Fall Fishing Report October 2, 2026 Water temperatures have remained in the mid-50s for the past couple of weeks, with chilly nights and frosty mornings creating ideal fall fishing conditions. Both the North Platte and Big Creek are fishing very well, with consistent fishing throughout the day. Fishing often picks up in the late morning and remains productive throughout the afternoon. Water levels have risen over the past week due to recent rainfall, irrigation return flows, and riparian vegetation going dormant. The additional water has provided good conditions throughout both the North Platte and Big Creek. Fishing on the North Platte remains very active. The primary hatches are a variety of Baetis, commonly referred to as BWOs, with terrestrial patterns including hoppers, ants, and beetles also producing well. Long leaders and fine tippet in the 5X–6X range are helpful for presenting flies to increasingly selective fish. Nymphing and dry-fly fishing have both been productive, with fish often becoming more active as the morning progresses. Big Creek is also fishing very well, with brown trout becoming increasingly active ahead of the fall spawn. General mayfly and terrestrial patterns are producing, while small nymphs, midges, and streamers remain effective in deeper pockets and pools. As water levels have increased, fish are spreading into a variety of water types, but approaching pools and holding water carefully remains important. Sight fishing continues to be popular, particularly when targeting active Brown trout. Fall Spawning and Redds: As brown and brook trout prepare to spawn this fall, anglers may notice areas of streambed that have been cleaned of silt and fine sediment, often appearing as light-colored oval patches. These are the beginnings of redds, where trout will spawn. Please avoid fishing directly to these areas and take care when wading around them to protect spawning fish and their habitat. Recommended Fly Patterns Parachute Adams (#18-22), Purple Parachute Adams (#14 – 20), Chubby Chernobyl (#8 – 12), Peaches and Cream (#16-18), Rainbow warrior (#18), Zebra Midge (#18-22),Trico Spinner (#20-22), BWO duns (#18 – 20). Streamers (#4-8), Black and Coffee Pats Rubber Legs (#8-10)10), Hustler CDC (#18). Current Hatches: Fall Caddis, Baetis (Blue-Winged Olives), Midges 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