Winter time in Wyoming on the North Platte.. storms roll in, storms roll out. In between during the lulls the fishing has been really good and consistent. We have been focusing our efforts Reef to Lusby. A little bit to Miles Landing. Below that it is wintertime frozen lock down. It has been well worth adding some extra layers and getting out of the house and launching a boat. The river is a ghost town, and fishing has been easy, stupid good. Streamer bite has been on and most days we have taken advantage of that fun technique. The nymphing between throwing streamers is also producing. Standard winter time offerings- Pine Squirrel Leeches, annelids ( Impalers, Rock Worms, San Juans)  midge patterns ( Mayhammy) and egg patterns. So not overly technical at the moment. Streamers fishing success is the details of matching different sink tips and sinking lines with weight of the streamer for different water speeds, depths and retrieves is what it boils down to. Streamer colors in the white, gray, and olive have produced.

Freemont Canyon has been fishing similar to the Reef if you are looking for walk and wade opportunities. Streamers have been good up there as well.

With the Reef fishing so well and the potential for a more wild and western experience driving into the Mile, we have not been up there much as of late. Looking to get up there soon. Historically, what is working down here is good bet to start out on and put you in the hunt at the Mile.

 

Late winter and early spring is a great time to head up to the Bighorn. We can put together a multi-day and multi river package to sample the Reef and the ‘Horn. Spending a couple days and a night in Thermop with hot springs and post river dinner and beverages at the One Eyed Buffalo are icing on the cake.

 

If cabin fever is getting to you and you are getting a little punchy and feeling the urge to get fishing,  do it. We have off season rates going till March 15^th.Give a call to the shop and we can go over the calendar and upcoming weather forecast to get a trip on the books.  We will be at the Denver Fly Show this week, February 17, 18^th and 19^th and will have some great “Show Specials” on trips, lodging, hats, flies…all kinds of deals. Stop in and say “hi”, we are always excited to talk fishing and answer questions about fishing the amazing North Platte. For up to dat reports, specials and Cowboy Drifters happenings follow us on Instagram.

Fish Hard, Fish Often,

Cowboy Drifters Team