Encampment River Wyoming Fishing Report: 04/27/24 (Bottom of Page) We update the Encampment River Wyoming fishing report weekly.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone
Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Cutthroat Trout
(Wild)
Size
Medium
Location
South Central Wyoming
Nearest Towns
Encampment
Season
Year-round
Access:
Poor to Fair
Non-Resident License
State of Wyoming
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Stream Flows:
Mouth Near Encampment
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Fly Fishing On the Encampment River In Wyoming
The Encampment River starts in the alpine meadows of northern Colorado and flows north into Wyoming through an eighteen mile long canyon into a valley. It is located near and is very similar to the nearby North Platte River in that respect. Access to the lower sections in the valley is very difficult as the river flows through private property. The canyon section is not accessible by road but it does have a nice National Forest hiking trail that runs along the entire length of the canyon. It can be accessed from its upper or lower end. The best access is in Commissary Park in Routt National Forest. The river decline is steep and the result is some great pocket water. Although it’s a nine mile hike to the center of the canyon you will most likely be the only angler there. The lower section is completely different. The stream widens out and slows down. It’s PH increases due to the surrounding fertile valley and aquatic insects exist in more plentiful quantities. The trout average a larger size in the lower section than they do in the canyon section of the river. The problem is that access to the lower section of the river is limited to a one-mile long section close to Baggott Rocks. Stream flows are very important. You can click the link on your left to see how they are running. Wading can be very difficult and dangerous if the flows are high. The wild trout in the Encampment River can be very picky at times. Matching what is hatching and just as important, what is about to hatch is often the key to success. The river is generally considered more of a nymph fishing stream than a dry fly stream but at certain times dry fly fishing can be very good. We update the fly fishing report on the Encampment River weekly.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Encampment River: The methods and techniques used on the Encampment River depends on whether you are fishing the canyon or the lower section of the river. The Encampment River gets little attention in the fly fishing books and magazines and not very much on the Internet. That is because of the nearby Platte River. It gets most of the attention and while many locals would just as soon keep it that way, those of you who enjoy fishing new places may prefer to know the facts about this fine stream.As mentioned in the introduction page, the problem with the lower section of the river in the plains is access. That is where the better hatches occur and that is where the larger trout are. Trout from sixteen to twenty inches are not uncommon in this section. The trout in the canyon section of the river do not average that large. There is one public access in the lower section that is only a mile long at Baggott Rocks but that is it. If it were not for the crowds during the prime hatches there would be nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you carry your own rock during the Green Drake hatch. The lack of roadside access in the upper section or canyon section is a blessing to some and not a good thing for those who aren’t willing to put out some effort to walk a ways to fish. The best way to fish the canyon area is to hike in and camp. The area is wild and beautiful and the trout are plentiful, they are just not as large as the lowland trout. You can bring your drift boat (raft types are best) down a high bank to launch at the Baggott and drift downstream but you must stay in the water for about seven miles to the Treasure Island takeout at the North Platte River before you can take the boat out of the water. In fact you cannot legally even touch the bottom of the stream with your anchor, much less the banks. Under Wyoming laws, the land owners own the stream bed. If the water levels isn’t high enough, it is impossible to drift this section. The only time they are high enough during the times you could fish the river as a general rule is from about the end of June to the second or third week of July. It is also during the best hatch that occurs on the Encampment River – the Green Drake hatch. If that isn’t enough problems for you to consider, be aware that there is a dam with about a five foot drop in water levels to negotiate near the takeout.
Encampment River Hatches and Trout Flies: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Encampment River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. 1-800-594-4726. The hatches vary some depending on the section of the river but the insects listed below are plentiful throughout most of the stream from its headwaters to its lower section. During the early season, before runoff, the main hatches consist of Western March Browns and Blue-winged Olives. The BWOs can start as early as March but April usually is the most consistent time for the hatch to begin. There’s also a Fall hatch of the BWOs. It usually takes place from late September and throughout most of the month of October. Of course, midges will work well anytime the water is too cold for most other insects. There’s also plenty of small black winter stoneflies that hatch in the early season, even when there’s snow on the ground. You will find some hatches of Salmonflies become to come off in early July in the fast water sections of the river. LIttle Yellow Stoneflies are also plentiful in some areas in late July and early August. Within a week or two of the end of the Salmonfly hatch in July, you will usually find Golden Stoneflies beginning to hatch. The hatch last into the month of August, depending on the location on the river.Both the Salmonflies and Golden Stoneflies start hatching in the lower section and move upstream as the days go by.The first caddisflies to hatch are the Little Black Caddis, called the Mothers Day hatch in most places in the West. This hatch starts in the lower section of the river in late April and last about a month. In late June and early July, there’s plenty of Spotted Sedges that begin to hatch. The next most important caddisfly hatch are the Green Sedges. They hatch from May through August, depending on the species. Imitations of the Green Rock Worms, or their larvae, work year-round.In late June, usually before the runoff ends, Pale Morning Duns will start hatching. There are a few Green Drakes that hatch but the numbers are usually fairly low. There are also some Flavs, or Small Western Green Drakes, but the numbers of them are relatively low. The PMD hatch will last most of the summer and is the most consistent mayfly hatch. In some areas of the fast water you will find some Pink Ladies that hatch in late August and September.Late Summer, in August and September, terrestrials will play an important role in the trout’s diet. Don’t forget imitations of grasshopper, ants and beetles.
Fishing Report:
05/05/21 The river is flowing high right now. We were getting a few reports from anglers fishing midges, little BWO nymphs and Skwala stonefly nymphs. The water is still cold but warming up fast.
05/16/21 The stream levels are up and near normal. There are some very good hatches of Green Sedge caddis, Little Black Caddis, March Browns, Blue-winged olives and midges.
05/23/21 The river is flowing just a little above normal level with clear water. We are getting some good reports from customers. There are good hatches taking place.
05/31/21 The streams flowing a little below normal and clear. We received one good report this past week. There are good hatches taking place. Send us an email or call us for a recommended fly and gear list.
06/09/21 The stream levels are still below normal and in decent shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. There are good hatches taking place. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
06/22/21 The stream is very low. We haven’t received any fishing reports but it could be fished. You would have to use caution to stay hidden from the trout.
07/04/21 Stream levels are still very low. Fish still eat in low water. You just have to stay hidden from them to keep from spooking them, make good presentations and dress to match the background.
07/11/21 The stream is still low but we continue to get a few good reports from customers fishing the upper sections of the river. Good hatches are taking place.
07/18/21 As with everywhere else in Wyoming, rain is needed. The stream is low but it is still turning out some good catches in the upper sections of the river. There are good hatches taking place. Send us an email or call us for a recommended fly list.
07/25/21 The stream is still low but cool enough to fish well. We continue to get good reports.
08/01/21 Stream levels are still low. You just have to stay hidden from the trout as best you can. Trout are being caught in the upper sections in decent numbers.
08/10/21 Stream levels are now just a little below normal level. We received two good reports from customers very recently. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/17/21 The canyon section of the river is turning out some good catches for some of our customers. We continue to get good reports from other locations as well. Good hatches continue.
08/24/21 The river is flowing a little below normal level. We are getting good reports from customers wading and those drifting the lower section. There are good hatches and our terrestrial patterns are also working.
08/02/21 The river has been very low this past week but currently on the way up fast thanks to some rain. The coming week should be a very good one.
08/10/21 The stream levels are still low but there is a chance of rain tomorrow and Monday. We received one good report this past week.
09/18/21 Stream levels remain low. Fish still eat in low water and we still are getting a few good reports. There is rain forecast this weekend, especially tomorrow, so we hope the levels come up.
09/27/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level and in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
10/07/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Good fall hatches are taking place.
10/19/21 Stream levels are okay and the water clear. We continue to receive some good reports from customers. All sections of the river are turning out trout.
10/29/21 The stream is still in okay condition and we continue to get some good reports. There are good hatches of BWOs, Midges, Yellow Quills, etc.
11/05/21 The stream is still a little low but okay. We received two good reports from customers this past week.
11/15/21 The stream is still low but we continue to get good reports from customers. Our articulated sculpin streamers are catching some good ones.
11/24/21 Condition remain about the same as last week. The levels are still a little low but we continue to get a few good reports from local anglers.
12/03/21 Stream levels are a little above normal for a change. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Our articulated sculpin streamers are catching some good ones.
12/11/21 The stream is still in good shape and we continue to get some good reports.
12/19/21 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week. Conditions are about the same as last week.
12/27/21 We still didn’t receive any reports this past week. Stream levels are a little low but okay. There is a lot of snow on the ground.
01/04/22 There is a lot of snow on the banks and slush ice in much of the water. It is still possible to catch trout but we didn’t receive any report from anyone fishing this past week.
01/12/22 We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing.
01/28/22 We still didn’t receive any reports for this past week. Conditions are not that bad. There are good midge and winter stonefly hatches.
01/05/22 We still didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing this past week.
02/13/22 Still no reports from anyone fishing the past week. Conditions are okay other than the water is very cold. There is some slush ice.
02/21/22 Conditions are poor due to the very cold water with lots of slush ice. We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing.
03/01/22 Conditions remain poor. The water is very cold. We recommend fishing a tailwater.
03/09/22 It has been a very cold week but looking much better this coming week. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing.
03/09/22 The stream is in okay condition for this time of the year. Skwala stoneflies, midges and Blue-winged olives are hatching good.
03/24/22 The stream is a little low but okay. Good midge, both reds or blood midges and cream midges are hatching along with Skwala stoneflies.
04/01/22 The weather is getting a little warmer but it is still cold water. Good hatches continue. We didn’t get any reports this past week.
04/09/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level. The weather and water is getting a little warmer. Good midge and Skwala stonefly hatches are taking place.
04/18/22 The stream levels are still in good shape. March Browns are also hatching in addition to the above insects.
04/26/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. There are still good hatches taking place. You should be able to catch trout.
05/12/22 Stream levels are still in okay shape. Good hatches continue. We didn’t receive any reports this past week.
05/20/22 The stream level it way up and it appears runoff is starting to take place. We still didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing.
05/28/22 The stream is still not far from a normal level with no signs that runoff has started but it is near the time it should start. We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing.
06/05/22 The stream is high, too high to wade and not worth fishing.
06/12/22 Runoff is still underway. It will be a few days before it drops back down.
06/19/22 The stream levels are still high. I guess you would call it a mild runoff.
06/26/22 Stream levels are down to where most of the stream can be waded safely with caution. Good hatches are taking place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
07/03/22 The stream is down to where it can be waded with caution. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Good hatches are underway.
07/10/22 The stream is in good shape with levels that can be safely waded most places and mostly clear water. There are a lot of good hatches taking place and our terrestrial imitations are starting to work good.
07/17/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal levels and clear. We received two good reports from customers this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/24/22 The stream is flowing a good bit above normal level due to recent rain but still in okay shape.
07/31/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
08/07/22 The stream is still at a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place and we continue to get good reports from customers.
08/14/22 Conditions remain good. We are still getting good reports from customers.
08/21/22 Stream levels are just barely above normal and the water lightly stained. We have been getting very good reports thanks to good hatches continuing.
08/28/22 Stream levels are below normal. Many sections can be safely waded. We didn’t receive any reports this past week but you should be able to catch plenty.
09/05/22 The stream is low but we still received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
09/12/22 The stream is still flowing well below normal level and clear. We still received one good report from a customer. Some section normally requiring a boat can be waded safely.
09/19/22 The river is still a little low but okay. We received two more good reports from customers fishing it this past week. Good October Caddis hatches are taking place.
10/11/22 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. We didn’t get any reports this past week but conditions are good and you should be able to catch plenty trout.
10/30/22 Stream levels are still okay and the water clear. We received one good report from a customer this past week.
02/11/23 As you can see, we are starting the reports again, however, it has been a very cold week but looking much better this coming week. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing.
02/25/23 We still can’t recommend it as there is a lot of slush ice in the water and ice on the banks. Stream levels are okay if you want to give it a chance.
04/11/23 The stream is flowing at a high level and highly stained. Much of the ice has melted.
04/16/23 The stream is still too high to wade and tough to fish from a drift boat. Good hatches are taking place and it should be good when the levels drop.
04/26/23 The stream is down to a normal level in good shape. Good hatches are taking place including March Browns, BWOs, Skwala stoneflies, Midges and others.
05/04/23 The stream is well above normal levels and on the way up.
05/13/23 The stream is still well above a normal level and dingy from runoff.
05/28/23 The stream is still high from runoff but falling fast and should be in good shape very soon.
06/08/23 The stream is near a normal level but normal is very high at this time of the year.
06/15/23 The stream is still very high due to runoff. Note, it shows normal but normal is very high at this time and that can be very misleading.
06/28/23 The stream is flowing at 558 cfs at 3.40 ft. which is a little on the high side but okay. Good hatches are taking place.
07/07/23 The stream is down to a okay fishing level. It can be waded in many places and fished from a drift boat where it is legal to do so. There are some very good hatches coming off.
07/15/23 The stream is down to a normal level and the water is clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
07/23/23 The stream is still in good shape turning out good catches of trout for our customers. Very good hatches are coming off.
07/30/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level but rain is on the way. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
08/10/12 The stream has been high but back down to normal levels at this time. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/19/23 The stream is flowing just a little above a normal level and clear. Trout are being caught matching the hatch, and there are some nice ones, and using our terrestrial patterns.
08/27/23 The stream is flowing well above normal but should fall back down fast. We have been getting good catch reports.
09/03/23 The stream is near a normal level and clear. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
09/10/23 Conditions are very good. Good stream levels and clear water exist in all sections. Good late season hatches are taking place.
09/17/23 The stream is still in good shape with clear water. Good hatches continue to come off and we continue to get good reports.
09/23/23 The stream is still in good shape with a normal level and clear water. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
10/01/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches continue to take place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
10/08/23 The stream is still in good shape with flows near normal. Late season hatches continue including October Caddis.
10/23/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place. You should be able to catch good numbers of fish.
11/02/23 The stream continues to run at a normal level. Our midge patterns are working well.
11/08/23 Good red or blood and cream midge hatches are taking place. Our pre-rigged larva and pupa flies work great here. They can be fished under a strike indicator keeping the bottom fly, the larva, near the bottom.
11/15/23 Conditions remain good. Good stream levels exist and good late season hatches are taking place.
11/22/23 Conditions are very good with okay stream levels and clear water. MIdges represent the main hatches.
12/07/23 Stream levels are okay and midges are hatching good.
01/04/24 The stream is in okay condition. Light green and red or blood midges are hatching along with Winter stoneflies.
02/01/24 The stream is flowing a little above normal level and clear. Good midge and Winter stonefly hatches continue to take place.
02/15/24 The usgs gauge is frozen and we are not sure of the stream levels. We have been getting good reports from customers when the levels have been okay.
02/24/24 The stream is very cold with lots of bank and slush ice. We are not sure of the levels as the USGS gauge isn’t working due to ice.
03/02/24 The stream is still flowing above a normal level and very cold. It needs to warm up a little to be okay.
03/09/24 The stream still has a lot of slush ice as well as bank ice and snow. Midges are hatching and you may be able to catch some trout but we recommend holding off until it warms some.
03/16/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level but it is very cold. There are lots of bank ice and some slush ice in the water. Give it a little more time to warm up a little.
03/23/24 The stream is flowing a little too high to fish well. Check back later.
03/30/24 The stream levels is down to near a normal level. Good Midge, Skwala stonefly and Blue-winged olive hatches are taking place.
04/06/24 The stream is flowing well above a normal level and stained. Good hatches have been underway.
04/13/24 The stream is still flowing well above a normal level and stained. Give it some time to drop and clear.
04/20/24 The stream is flowing a little above normal level and lightly stained. Good Little Black Caddis, Skwala stoneflies, March Browns and Blue-winged olives are hatching.
04/27/24 The stream is still very high and badly stained.
Write us with the dates you plan to fish at sales@perfectflystore.com for a recommended fly and gear list.