Tag: miracle mile fly fishing

Welcome to June

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

*PURCHASE YOUR FISHING LICENSE ONLINE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE*

Sloanes General Store is no longer selling licenses and we will not be able to keep up with the demand so PLEASE get your licenses before you get here. Thank you!

 https://wgfd.wyo.gov/apply-or-buy

Well, it’s been a pretty nice start to June. Cool, wet weather has made it pretty pleasant and Central Wyoming looks nothing short of spectacular. Green and wildflowers, the prairie is alive! Granted the wet weather pattern we seem to be in has messed with the lower river clarity, it sure is nice to see the reservoirs on the rise. As if the fishing hasn’t been good enough, we are really excited to see what the summer brings.

GREY REEF: 1,200cfs Grey Reef dropped down to 1,200cfs early this morning. A somewhat unexpected drop, we are nice and clear up top. We have fishable water from Grey Reef Dam to just upstream of Government Bridge. Our team expects conditions to improve if we can dodge the big thunderstorms. Grey Reef has been buggy! Baetis and midges, not gonna lie, it has been a whole lot of fun.

MIRACLE MILE: 2,775cfs Flows on the Miracle Mile continue to hold steady, we haven’t seen a move on flows in well over a month. Fishing has been good, not great but good. Road conditions have been impacted by the weather, so watch the radar.

FREMONT CANYON: 72cfs Low and clear. A little crowded as you would expect but fishing pretty well from what we are hearing from our customers.

What to fish? Leeches, worms(San Juan), reef worms, baetis and midge patterns. But we’re not too far out from PMD movement on Grey Reef and golden stones on the Miracle Mile, so…

Bugs Popping

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Things are shaping up and its actually starting to feel a little bit like spring! We’ve been fielding a lot of calls/emails regarding the conditions on the North Platte, so folks here’s a current conditions report for ya!

GREY REEF: 450cfs, mostly clear from Grey Reef Dam to just upstream of Government Bridge. After that is slightly off colored but still very fishable, green with 2′ of visibility. As of right now, you could fish your way into Casper. Baetis(BWOs) are popping! The low pressure/overcast days have been pretty magical if you ask us.

MIRACLE MILE: 2,800cfs, clear. With the low lake level, the Mile is fishable to Sage Creek and well beyond. Road conditions are good. The fishing has been so-so. From the sounds of it, you’re gonna work for ’em.

FREMONT CANYON: 75cfs, slightly off colored but very fishable. Fishing in Cardwell and Fremont has been average. Some bugs(baetis/midges) coming off, depending on the conditions.

Overall, things are pretty solid. Looks like we have some more moisture forecasted this week. Just a heads up, we are thinking Mile flows will only continue to go up as we make our way into summer. Grey Reef will probably be holding steady for the coming week, if we had to guess. With the current snowpack levels this could really be a fun year in our neck of the woods.

Flush is Finished

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

*PURCHASE YOUR FISHING LICENSE ONLINE*

 https://wgfd.wyo.gov/apply-or-buy

Well, the spring flush has officially wrapped up. Flows on Grey Reef have gone back to 450cfs. At this point we do not have any information regarding the flows for Grey Reef later this spring and summer. As always, if we hear anything we will let you know. Currently Grey is is floatable and fishable downstream of Government Bridge. This is subject to change, especially this year with the amount of lingering snow drifts.

Miracle Mile? We have had guides at the Mile the past week and other than one 150yd stretch of Kortes Road, the getting around out there is relatively easy. Keep mind folks, we have some more wet weather on the horizon, so this is subject to change. As always, USE CAUTION when headed that direction.

It’s gradually starting to feel like spring and the fish are starting to act like it. With the flush in the rear view, the spawn is really going to fire up. PLEASE be considerate of the fish and don’t walk through the redds. It really is best if we leave the spawners alone.

Conditions, Flush and Fishing Report

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Well we’ve reached the end of February and it feels like spring can’t come soon enough. As much as we fishermen and women hope for a long brutal winter, I’m sure the people of Wyoming are looking forward to a break in the cold and snowy weather. It won’t be long until the spring Baetis are popping, the sun is warm, and the fishing seems like it can’t get any better. Make sure to give the shop a call and get your spring trips on the books, we are already filling up fast!

This past week we saw one of the larger snow events of the winter. Roads were closed across the state and temperatures dove into the negatives with widespread blizzard conditions. Casper received over 12” of snow, the mountain got closer to 24”-30”, and Alcova even got a whopping 8”. One of our ranching friends out in Alcova expressed that he hasn’t seen a winter like this since the 70’s, so I’d say we aren’t going to struggle too much with water this year. Our snowpack is sitting at a healthy 124%, but we suspect this value will increase with temperatures projected to stay below freezing and more snow undoubtedly on the way. 

And now for what I’m sure many of you have been waiting for: the *Flush Update*. As far as we know the Bureau of Rec is calling for the flush to start March 10th. The flush is completely dependent on ice conditions on the river, so we suspect this date will get pushed back due to the last snap of cold weather, and especially looking at the ice shelves more towards Casper. Unfortunately, we aren’t top of the list in terms of information regarding the flush, but if I had to guess we are looking more at mid to late march at the earliest. We will obviously keep you all updated the moment we learn anything more. Wish we could give more of a definitive answer!

And finally, let’s go over current fishing conditions on the Reef, Mile, and in the Canyon. 

Grey Reef: 450cfs

Conditions: The Reef saw a significant increase in ice due to the storm we received this week. The top 2 miles below the dam are fishable, but watch out for extended ice shelves. Some runs  may still have too much ice to productively fish. As of right now we don’t have a report on the floatability from the Dam to Lusby, give the shop a call at (307)232-9128 before you pull the boat out, we should know within the next couple of days. The Bridge run is completely frozen over, and there is little to no open water from the bridge to East of Casper. 

Nymphs: Leeches (brown, natural, UV ), hot-head leeches (brown w/orange head, black w/chartreuse head), PALs, Rhinestones, Reef Worms, Mini Impalers, Black Mayhems, Black All Day Mays, Scuds of various colors. Target water directly off a shelf, the slow insides, and the deep tailouts. Rigs have been living at 4-5 feet with anywhere from 1-3 BBs.

Streamers: Kreelex, Rusty-T, Goldie, Thin Mint, Peacock Bugger, Olive/Tan Peanut Envy etc. Make sure to be using a sink tip or sinking line. The most productive retrieval has either been low and slow, or just on the swing through the slow insides and long tailouts. Fish are hugged on the bottom and need that streamer right in front of their face to get a reaction. 

Miracle Mile: 490cfs +/-

We have no current fishing conditions for the Mile. With the past snowfall Kortes road is extremely drifted over and we do not advise driving out there. For updated reports on the road conditions please don’t hesitate to call the shop. 

Fremont Canyon: 76cfs

Unfortunately both of the roads out to Fremont are pretty drifted in as well. One of our local Game and Fish biologist was unable to get to the canyon yesterday because the drifts got pretty bad. The closer to the canyon you get the deeper the drifts are. These should clear up sooner than the Mile road, and we should have a report on that in the coming week. At this time, we do not advise driving to Fremont. 

Well that’s all for our fishing report as of right now. This winter has been a rough one and your best bet is always to call the shop before venturing out especially when you’re looking to fish Fremont or the Mile. We are chomping at the bit to see what this season has in store for us, and we can’t wait to see everyone up here once the weather clears up. Tight lines folks!

 

Happy New Year!

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Year.  Here’s to 2023!  Well, we are starting the year off right in Central Wyoming.  As we write this little report we are on the backend of a two day snow event that has taken snowpack above 120% in the entire North Platte River drainage.  We like it!

Otherwise things are good here, just getting dialed in for the upcoming season.  Before this latest storm the weather was pretty nice and we actually had a few boats on the water to round out the year.  When you get the weather windows the fishing has been pretty solid!  So here’s an updated conditions/fishing report for all of you winter anglers…

Current Flows:

Grey Reef: 450cfs  

Fremont Canyon: 76cfs  

Miracle Mile: 535cfs +/- (*As always this time of year use caution if you are thinking about venturing to the Mile.  Make sure to check with someone local and be prepared.)

Top Flies:

Nymphs: amber scud, ray charles(tan), rhinestone, PAL, pine squirrel leech(brown or natural), mayhem midge(black), reef worm, hot head pine squirrel leech(chartreuse and black)

Streamers: rusty-t, articulated goldie, goldie w/ a pine squirrel leech trailer

 

 

It’s Coming

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

After what has been arguably the nicest fall in history, it’s finally starting to turn a little here in Central Wyoming.  The past week has given us some pretty big wind, temperature swings and a little snow mixed in.  Like it, love it or hate it…it is about time.  Well then, how’s the fishing?  It’s been good!  Our crew has been spending a bulk of their time on Grey Reef.  Water conditions on Grey Reef are excellent, with fishable water from the Dam to Glenrock.  That’s a pile of water!  Streamer’s have been the name of the game as of late.  We love throwing an intermediate line(airflow fast intermediate) this time of year. It’s our go-to line for the low/clear water in the fall and winter months.  A single articulated streamer or two smaller single-hook patterns seem to be the ticket.  Our go-to streamers have been a rusty-t, petunia, goldie and/or a kreelex. Keep in mind with the colder weather and water temperatures dropping, you might need to slow down your strip.

In other fishing news, Kortes road from Alcova to the Miracle Mile is open.  As far as the fishing goes, it has been really windy but the fishing has been pretty good.  Our nymph rig has been 5-6ft with a worm, olive scud and/or a pheasant tail.  Streamers have been working as well.  A floating line with a 7-8ft leader, tethered to something white has been the ticket (I.E. goldies and white dungeons).

Well, winter is coming.  With that in mind, make sure to check both the weather and road conditions when venturing out.  Especially those of you headed to the Mile.  Stay safe and don’t hesitate to drop us a line if you have any questions.

October!!!

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

September went by in a flash and it did not disappoint!  As we round out the first ten days of October, all we can say is that it has been a dandy thus far.  Weather and conditions are primo!!  Flows on Grey Reef remain at 500cfs and the river is clear, extremely clear, especially down low.  Conditions are prime for the picking from Grey Reef Dam to Glenrock.  Miracle Mile is in good shape as well, not quite the clarity but fishing has been good.  But as you would expect it has been busy with both fisherman and fall hunting camps.  Fremont Canyon is at it’s low flow as well (72cfs) and the water is off-colored.

So what’s happening on the fishing front?  Well, to start you need to be rigged for just about anything and everything right now.  We are still seeing good numbers of tricos and pseudos, making for some legit dry fly-fishing.  One of our guides even got a few to eat a hopper the other day.  We are also starting to see some fish really moving for streamers.  Nymphing is good, per usual.  Our rigs have been 2-6ft, a single #4 split to 2 ABs…it just depends on the depth and the speed of the water you are fishing.  Our top nymphs have been pheasant tails, foam wing RS2s, mayhems, pat’s rubber legs and PALs.

Feels a Little Like Fall

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Cool and rainy this morning in Central Wyoming.  Not gonna lie, it feels pretty good!  We are officially at the midpoint of September and we are right where we are supposed to be.  Flows on Grey Reef are at 500cfs, Miracle Mile 530cfs and Fremont is holding steady at 75cfs.  Everything is fishing well, actually really well.  Water temperatures have dropped to a more comfortable level and conditions, especially on Grey Reef, are primo.

Pretty standard when we see the drop in flows, Grey Reef is running very clear and the vegetation is far less of a hinderance.  That being said, it has been buggy and the fish are looking up.  Huge trico numbers in the morning and pseudos in the afternoon.  Our Grey Reef guides have pretty much been rowing around looking for heads.  A little longer leader, tethered to 4X or 5X with a single dry (i.e. para adams, trico spinner), or a double fly rig with something a little bulkier (i.e. X caddis) with a trico spinner dropper. If dry fly fishing isn’t your thing, you can still catch them on trusty nymph rig.  Our go-to nymphs have been PALs, RS2 foam-wings in black and grey, pheasant tails, Pat’s rubber legs and/or a black two-bit hooker.  Our nymph rigs have been between 3-6ft in length and anything from no weight to 1-2BB split shot.  It really just depends on the type of water you are fishing.

Grey Reef/Miracle Mile Flow Projections

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Well for those of you who did not see our social media posts, Grey Reef flows are up.  Grey Reef is currently sitting at 2,000cfs.  It was a welcomed bump in flows for sure, especially considering the warmer weather we have had over the weekend.  From what we have heard, flows on Grey Reef may reach 3,500cfs by the end of this month.  Plans for the Mile are as follows; remain at 1,500cfs for the next few weeks, then drop down to 500cfs for the remainder of the summer.  That’s what we know at this time and as always we will keep you updated as we learn more.

More Like Winter

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

After a very mild and pleasant fall we have rolled into more of our standard winter weather program.  Weather and wind.  Either we’re getting snow or it’s blowing, that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.  Population control for Central Wyoming.

Grey Reef is finally starting to see some icy conditions below Government Bridge.  The Upper, as always this time of year, is the place to be.  Flows are at 450cfs and clear, with the vegetation becoming less and less by the day.  Pine squirrel leeches, PALs, rhinestones, reef worms and small pheasant tails are the bugs of choice.  With water temperatures dropping we are definitely concentrating on the lower half of the run and focusing on the deeper tailouts and seams.  Thats not to say you can’t find them nosed up to shelf during the afternoon midge hatch but the most overall productive water is going to be the deep stuff.

So how about the Miracle Mile fishing report?  Well, with the weather finally shaping up more into its winter pattern the crowds have finally started to subside.  Per usual, make sure to check with us our someone else “local” this time of year before you venture that way.  Roads can get nasty and the Mile is not the place to get stuck this time of year.  While nymphing is always a popular winter program on the Mile, you’ll find most of us headed out there to swing a streamer.  Again, with water temperatures hovering slightly above freezing, the slow/deep tailouts are your friend.  Intermediate lines and/or a short sink-tip is the way to go.  These lines along with a weighted streamer will get you into the lower third of the water column, putting your streamer in front of their faces.  For whatever reason you’re hard pressed to beat an articulated goldie or rusty trombone when it comes to swinging the Miracle Mile.