It’s that time of year when drift boats start popping up for sale. Naturally, the questions start rolling in, too. The biggest one being: What drift boat works best on the North Platte? Great question! Different boats work better in different places. If you’re shopping for a boat to fish around Casper, there are a few things worth considering.
Drift Boat or Raft?
There’s a reason we’re talking drift boats instead of rafts. While rafts absolutely have their place, they aren’t always the best fit for our river system.
Rafts are lightweight and easy to transport. However, Wyoming wind can push them around in a hurry. If you’re visiting for a few days, a raft will get the job done. If you’re fishing several times a week, fighting the wind can get old fast.
Low-Profile Boats Work Best
Boat style matters on the North Platte. There’s a reason you don’t see many guides rowing high-sided boats around here. Low-profile, skiff-style drift boats catch less wind and are easier to manage on breezy days. Plus, our water is relatively calm, so you don’t need a tall boat to handle the river.
Some of the most common drift boats around here include the RO Drift Boats Tailwater Skiff, ClackaCraft Eddy, and ClackaCraft Headhunter Skiff.
You’ll also see boats from Adipose Boatworks, including the Adipose Flow. These are great options for the North Platte, too.
Weight Makes a Difference
RO and ClackaCraft boats tend to be lighter. That can make a big difference when you’re back-rowing all day. However, lighter boats can take more muscle to control in strong winds. Adipose boats tend to be heavier, which can help them stay planted when the Wyoming wind picks up. The trade-off? Heavier boats can be harder to back-row and load onto the trailer at the end of the day.
There’s no perfect answer here. Think about how often you’ll fish, how much rowing you’ll do, and how comfortable you are handling a boat in the wind. A lot of boat selection comes down to personal preference.
Don’t Overlook the Oars
Most used drift boats come with oars, but don’t assume they’re worth keeping. Think of oars like fly line on a fly rod. Cheap fly line on an expensive rod can cancel out much of the rod’s potential. Meanwhile, quality fly line can make an affordable setup fish much better.
Oars work the same way. A good set makes rowing more efficient and comfortable, even if the boat itself isn’t top-of-the-line. Around here, we’re big fans of Sawyer SquareTop oars.
Check the Trailer Before You Buy
Most used drift boats come with a trailer. Make sure it’s in good shape before handing over your money. Trailer repairs can get expensive quickly. Ask when the bearings were last packed. Check for rust, worn rollers, and damaged components. Always plug in the trailer lights before buying. Nothing ruins the excitement of a new-to-you boat like getting pulled over because the taillights don’t work.
Buying a Used Guide Boat?
One last thing to watch for is old guide-service identification. Some used boats around Casper may still have guide license numbers or Bureau of Land Management stickers on the boat or trailer. These can be tied to specific permits or operating requirements. Before taking the boat out on the water, pull these stickers off if has not already been done.
The Bottom Line
The best drift boat for the North Platte is one that fits your fishing style, budget, and tolerance for Wyoming wind.
Look for a low-profile design, quality oars, and a solid trailer. A clean, well-maintained used boat can be a better buy than a more expensive boat that needs work.
Still have questions about buying a drift boat for the North Platte? Stop by Ugly Bug Fly Shop in Casper. We’re happy to talk boats, fishing, and what works best around here.
