Fishing Report
July 20, 2025
Fishing at A Bar A remains consistent. Afternoon thunderstorms and alternating weather patterns have made for finicky fish, but the colder temperatures have helped to keep fish active in the afternoon. The North Platte River is fishing very well, particularly on hopper/dropper and dry flies. We are into the large trico hatches for the season, with fish really starting to rise throughout the mornings in large pods. Along with the tricos, caddis and stoneflies continue to come off as well. Nymphs also remain productive in the deeper and faster runs on the river, especially during cloudy afternoons.
Although flows are lower for this time of year, Big Creek is fishing well. Hopper/dropper rigs remain the go to on the creek, with fish more than willing to rise. Finding deep plunge pools and turbulent, deeper water are key when approaching the creek. The low flows and crystal-clear water also make for exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Trico Mayfly Hatch
Fishing the trico hatch can be tricky, but we have some tricks we’d like to share to help increase your odds and had excitement to your fishing adventure. The most productive time of the day to fish with tricos is 9:30-11:30 AM. During this timeframe, swarms of trico mayflies can be seen above the North Platte, mating and falling to the surface of the water where pods of hungry trout await. To fish this hatch, tie on a large “sighter fly” (#12 – #16) to 5X tippet. About 8-12in behind your first fly, tie on a trico spinner (#20 – #22) with 6X or 5X. For the most success, make a cast to a single feeding fish in the pod, rather than a cast over top of the entire pod. You might hear your guide say “fish to a specific fish, not the water”. If you’re not getting many takes, try switching up flies (usually smaller) or lightening the size of your tippet. Due to the sheer number of real insects on the water’s surface, it may take several passing drifts to entice a fish to eat. This hatch can make for some of the most fun and rewarding fishing all year–so get out to the river and try your skills. Good luck!
Suggested Patterns: Black/Brown Pat’s Rubber Legs (#6 – #8), Egan’s Frenchie (#16 – #18), 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) Trico spinners (#18-22), Trico Dun dries (#18-22) Hoppers (#6 – #8), Rusty Spinners (#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
