“The Tug Is The Drug – It’s Streamer Time On The North Platte River”
Fall
is definitely known as “trophy trout time” on the North Platte River
Tail Waters and it’s one of our favorite times to fish. Because of the
heavy snow pack runoff, the North Platte has been high all summer and
is finally starting to recede to its normal fall clear low levels.
Streamer
fishing is probably our most favorite way to fish the North Platte
because it produces so many large fish. As the river drops this fall,
the lower flows will give fisherman access to classic runs, flat-water
glides, and undercut banks that are typically obscured by higher flows
during the summer. With this clear water most of the time you can
actually see the fish come out of nowhere and eat your fly. Streamer
fishing in general involves a little more casting than other methods
but the reward is definitely there. It is truly something special when a
big fish almost pulls the rod from your hand while attacking your fly
on the retrieve.
It
can also be said with reasonable confidence that fall on the North
Platte offers anglers their best shot at a true trophy. Double digit
browns as well as rainbows are caught every year in the fall. On these
fall streamer trips you won’t catch as many fish as nymphing in the
spring and summer months but the size and quality will make up for it.
To
streamer fish effectively you must cover a lot of water; so fishing
from a boat is the most effective way to cover long sections of the
river. However, those that wade can also do well by using a heavier
sinking line. We recommend a 7 to 8 weight fly rod with a sink tip line
for throwing big streamers all day.
Don’t
forget to bring your dry fly rod and a box of small dry flies as well.
Fall is one of the best dry fly fishing times of the year. We have
both a good Blue Wing Olive and Pseudo hatch along with some left over
hoppers and caddis. Watch the banks as you float down river as these
fish are feeding very quietly and half the time you have to see them to
know they are there.
We hope you have a great successful fall fishing season and please don’t hesitate to visit our website at www.wyomingflyfishing.com, our Facebook page at North Platte River Fly Shop, or call the Platte River Fly Shop at 307-237-5997.
