North Platte River
Saratoga · Miracle Mile
S Wyoming, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06642000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Peak season conditions on one of Wyoming's premier tailwaters with caddis emergence accelerating through warm afternoons. Water temps holding in the sweet spot for active feeding with browns and rainbows dialed in below Alcova Reservoir. Grey Reef section remains the prime target zone — float trips will cover the best holding water during peak emergence windows. Strong winds forecast through the weekend will make presentation challenging but shouldn't shut down the fishing entirely.
- Conditions: Mid-June prime time with stable tailwater temps in the 50s. Strong winds 15-27mph through weekend will test casting skills but won't kill the bite
- Hatches: Peak caddis emergence during warm afternoons. Focus on Elk Hair Caddis #16 and X-Caddis patterns as water temps hit the sweet spot
- Water Temp: Tailwater temps holding steady in the 50-58°F range — perfect for aggressive feeding and consistent emergence activity
- Best Window: Afternoon emergence 2-6pm when air temps peak in the 80s. Evening fishing extends the window as caddis adults return to lay eggs
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–May & Sept–Nov
The Miracle Mile on Wyoming's North Platte is a 5-mile walk-wade tailwater stretch below Kortes Dam, renowned for its dense brown trout population and prolific midge and BWO fishing. Wide, gravelly flats make for easy wading, and the fish — though not always large — are present in extraordinary numbers. The remote high-desert setting adds to its appeal.
'Miracle Mile' earned its name from the impossibly dense trout population — studies have recorded over 3,000 trout per mile in the prime sections.
January Outlook
The North Platte below Pathfinder Reservoir near Alcova is a productive winter tailwater. The dam-regulated water keeps the river open year-round and midges are the consistent winter pattern.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The Grey Reef section below Alcova Reservoir is the most productive winter stretch. Target the slow, deep runs with small midge rigs noon–2pm. Wyoming winters can be severe — dress accordingly.
Water Notes
Dam-regulated 200–800 cfs. Water 42–48°F. Open year-round below Pathfinder and Alcova Dams.
February Outlook
February midging on the North Platte tailwater. The Alcova and Grey Reef sections provide some of Wyoming's finest year-round fishing. Cold but consistently productive.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
The Grey Reef section is the top winter destination. Fish the pool tailouts with small midges. The canyon below Alcova provides some wind protection. Worth the drive for quality winter tailwater fishing.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 40–48°F. Stable tailwater. Open year-round.
March Outlook
The North Platte below Seminoe and Pathfinder reservoirs is a world-class tailwater fishery. Winter fishing is consistent with midge and Baetis activity.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
- WD-40
Tips
The 'Miracle Mile' section is the most famous stretch. Fish the classic nymphing runs with small midge patterns. The tailwater effect keeps fish active year-round.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 500–1,500 cfs. Water 40–48°F in March. Consistent year-round conditions.
April Outlook
April on the North Platte is transitional. The tailwater sections below Pathfinder and Alcova are protected from runoff. BWO and midge activity intensifies as spring arrives. The Miracle Mile section can be affected by dam releases.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
The Grey Reef section below Alcova is the most reliable April destination. BWO activity 11am–2pm on overcast days. Good option before runoff affects open water on other Wyoming rivers.
Water Notes
300–1,000 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Protected from spring runoff by dam regulation.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with PMDs and Caddis joining the midge activity. The North Platte's tailwater character insulates it from runoff effects.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Miracle Mile produces excellent PMD hatches in May. The Grey Reef section is wade-accessible and produces consistent dry fly fishing. Book a guide for a first visit.
Water Notes
700–1,500 cfs. Cold 46–54°F. Tailwater protected from runoff. Prime spring conditions.
June Outlook
Peak season on the North Platte. Multiple hatches and cooperative fish on one of Wyoming's premier tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Caddis
- Pale Evening Dun
- Stimulator
Tips
The Grey Reef section below Alcova Reservoir is the most intensively fished and most productive. Float trips cover the best water. Evening hatches are the highlight.
Water Notes
800–2,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Prime Wyoming tailwater conditions.
July Outlook
Consistent fishing with PMDs, Caddis, and the beginning of Trico and hopper activity.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner
- Hopper-Dropper
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Trico spinner falls begin in July on the slower sections. The afternoon hopper fishing along the banks is excellent. Both approaches work on the same float.
Water Notes
700–1,500 cfs. Water 55–63°F. Good conditions through July.
August Outlook
Excellent hopper and Trico fishing. The North Platte's large brown trout respond well to both approaches.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Trico Spinner
- Caddis
- Streamer
Tips
The Grey Reef section in August produces excellent large brown trout on hoppers and streamers. Evening sessions are particularly productive.
Water Notes
600–1,200 cfs. Water 55–62°F. Consistent tailwater conditions.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season and the best streamer fishing of the year for large brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
The North Platte's brown trout population is impressive. September brings aggressive pre-spawn fish and reliable BWO hatches.
Water Notes
500–1,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F and cooling. Excellent fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the North Platte. BWO hatches drive exceptional dry fly action on the Grey Reef section. Brown trout are very aggressive before spawning. One of Wyoming's finest October tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
October BWO hatches on Grey Reef can be spectacular — large brown trout rising freely in the flat water. Streamers in the deeper pools produce the biggest fish. Very little October pressure.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 44–54°F. Stable tailwater. Excellent fall conditions.
November Outlook
November on the North Platte tailwater. Midge and BWO activity on mild days. The Grey Reef section stays open year-round. Cold Wyoming conditions but consistent fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Blue Winged Olive
- WD-40
Tips
November on Grey Reef is quiet and productive. Large browns and rainbows feed on midges in the flat water. Fish the warmest hours of the day.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Cold 38–48°F. Stable tailwater open year-round.
December Outlook
Year-round tailwater fishing on the North Platte below the Wyoming dams. December midge fishing in cold but productive conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- WD-40
Tips
The North Platte tailwater is one of Wyoming's finest year-round fisheries. December midging focuses on the Grey Reef section. Fish noon–2pm for the best activity.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 38–46°F. Open year-round. Wyoming winter conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Alcova, WY. Walk-wade only — no boat ramp at the Miracle Mile itself. BLM land provides free public access throughout. The Grey Reef section downstream offers float opportunities with larger fish.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Wyoming requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Wyoming fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
North Platte River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
North Platte River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.