August 12th, 2026
Cooler temperatures and welcomed afternoon rains have had a positive impact on fishing conditions this week! Water levels are still dropping, but morning fishing on the North Platte River and Big Creek has remained productive. Due to above average water temperatures and lower water levels, we are still seeing fishing slow down after 12:00pm. In response to these still unseasonably warm conditions, which at times are stressful and unsafe for trout, A Bar A is taking active steps to protect and manage ranch fisheries while providing guests with the best possible fishing experience.
Larger dry fly patterns are seeing less success with low water and spooky fish, so switching to smaller flies, finer tippet, and careful presentation are important factors to consider when approaching the water. The trico hatch is still underway. Millions of these tiny mayflies can be seen hatching in the morning hours from 8:30 to 11:30am. Fishing risers during this hatch can be fun and provide a different challenge. It’s recommended to use 5x-6x and dry flies #18 and smaller. If fish are refusing your presentation, change patterns and lighten your tippet. Faster runs and pocket water are also fishing well, which is likely a result of fish seeking places where there is structure and more turbulent water and higher amounts of oxygen. In these areas fish are taking a wide variety of nymphs that don’t have to be dropped too deep. A trick just like fishing for risers, is changing your fly pattern often and using smaller nymphs and lighter tippet. Fish can still be found anywhere with water depth 1-2 feet.
Big Creek also continues to fish well. The lower flows offer a unique opportunity to site specific fish in almost every hole; it’s a fun balance of training your eyes and testing your patience when you see fish underwater react to your presentation. Hopper/droppers remain the go to for Big Creek. Be sure to keep in mind your approach and profile when you wade near the holes, as fish are spookier in these conditions.
The ponds and lakes are fishing well throughout the day from our drift boat, float tubes, and the shore. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, the lakes and ponds around the ranch provide opportunities for fish of all sizes and species!
Suggested Patterns: Rainbow Warrior Perdigon (#16 – #18), Caddis larvae (#12 – #14), Sexy Waltz Hare’s Ear (#16-18), Purple Parachute Adams (#16 – #12), Terrestrial Patterns (#14 – #8) Red Copper John (#12 – #18), ), Midges (#18 – #22), Bright Streamers (#4 – #8), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 – # 12) Trico dry flies– dunn and spinner (#18-22), Rusty Spinners (#16 – #14), Squirrel Leech (#12 – #8)
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
