Trip Lead: Frank Vigil
Dates: May 12 – 14, 2023
Participants: 6
LODGING: The Inn at Alcova
THE FISHERY: Includes rainbows, browns, cuttbows, cuttthroats and an occasional walleye. The Mile is actually about seven miles of river between Kortes Dam and Pathfinder Reservoir but typically the first three miles below Kortes Dam are the most productive this time of year because of the Rainbow spawn and also the sucker spawn {sucker eggs are great protein for the rainbows after their spawn}. Wading is very difficult due to the strong current and the moss covered rocky bottom, often described as walking on “greased bowling balls”. Chest waders and good wading boots are a MUST! The river usually flows about 2500 cfs this time of year. The cfs can vary on an hourly basis. You can visibly notice the flows increasing and decreasing throughout the day depending on how much water they are releasing from Kortes Dam. Use extreme caution while wading by keeping an eye on the fluctuation. There is very little dry fly action this time of year.
FLIES: Midges and chrominids will be your best bet. BWO, Rainbow Warrior, RS2, Zebra, WD40, Disco, Top Secret…you get it. A wide variety of midges sizes 18-20. Juju Baetis, Pheasent Tails, San Juan Worm, Egg Patterns, Streamers and Stoneflies are also very good go to flies.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This is a wade trip. The weather can change very quickly in this location and this time of year so be prepared. Cold weather gear and rain gear are a MUST! The water temperature is VERY cold because it is a tailwater. I recommend 3X leader and tippet because you can get into some very big fish and the river has a very strong current the first three miles downstream of the dam. Good physical condition is a must to be able to fight the river {and the fish}. There is not any private property on this stretch of the North Platte River so you can fish both sides of the river anywhere your heart desires.
REGISTRATION: Registration opens 6 weeks prior to trip start. Register here.