North Platte River
Wyoming · Southern Wyoming
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on North Platte River
Grey Reef
Grey Reef below Pathfinder Reservoir is Wyoming's most celebrated trout fishery — a world-class tailwater producing enormous brown and rainbow trout in a remote high-desert setting. Fish averaging 18-22 inches are common here with many exceeding 24 inches. Baetis and midge hatches create year-round feeding opportunities.
💧 Ideal flow: 500–1,500 CFS. Grey Reef below Alcova Dam is a world-class tailwater — consistent releases create exceptional midge fishing year-round.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island on the North Platte provides some of the best wade fishing on the Grey Reef tailwater section. Large browns and rainbows are accessible from the bank with fish regularly exceeding 20 inches. This section produces consistent results throughout the year.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,200 CFS. The Miracle Mile between Pathfinder and Alcova reservoirs fishes best at moderate stable flows.
Alcova
Below Alcova Reservoir cold dam releases create excellent tailwater conditions supplementing the Grey Reef fishery downstream. The Alcova section is less known than Grey Reef but produces comparable quality fishing. Trophy brown trout make this a premier destination.
💧 Ideal flow: 500–1,500 CFS. The Grey Reef section fishes best at stable consistent dam releases — check TroutBible gauge before heading out.
Saratoga
The North Platte near Saratoga offers excellent wild brown and rainbow trout fishing with natural hot springs adding unique character. Large trout shelter near hot spring outflows during winter. This section is beloved by Wyoming locals for its consistent productivity.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,000 CFS. Fishes best at low to moderate stable flows — the North Platte is a tailwater with consistent year-round conditions.
Encampment Section
The upper North Platte near Encampment flows through remote Wyoming high country with wild brown and cutthroat trout. Less fishing pressure than Grey Reef makes fish more cooperative. The Medicine Bow Mountains provide spectacular scenery surrounding this quality fishery.
💧 Ideal flow: 500–1,200 CFS. Alcova Reservoir tailwater fishes well at moderate flows — large browns stack in the deep runs below the dam.
About North Platte River Fishing
The North Platte River near Casper, Wyoming is home to two of the state's most exceptional fly fishing destinations: Grey Reef and Miracle Mile. Grey Reef below Alcova Dam is a premier tailwater fishery renowned for its prolific midge hatches and consistently large trout, while Miracle Mile offers a remote canyon experience with abundant wild trout between Pathfinder and Alcova reservoirs.
Best Time to Fish North Platte River
Grey Reef's stable tailwater conditions and midge populations make it a year-round destination, though winter and early spring often provide the most intense fishing during peak midge activity. Miracle Mile's remote canyon location offers excellent fishing throughout the season, with spring and fall typically providing the most comfortable conditions and active fish.
Species
The North Platte River supports healthy populations of both brown trout and rainbow trout, with Grey Reef being particularly known for producing large fish due to its tailwater environment. Miracle Mile's wild trout are equally prized by anglers seeking native cutthroat and brook trout in a pristine canyon setting.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Wyoming fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on North Platte River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Trout Bible pulls live flow and gauge data directly from the USGS National Water Information System. Current CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height readings are updated every 15–60 minutes, giving you the most accurate picture of conditions before you make the drive.