the wilderness boundary. Bennett Peak BLM campground offers the most developed facilities with a cement boat ramp, 11 campsites, and vault toilets, though it too requires 19 miles of dirt road. Treasure Island WGFD PAA on Highway 230 is the easiest access point with a boat ramp, parking, footbridges, and a comfort station. Standard float distances are Six Mile Gap to Pickaroon (8.5 miles), Pickaroon to Bennett Peak (12 miles), and Bennett Peak to Treasure Island (12 miles). Wading is effective when flows run between 250 and 800 CFS at the Northgate gage, but floating is the primary method for covering this remote water. Artificial flies and lures only, with a creel limit of 3 trout per day and no more than 1 over 16 inches. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for all access except Treasure Island.