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Trout, Kokanee and Walleye | The Rivers | Safety, Licenses and Regulations | Guides & Outfitters

Catching trout on a fly rod is one of Wyoming's best and most memorable experiences.

It’s no wonder people come from near and far to fish, float and boat the waters of southern Wyoming. There are plenty of opportunities to whet an angler’s appetite with good access to rivers, lakes and streams amidst picturesque mountain scenery.

Trout, Kokanee and Walleye

Area waters contain several coexisting trout species such as brook, brown, cutthroat, golden, rainbow, splake (brook trout/lake trout cross) and tiger (brown trout/brook trout cross). The only native trout to Wyoming is the cutthroat. Southern Wyoming’s three subspecies of cutthroat, the Snake River, the Colorado River and the Bear River cutthroat, can be distinguished from other trout by the orange/red markings around the jaw.

Kokanee, a variety of sockeye salmon, are found in Lake Hattie (along with Bear River cutthroat) and in the High Savery Reservoir. The High Savery Reservoir is also the only place in Wyoming to catch tiger trout. Good access is available via dirt roads and public walk-in access. Parking is restricted to designated areas only; camping is available in the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains.

Walleye fishermen prefer Seminoe Reservoir with over 20,000 acres of water and 180 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is stocked annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout.

High Savery Reservoir, Seminoe Reservoir, Hog Park Reservoir, Saratoga Lake, Rob Roy Reservoir and Lake Hattie are the most prominent still water fisheries in the area. Lake and stream fishing is also available on the many waters that straddle beautiful Highway 130, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. For types of fish in area lakes and rivers, see Where to Fish.
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The Rivers

The Upper North Platte,the Encampment, the Laramie and the Little Snake are the four main rivers in the area. They offer fishermen or outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to float, fish or hike their many miles of unspoiled beauty. Local guides and outfitters are available for guided fishing, scenic float and whitewater trips

The Upper North Platte River is regarded by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department as the “Premier Blue Ribbon Wild Trout Stream in Wyoming”, with over 3,200 catchable fish per mile. Flowing north, it enters Wyoming through the Platte River Wilderness Area and famed Northgate Canyon. It then flows north through three distinct eco zones; mountain conifer forest, valley floor hay meadow and finally majestic desert vistas all encompassing over 150 miles of free flowing waters (no dams), with only four miles of highway frontage.

The Upper North Platte is also one of Wyoming’s best rivers for float trips, ranging from whitewater thrills to leisurely drifting. Typical floating craft used include inflatable rafts, flat-bottom boats, canoes and kayaks. Click on the map (right) to see public entry points between Interstate 80 and the Wyoming/Colorado state line.

Northgate Canyon, located between the Routt access and Six Mile Gap, is a whitewater trip with five rapids that may range up to Class IV. Navigation on this part of the River is very technical due to numerous rocks, maneuverability problems and unpredictable weather. As the canyon is in both Colorado and Wyoming, fishing licenses are required from both states. Permits are not required for private float trips. Please note that low water trips through the Northgate Canyon in late-July and September are not recommended for any boats, including canoes, due to numerous rocks. Daily flow information is available at http://wy.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?06620000.

With the exception of the Northgate Canyon and the stretch below Six Mile Gap, the majority of the Upper North Platte River tends to offer easier floats and good fishing during moderate flows.

The Encampment River flows into Wyoming through the majestic Encampment River Wilderness and its ruggedly beautiful canyon. A well maintained 15-mile trail provides access to this sensational area of the River. Also given Blue Ribbon status as a highly rated wild trout fishery, it flows into the Upper North Platte River about seven miles north of Riverside and Encampment. While floating both the Upper North Platte and Encampment Rivers, keep an eye out for bald eagles, ducks, great blue heron, sandhill cranes, geese, pelicans and a variety of songbirds. Occasionally, you may also spot mink, beavers, deer and moose.

There are two public access points on the Encampment River, the Odd Fellows access and the Riverside access. Typical floating craft used include inflatable rafts and kayaks, however canoes are not recommended. Three diversion dams between Odd Fellows and Treasure Island access points add to the adventure on this River. Also, there is a low bridge and a cable wire strung across the River several miles north of Riverside. Be prepared to duck to pass safely under both.

The Laramie River to the east and the Little Snake River to the west also offer wonderful scenery and high quality fishing, but with more limited access. Colorado River Cutthroat, one of Wyoming’s four cutthroat sub-species, are native to the Little Snake River. See VIP's Snowy Range & Sierra Madre Mountain Recreation Map to locate these Rivers.
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Safety, Licenses and Regulations

High water on all sections of the rivers always brings the safety issues of swamped boats, overturned canoes, log jams and hypothermia. Protect yourself by becoming familiar with river access points and roads leading to the river(s), in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. Waterproof outerwear and a life jacket are recommended for protecting yourself from exposure to cold water. In Wyoming, life jackets/preservers are required for each person in the boat. As weather here can change in moments, its also a good idea to bring along plenty of sunscreen, water and mosquito repellant.

Fishing licenses are required for anglers fourteen years of age and older. All license holders, except daily licenses, are required to have a conservation stamp. Click on chart for current license types and fees.

Observance of state fishing regulations is a must. There may be limits on the numbers, species and size of fish that may be taken, as well as on the tackle and equipment you may use. Local sporting goods stores and guides & outfitters are a good source for current insect hatches.

Licenses, fishing regulations, boating regulations and public access information are available locally and through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 307-745-4046 or online at http://gf.state.wy.us/nettest/frmhomepage.aspx.
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Hack's Tackle & Outfitters
407 N. 1st St. | P. O. Box 1225
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-9823 | FAX 307-326-9823
hackstackle@netcommander.com | www.hackstackle.com
Choose Hack's Tackle to experience the fantastic fishing available in Carbon County, including the North Platte River and the Encampment River. Clients return year after year to fish with Michael "Hack" Patterson and his expert guides because they're knowledgeable and fun! We'll customize a guided float or wade fishing trip to match your level of fishing expertise and current conditions. Or choose a relaxing, guided scenic float trip with lots of chances to photograph the abundant wildlife. An Equal Opportunity Service Provider operating under permit from Medicine Bow/Routt National Forests. See also SPORTING GOODS. Click here to see our ad.

Harrison's Guest House & Guide Service
On the North Platte River
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-6079 | Off-season: 303-298-0848
hmandco@aol.com | www.northplattefishing.com
27 years of experience fishing and guiding in the Upper North Platte River Valley. Guided fishing, float, wade trips and hiking treks. Our knowledge of trout, the bugs they eat, and how to present them to the fish is unsurpassed. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations at our Guest House on the North Platte River in Saratoga. You’ll enjoy one of the most experienced guide staffs in the Valley with tons of water to choose from and fish. An Equal Opportunity Service Provider operating under permit from Medicine Bow/Routt National Forests. Click here to see our ads.

Stoney Creek
"On the river, next to the hot pool."
216 E. Walnut | P. O. Box 1677
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-8750
fishstoneycreek@yahoo.com | www.fishstoneycreek.com
Guided float, scenic and wade trips on the Upper North Platte and Encampment Rivers. Experience the best fly fishing and guide team in the West. Full service fly shop - Orvis, Winston, Ross, Sage, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers and Rio. Summer and winter outdoor clothing. See also SPORTING GOODS. Click here to see our ad.

Two Dog’s Guide Service
1657 Snowy Range Rd.
Laramie, WY 82070
307-760-2921 | FAX 307-745-5425
wbredehoft@msn.com | www.twodogsfishing.com
Exploring Wyoming’s Great Outdoors with a Fly Rod. We offer a wide variety of fishing services in southeast Wyoming from floating the North Platte to trolling for walleye. Full and half-day guided float and wade trips on the Upper North Platte River and Encampment Rivers and in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Scenic floats and white water trips available too. An Equal Opportunity Service Provider operating under permit from Medicine Bow/Routt National Forests. Click here to see our ad.

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Hack's Tackle & Outfitters
407 N. 1st St. | P. O. Box 1225
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-9823 | FAX 307-326-9823
hackstackle@netcommander.com | www.hackstackle.com
Hack's is the "Fishing Store" in Saratoga with the most complete inventory of flies and fishing supplies. For fly fishing you'll find everything you need...St. Croix rods, Okuma reels, Hodgman waders, Scientific Angler line, a variety of leaders, tippets, and gadgets. We also carry everything you need to spin fish...rods, reels, the best selection of Panther Martin lures, etc. Our inventory also includes hunting supplies.. Kershaw knives, Bushnell binoculars and scopes, ammunition, hunting and fishing licenses, maps, ice. We offer raft and canoe rentals, shuttle services, guided fishing and scenic trips. See also FISHING GUIDES & OUTFITTERS. Click here to see our ad.

Sierra Trading Post Outlet Store
I-80, Exit 364 | 5025 Campstool Rd.
Cheyenne, WY 82007
800-713-4534| 307-775-8090 | FAX 307-775-8301
www.SierraTradingPost.com
Sierra Trading Post Outlet Store has Savings at 35-70% off retail prices. When others call it “on sale”, we call it “ongoing savings”. We buy top quality closeouts, overstocks and seconds from over 700 name brand manufacturers. We offer a wide selection of products from a variety of the finest brands sold in the USA and Europe such as: Patagonia , The North Face , Carhartt , Columbia Sportswear , Dansko , Keen , Birkenstock , Teva , Merrell and many others. 100% customer satisfaction, guaranteed! Call for a FREE catalog or shop online. Click here to see our ad.

Shively Hardware Company
North Hwy. 130 & 123 E. Bridge | P. O. Box 605
Saratoga, WY 82331
800-300-8389 | 307-326-8880 (North Store)
307-326-8383 (Downtown Saratoga)
shivelyhardware@yahoo.com | www.shivelyhardware.com
Serving the North Platte Valley since 1925. We carry quality products and equipment from: Case, Goodyear, Massey Ferguson, Stihl and Polaris. New and used ATV’s, Rangers and Snowmobiles. Enclosed trailers by Haulmark. Hunting, fishing, camping and RV supplies, maps and fishing licenses. Your total hardware store. Click here to see our ad.

Stoney Creek
"On the river, next to the hot pool."
216 E. Walnut | P. O. Box 1677
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-8750
fishstoneycreek@yahoo.com | www.fishstoneycreek.com
Complete line of fishing supplies including the Platte Valley’s largest selection of flies, outdoor clothing and gear by Orvis, Sage, Winston, Simms, Ross, Columbia, Teva, Patagonia and Gramicci. Smith and Kaenon sunglasses too! See also FISHING GUIDES & OUTFITTERS. Click here to see our ad.

The Trading Post
210 Hwy. 70
Encampment/Riverside Jct.
307-327-5720 | FAX 307-327-5927
mkrauterkus@yahoo.com
We’re your year round source for sporting goods equipment and outdoor gear! High QUALITY gasoline, groceries, convenience store items, fly store and sporting goods. GREAT DEALS in-store on year round outdoor gear! Open 7 days a week. Summer: 6am-8pm; Winter: 6am-7pm.

West Laramie Fly Store
1657 Snowy Range Rd. | Next to Gramma’s
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-5425 | 888-745-9565
flystore@flystore.net | www.flystore.net
Conoco gasoline, groceries, Gramma’s ice cream, ice, propane, convenience store items and sporting goods. Specializing in brand-name camping, fishing and hunting gear. Open 7 days. Click here to see our ad.

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