Fishing on the North Platte River is a treat
for both novices and experts. Hunting in the Platte Valley is exceptional, and with
abundant numbers of antelope, deer and elk, your chances of bagging some big
game are excellent. With a variety of terrain and the cool mountain
weather, the Platte Valley provides the idea habitat for all kinds of animals. As
the North Platte flows through our valley, the diverse terrain of
Wyoming is apparent, changing from alpine mountains to high-desert
plains in less than 70 miles.
Wildlife is abundant, including deer, antelope, big horn sheep, elk,
bald eagles and blue herons, just to name a few.
FISHING
The North Platte River is one of the few
rivers that flows north, and more than 65 miles have been designated as
a "Blue Ribbon" trout fishery by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
There are more than 3,200 fish per mile, and with ratings among the
highest for productivity, availability and aesthetics, the North Platte
is well deserving of the "Blue Ribbon" title. Implementing a
"fishing slot" limit, the North Platte River has returned to a natural
state, enhanced by the fact that the North Platte is not damned for 141
miles, creating the longest freestone river in Wyoming.
If you've been fishing on the
North Platte and you yearn
for a slightly smaller river, some hiking,
and a little bit more remote experience, head to the Encampment River -
a remarkable river with a mountain feel to it.
The Encampment River starts in
Colorado, winding northwest then north, flowing through its own canyon
before reaching the towns of Encampment and Riverside and merging with
the North Platte. One of the best things about this stream is
remoteness. Find yourself in the middle of
the wilderness area, and you
can bet that there will be no one else around, and the fish are waiting
to be caught! The river banks vary from 20' to 50' wide and are not too
deep, so waders are a must.
Spin fisherman are encouraged to
visit mid-June through July, while fly fishing is best from mid-July
through the fall.
In Wyoming, it is important to remember that the water
surrounded by and over private land is public, and the river banks and
river bottom are considered private property. Although there are many
public access areas along the
North Platte, many people hire the
services of a local
outfitter for the ultimate fishing experience.
HUNTING
Outfitters in the area offer hunting trips
and will help you complete all the necessary paper work for out-of-state
hunters. Although the deadlines vary, most license applications are due by
February 1st of each year.
There
is very good hunting for antelope, deer and elk on the considerable public land
in the area, including the Medicine Bow National Forest and lands controlled by
the
Bureau of Land Management.
Below is a list of
private landowners in the Saratoga and Encampment areas who currently
allow hunting on their land. Most landowners only allow antelope
hunting.
Antelope Area 50
Bob Johnson
PO Box 63,
Elk Mountain, WY 82324
Lowell Wolfe
Box 34, Walcott, WY 82335
307-324-3925
Jim Wiant
PO Box 187,
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-5673
Antelope Area 52
William Hill
PO Box 1343,
Saratoga, WY 82331
307-326-5661
Antelope Area 51
Charles Anderson
307-327-5375
Ron Platt
307-327-5539
Platt is also an outfitter
