Fishing Report – Back from Vacation and Ready to Fish!

Now the fishing starts! All this other stuff just leads you to the real fishing. Wading in a stream or river I get into the flow, so to speak. The rhythm of fly-fishing and anticipating where the trout are hanging out is my favorite part of fishing.  The rivers are still swollen but in the next couple weeks will drop and be prime fishing. Stretches of the Big Laramie, Little Laramie and the North Plate are calling my name.

I’ve been asked to tell where my secret fishing places are, but I just can’t do that. It’s like everyone will start fishing there and bingo no fish anymore. My suggestion is try out places and if there good fish there, if not, move on. I have a couple places that are good and you know you are going to catch something. I call those places catching spots. I have some fishing spots that are more scenic and a good hike but the catching is not the best but it is good for the sole.

Summer fishing gear: I just got some fishing sandals from Simms that work well over your waders or if it’s warm enough just wear the sandals. Less is more for me when I go fly-fishing; you don’t need all the stuff if you are walking into a fishing spot. I bring water and sometimes a beer to put in the river to keep cool. I bring a granola bar or beef jerky or sometimes a Moon-Pie (my Dad’s favorite). If I get into the fishing zone it can be hours before I realize I’m thirsty or hungry and then will take a break.

I know you have heard this so many times I don’t really listen to all the warnings. Bring sun block, and bug repellent or a combination lotion to yourself from skin cancer. Being safe during outdoor activities is always a good call. Bring a small first-aid kit and remember your forceps, they not only remove hooks from fish but from yourself as well, just remember to wash or run a flame over before extracting hooks from your ear.

Side note: It is not a good idea to stand between your two sons when fishing. There is a double chance you will get a hook up your nose. Believe me it’s not pleasant. My grandmother caught a hook in her tongue once and after that my grandfather and uncle would say that’s what you get when you talk during fishing. I don’t think she went fishing after that.

Fishing Quote of the Day: All the romance of trout fishing exists in the mind of the angler and is in no way shared by the fish.  ~Harold F. Blaisdell, The Philosophical Fisherman, 1969

Laramie Area Fishing Report: Everything is the same from last week, just waiting for spring run off!

1. Lake Hattie:  fishing fair and is now full.  The Game and Fish just recently stocked Lake Hattie.

2. Twin Buttes is fishing fair.  The Wyoming Game and Fish just recently stocked Twin Buttes.  The fishing should steadily get better throughout the summer.

3. Galett is still fishing well.  The Laramie Plains lakes are a great alternative to blownout rivers.

4. Meeboer: It's official.  We had 100% winter kill at Meeboer.  The Wyoming Game and Fish restocked Meeboer over a month ago with sub-catchables.

5. Owen and Rob Roy: It may be mid July before we can get to Lake Owen.  The Range is at 172% snowpack.  Any one have a snowmachine?

6.  The North Platte seems to have peaked and is slowly coming down.  The flows are still quite high, making a few bridges unpassable.