This post contains all the essential information you will need for guided float trips this spring for North Platte Fly Fishing in Central Wyoming.
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Springtime fly fishing on the N. Platte in Central Wyoming is Nothing Short of world renowned and this Spring is already looking like it might be one of the best in years! With that in mind, here is some useful information and answers to FAQ’s about the Trip.
North Platte Fly Fishing Quick Links
Contact Info
- Matt Sprecher (cell) 720-933-0560
Email: flyfish@minturnanglers.com
Store: 720-851-4665 - Minturn Anglers 970-827-9500
Where is the river located?
Approx 4 1/2 hours North of Denver in Central Wyoming near Casper, WY.
What is the best way to Get there from Denver?
If Casper is your first stop head North on 1-25 and keep it pointed North for about 287 Miles until you get to casper. From Casper head West on WY 220 for 25 miles until you get to Alcova, WY. If you are headed strait for the river or staying in Alcova, WY Go 1-25 N to Ft Collins. From Fort Collins take 287 to Larimie, WY and continue on 287 until you reach Medicine Bow, WY. From Medicine Bow take 487 N to the Junction of WY 220. Turn left on 220 (near Gov. Bridge) until you reach Alcova (12 miles).
Lodging, Accommodations & Camping
We recommend staying at Sloanes Cabins in Alcova, WY. If Sloanes is booked or you wish to save a little on lodging there are plenty of hotels and motels less than $50 a night in Casper, WY. Camping is also available at Grey Reef Dam and several other locations alongside the river.
Clothing & Fly Fishing Gear for Spring on the North Platte
Clothing: While the fishing is very easy to predict, weather can be harder to forecast during the Spring. We highly recommend the following clothing and layering system. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing so don’t let the weather ruin a trip because you aren’t prepared for it.
- Full Chest High Waders and wading boots (The Mile is slippery than $#^! Get Wading Boot Studs)
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Wading Jacket
- Simms Windstopper Soft Shell Jacket
- Wicking Base Layers
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Buff Headwear for sun and wind protection
- Simms Windstopper Gloves or Fold Over Mittens
- Windstopper Beanie
What Fishing Equipment do I need to Bring?
On guided trips we provide all essential fly fishing gear. If you are fishing on your own, or just want to have your own stuff hear is what you will need. See Our North Platte Specific Fly Fishing Gear Combos
Fly Rods: For wade fishing we recommend a 9′ 6″ to 10′ 5-7wt rod. If you are fishing from a boat the longer rod is not as essential but we suggest a fast action rod for casting into the wind, and setting the hook when fishing deep. 9′ 6-7wt rods are ideal.
Two Handed Rods: If you like to swing flies you are going to love the N. Platte. The ideal rod for swinging flies on Grey Reef is a 12’6″ 6wt. Be sure to check out some of the ECHO two handed rods which are affordable priced and get the job done or the Scott L2H and Scott T3H.
Fly Reels: These are the hardest fighting fish in the lower 48 so have a rewl with some drag. Any of the Lamson reels are a good choice no matter what the budget allows.
Fly Lines: Our favorite lines for Grey Reef are heavy on the front end for casting into the wind and turning over big streamers and nymph rigs. We also like lines with long tapers which help you extend your drift and mend at great distances. The best lines for the North Platte are the Rio Switch Line, Rio Grand or the Rio Nymph line.
Spey Lines: We recommend the SA Skagit Extreme line to match the rod size. Have a variety of Skagit sink tips to cover a variety of depth. We like the Skagit MOW tips in T11 and T14. At the least, have a 5′ and 10′ tip with you.
Spring Time North Platte Flies: Grey Reef, Miracle Mile & Fremont Canyon
Nymph Patterns
#10-18 Red Annelids
#12-16 Red Sparkle Worms & Flash Tail Worm
#8-16 San Juans in every color you can think of
#8-14 Pigstickers (strawberry wine & red hot)
#8-12 Hothead Leaches (rusty and black)
#8-14 Pine Squirrel Leaches in Rusty, Black & Natural
6MM-8mm Troutbeads (Chartreause bloddot, glow roe, mottled glow roe, peachy pearl, lemon drop, Gold Roe).
#12-16 Rusty, Olive, Orange & Tan Scuds
#16-20 Tungsten Jujubeatis, Bionic Midges, Mercury PT’s, Hunch Back Emergers, Rojo Midges, Black Beauty Emergers, Flashback RS2
Streamer Patterrns: Scott Howell’s Signature Intruder (Olive, Black & Snowflake), Rusty Double Gonga, Bite Me Buggers, Pick Pockets (olive & crawdad orange), CSO String Leech, CSO Grey Reef Swing Fly
Dry Flies: Fish do eat on the top during HEAVY BWO HATCHES. Cover your bases and don’t leave home without atleast a few 18-20 Parachute Adams
Other North Platte Essentials
- 0x-4x leaders (9-10ft)
- 0x-5x tippet
- 8-12 LB Maxima for streamers
- #1-AB Dinsmore Split Shot
- A BIG Rubber Basket Net!