Author: abararanch

August 2nd, 2026

As water levels drop, fishing on the North Platte River has remained productive in the morning. However, due to warm water conditions, we have observed fishing slow down after 11:00am. In response to unseasonably warm conditions and Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s recent announcement, A Bar A is taking active steps to protect and manage ranch fisheries while providing guests with the best possible fishing experience.

As temperatures have continued to rise on both the North Platte and Big Creek, we have observed evidence of stressed behavior by trout; namely, they are seeking thermal refuge in the afternoon and typically only feed when water temperatures are cooler. Water clarity remains slightly off-color following last week’s thunderstorms but is expected to continue improving, with productive fishing still during the morning hours. We continue to encourage all anglers to remain mindful of these conditions and limit afternoon fishing to tributaries and ponds only.

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!

Trico mayflies continue to offer anglers the best opportunity for dry fly fishing. Hopper/dropper rigs and single attractor dry fly fishing also have been proven successful, particularly in the fast, more pocket water runs on both the creek and river.

Current Hatches: Trico mayflies continue to offer anglers the best opportunity for dry fly fishing. Hopper/dropper rigs and single attractor dry fly fishing also have been proven successful, particularly in the fast, more pocket water runs on both the creek and river.

Suggested Fly 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– dun 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

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