Postcard from the Past: How Did Trout Get in the Upper North Platte River?

According to historic accounts, the Upper North Platte River, which flows North through Saratoga, hasn’t always been a Blue Ribbon trout stream.

Early-day trappers who ranged up and down the valley – which extends from North Park, Colo. near Walden, Colo. to Seminoe Dam north of Sinclair – in the period between 1850-70, swore there were no game fish in the North Platte or its tributaries in those days.

However, by the time Warm Springs – later named Saratoga – was established around 1874, residents discovered there were thousands of trout in the river.

Several theories abound as to how the rivers, streams and lakes of the valley became stocked with trophy trout.

One is that in 1871 or 1872 a westbound Union Pacific express train loaded with Eastern trout bound for the West Coast became stranded on the Fort Steele Bridge across the Platte, and the crew was forced to dump its load of dying fish into the river. 

From there, thousands of brook and rainbow trout migrated 30 miles upstream and flourished in the waters fed by warm springs and flowing with tons of natural feed. Historians also contend the newly planted small trout had little competition and few predators.

Another account claims the first trout were planted in the Sierra Madre Mountains west of town and were Colorado cutthroat brought over from the Little Snake River drainage near Baggs in cream cans and pails, then released in Jack Creek around 1880. 

Yet another story states a rancher brought in the first shipment of brook trout in 1888 and planted them in Brush Creek, thus populating streams adjacent to the Wyoming and Colorado border.

All or none of these fish tales may be true. Take your pick.

The first fish hatchery was established on Heather Creek in 1906 and began planting local streams with rainbows and browns. The National Fish Hatchery, which exists today, was opened in 1915 and for years stocked local streams and lakes with a variety of trout.

History of the fabulous fishing in the Saratoga and Encampment area, plus more fish tales, will be spun next week during a Tuesday Talks program at the Community Center when several local fishermen, guides and Trout Unlimited members get together to set the record straight.

Don’t bet your favorite fishing pole on these folks getting all of their stories together.