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photos courtesy of Wyoming Travel &
Tourism
Fishing
Fishing on the North Platte River
is a treat for both novices and experts. The 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 fro 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 rivers in Wyoming.
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.
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 the 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.
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Hunting
Game & Fish information on
Walk-In Hunting Areas with Maps
Hunting in the Platte Valley is
exceptional, 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.
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.
Hunting on Private Land
Below is a list of private
landowners in the Saratoga/Encampment area who currently allow hunting
on their land.
Most landowners at this time
only allow antelope hunting,
Antelope Area 50
Nancy Wallis, Walcott, WY 82335
(307)326-5549
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
Montie Munroe, Star Route Box 85
Encampment, WY 82325
307-327-5421
Ron Platt
307-327-5539
Platt is also an outfitter
There is very good hunting on
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.
Maps of the Medicine Bow
National Forest may be obtained from:
Brush Creek District Rangers Office
PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY 82331
(307)326-5258.
You may also obtain maps through the BLM:
Rawlins District Office
Bureau of Land Management
1300 N. Third St.
Rawlins, WY 82301
phone: 307-328-4200
Ask for the map packet as this lists all the maps available through
their office.
If you have any other questions
regarding hunting in this area, you may also call the
Wyoming Game &
Fish office in Laramie
307-745-4046 or use their in-state toll free
number 800-843-2352.
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