The Sage Motel
North Platte River

Fly fishing Saratoga

The North Platte runs right through town — Blue Ribbon trout water with public access minutes from your room.

Blue Ribbon water

Saratoga’s motto is “Where the trout leap in Main Street,” and it’s earned. The North Platte is rated Blue Ribbon trout water by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, with more than 150 miles of free-flowing river and thousands of catchable trout per mile. Wade it, float it, or fish it from town.

When to come

  • Spring: pre-runoff fishing through late April.
  • Summer: peak season from mid-June to early August, with Tricos and Blue-Winged Olives in late July and August. Floating is best June through September.
  • Fall: big browns turn aggressive from mid-October into November.
The North Platte River at Treasure Island public access area, lined with cottonwoods
The North Platte at Treasure Island. Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Public access near Saratoga

Wyoming Game and Fish maintains public access areas up and down the river. A few close to town:

  • Foote1.5 miles north on WY-130 · 2.75 miles of walk-in access, boat ramps, accessible restroom
  • Treasure Island6 miles south on WY-230 · about 2 miles of frontage. The streambed is private — no wading or beaching on private land without permission.
  • Pick BridgeAbout 9 miles north on WY-130, then 3 miles west · boat ramp
  • SangerAbout 10 miles north, then 4 miles west · 4+ miles of access, two boat ramps
  • Saratoga LakeJust northwest of town · shoreline access, boat ramp and dock
  • Encampment RiverA smaller freestone river to the south — local outfitters guide it

Licenses

You’ll need a Wyoming fishing license. Daily, five-day and annual nonresident licenses are available online from Wyoming Game and Fish. Always check current regulations before you fish.

Local outfitters & guides

  • Medicine Bow Anglers / Hack’s TackleFly shop, guided float and wade trips on the North Platte and Encampment · (307) 326-9823 · website
  • High Plains Fly FishingGuided trips · (307) 399-9464 · website
  • Spur OutfittersGuided fishing from the Silver Spur lodge · website
  • DriftSaratoga fly fishing guides · (307) 223-2042 · Facebook

These are independent local businesses; call ahead to confirm availability.

Staying with us

Park your drift boat or trailer right at the motel — there’s room along the south side of the building — and the Cabin’s full kitchen is made for a week on the river. Every room has a mini fridge and microwave.

Make The Sage your basecamp. Ground-floor rooms, trailer parking and contactless check-in, a short walk from downtown. Book Your Stay