Fly Fishing Report for:

North Platte River - Grey Reef - Wyoming

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Black Beauty, WD-40
Scuds All Day #16 - #20 Ray Charles, Orange Scud
February Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Smoke Jumper, Mercury Black Beauty
Scuds All Day #16 - #20 Bead Head Orange Scud, Sparkle Scud
March Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Late Morning - Afternoon #16 - #20 RSS BWO, CDC Thorax BWO
Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Foam Back Emerger, Rainbow Warrior
April BWO Cloudy Afternoon #16 - #20 RS2, BWO Sparkle Dun
Midges Morning - Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Red Midge Larva
May Caddis Late Afternoon - Dusk #14 - #18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
June Green Drake Cloudy Afternoon #10 - #14 Green Drake Cripple, Comparadun Green Drake
PMD Morning - Afternoon #16 - #20 PMD Sparkle Dun, Yellow Sally
July PMD Morning - Afternoon #16 - #20 PMD Cripple, Rusty Spinner
Trico Morning #20 - #24 Trico Spinner, CDC Trico Dun
August Trico Morning #20 - #24 Trico Parachute, Trico Spinner
Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Early Morning - Noon #16 - #20 PMD Cripple, PMD Sparkle Dun
September Trico Morning #20 - #24 No-Hackle Spinner, CDC Trico Spinner
BWO Morning - Afternoon #16 - #22 BWO Sparkle Dun, BWO Cripple
October BWO Morning - Afternoon #16 - #20 RSS 2 BWO, Sparkle Wing RS2
Midges All Day #18 - #22 Zebra Midge, WD40
November Midges All Day #18 - #22 Bling Midge, Top Secret Midge
Scuds All Day #16 - #20 Olive Scud, Miracle Nymph
December Midges All Day #18 - #22 Tungsten Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge
Scuds All Day #16 - #20 Grey Scud, Pink Scud

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The North Platte River – Grey Reef in Wyoming is a highly-praised destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the most recommended spots:
  • Grey Reef Dam: This provides a rich fishing habitat with large rainbow, brown trout, and cutthroats.
  • The Miracle Mile: This famous stretch of river lies between Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs and is known for its large fish population.
  • Lusby: An access point near a breadth of slower, deeper water that fish often favor.
  • Fremont Canyon: A steep canyon stretch with excellent wading opportunities.
  • Government Bridge: An access point downstream from the Reef with good spring and fall fishing.
After considering water conditions, availability of fishing guides, and the type of fish you aim to catch, any of these locations can provide a phenomenal fishing experience.

Best Access Points

The North Platte River – Grey Reef is a renowned destination for fly fishing, offering an abundance of trout. Here are the top access points:

  • Grey Reef Dam: Starting with the most popular, this point is located under the dam. It offers excellent year-round fishing conditions.
  • Lusby: This popular access has one of the best walk-in fishing areas accessible by an easy-to-walk path.
  • Government Bridge: This access point is popular in the spring when higher water levels make easier navigation for the fish.
  • Tatum: This hidden access point is found downstream of the Miracle Mile and is less crowded.
  • Besasso Bridge (Bennet Peak): This point is ideal for those seeking solitude while fishing.
  • Sechrist: This location is particularly popular in the fall for the brown trout spawning season.

Ensure you follow local fishing regulations and always respect the natural environment when visiting.

Local Fish

  • Brown trout: The North Platte River – Grey Reef is well-known for its surplus of brown trout, making them an obvious target for fly fishing.
  • Rainbow trout: Rainbow trout are plentiful in the river and can reach large sizes, providing an exciting challenge for anglers.
  • Brook trout: Often found in the quieter sections of the river, brook trout are a favorite among fly fishers for their beauty and fight.
  • Cutthroat trout: The cutthroat trout is a prized catch for fly fishers due to their aggressive nature and striking colouration.
  • Mountain Whitefish: While not as prestigious as other species, mountain whitefish are plentiful in the North Platte River and easily enticed by flies.
  • Yellow Perch: These are challenging to catch which makes it a target for many experienced fly fishers.
  • Common Carp: These bottom feeders are challenging to catch on a fly rod, adding to the appeal for many anglers.
  • Walleye: Known for their delicious taste and sizable fight, walleye greatly enhances the diversity of the North Platte River fishery.

About The River

The North Platte River – Grey Reef is a historical and scenic treasure nestled in Wyoming’s rugged landscape. This gem emerged over thousands of years, molding itself through geological progressions.

This area holds a notable chapter in America’s pioneer history. Throughout the 19th century, it was a critical frontier trail for settlers moving westward.

One of the highlights of the North Platte River is the Grey Reef. Known for its excellent trout fishing, enthusiasts and beginners alike are drawn from across the globe. The Grey Reef stretches over a 60-mile section of the river, with clear waters and a thriving population of rainbow and brown trout.

Key points:
  • The North Platte River has a significant role in U.S. pioneer history.
  • Grey Reef is a global hot spot for trout fishing.
It’s truly a treasure, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, promising visitors an experience that’s as rich in information as it is in adventure.
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