Fishing Report
June 29, 2025
Fishing at A Bar A has been very productive! Lower flows have made for slower pools, easier wading, and clearer water. The fish remain concentrated in the deeper runs and are active throughout the day. Light nymph rigs or hopper/dropper rigs are very effective in the morning and afternoons. Dry fly fishing has also been very productive, particularly in the mornings. Expect to see large caddis, yellow sally, and mayfly hatches, especially in the mornings.
The tributary streams (Mullen, Savage, and Cottonwood) have dropped in flow but still adding cold and clear water to the North Platte. Fish tend to congregate at these tributaries for the colder water. Douglas Creek is fishing very well right now and has provided consistent dry fly fishing, with lots of pocket water opportunities.
Big Creek is also fishing well with similar activity and hatches, compared to the North Platte. With the runoff now behind us, all of Big Creek is easily accessible. Don’t be afraid to try any fly on the creek, as fish are taking a plethora of nymphs and dries. Hopper/dropper rigs have proven to be most effective, but single dries or light nymph rigs can also be productive at this time of the year.
Suggested Patterns:
Black/Brown Pat’s Rubber Legs (#6 – #8), Psycho Price Nymphs (#12 – #14), Caddis larvae (#12 – #14), Sexy Waltz Hare’s Ear (#16-18), Purple Parachute Adams (#16 – #12), Red Copper John (#12 – #18), ), Midges (#18 – #22), Streamers (#4 – #8), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 – # 12), Hoppers (#8 – #6), PMD Dries (#16 – #14)
General Entomology
The major insect hatches consist of stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies. There is also an ample supply of terrestrial insects, aquatic worms, and native minnows that make up much of a trout’s diet.
Hatches generally begin mid-morning, and at times will last the entire day. Spring offers a diverse range of caddis, stoneflies, and mayflies. Terrestrial insects are most abundant during the heat of the summer—July and August—and will survive until the first hard frost. The most notable mayfly hatch in the upper North Platte River watershed is the trico mayfly, which usually arrives late-July and August. In the fall, and especially with a little moisture, blue winged olive mayflies may hatch the entire day.
Throughout the year trout will feed subsurface on the aquatic stages of many insects. Spring is often a time when lots of terrestrial nymphs and aquatic worms are flushed through the streams. It is also a time when stoneflies and caddis hatch, attracting the attention of many trout. In correlation with the seasonal hatches and as stream levels drop, trout will shift their focus to smaller mayfly and midge nymphs later in the season.
Trout are opportunistic feeders, and at certain times territorial. Streamers imitate the various life stages of fishes and leeches, and can be an effective method of fishing the entire season. Streamers are usually large and flashy, which make them a great option during the early season when water levels are high and off color. They also work well in lakes where trout sometimes ambush their prey.
General Hatch Guide
Mid-June to July
- Caddis
- Stoneflies (golden, salmonflies, yellow sallies, and little black)
- Mayflies (pale morning dun, green and brown drakes)
- Terrestrials (grasshoppers and ants)
- Aquatic worms
July to August
- Caddis
- Stoneflies (yellow sallies)
- Mayflies (trico, pale morning dun, callibeatis, and mahogany dun)
- Terrestrials (grasshoppers and ants)
- Midges
August to September
- Caddis
- Mayflies (trico, blue winged olive, and blue quill)
- Terrestrials (grasshoppers and ants)
- Midges
