Tag: north platte river fly shop

North Platte River Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by AdminTRFS

It’s that time of year again, shoulder season rates are here and the fishing is great! Take advantage of $100 off of full day and 1/2 day trips, discounted lodging and lodging/guided fishing packages! Fishing remains good even after the the temps have dropped a bit. That being said there are plenty of days that have highs in the 50’s and little wind. Those days have had some incredible dry fly action with pods of fish rising all over the place. You can definitely throw a dry at these pods or another way to go is to  put a small streamer on and make one of the big boys come out and snatch it! This weekend’s weather looks pretty nice, good chance to get up here and get some November fishing in!

Fremont/Cardwell-75 CFS- Fishing has been consistently good on the nymph rig, a shorter more suspended rig has been out producing the heavier longer ones. Reef Worms, pheasant tails, macgruber midge, Rs2’s, and leeches are all on the menu. The streamer bite has been good on some days, especially the overcast days. the vegetation is still present but definitely fishable!

Miracle Mile-500 CFS- The Mile has been fishing well even with a lot of pressure, it has been pretty crowded up there. Nymphing is solid with san juans, leeches, scuds,Pat’s Rubber legs, rs2’s, and midges. Swinging streamers is most of what we’ve been doing, the Kreelex, rusty trombone, goldie, and Peanut Envy’s have all been working well. This is true for all three tailwaters but please mind the redds out there, it’s best to just let the fish do their thing!

Grey Reef- 500 CFS- Fishing has been good from the dam to below Casper. Fishing seems to be the best during the warmest part of the day, that’s your best chance of seeing a baetis or pseudo hatch! When you see fish eating on the surface a well placed parachute adams in #18 is all you need. Streamer fishing has been solid as well. Slow swinging the goldie or kreelex in the deeper runs has been the most productive. Our go-to nymphs have been pheasant tails, flashbang midges, macgrubers, reef worms, leeches. and rs2’s!

As always of you have any questions stop by the shop or give us a call!

 

Fall is Here!!! North Platte Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by AdminTRFS

Fall is here and we are loving it (so are the fish)! With the temperature dropping a little bit and getting some more overcast days the streamer bite has definitely picked up. plus, the nymphing and dry fly fishing is still good which makes this is an exciting time to be fishing! October and November have some awesome fishing opportunities with big fish, low and clear water, and  hardly any crowds. We are starting to see some brown trout Redds out there, be mindful of where you are wading and please don’t target any spawning fish!

Fremont/Cardwell- 75 CFS Fishing has been solid up there with some really nice fish being caught. Nymphing is still the most productive. Top bugs have been Scuds in olive, tan, and orange, Pheasant tails, RS2’s in chocolate, grey, and olive, Macgruber Midge, and the brassie. Make sure to play around with how heavy and deep you’re fishing. Small adjustments can make a big difference! Streamer fishing has also been good, especially in the canyon section. Goldies, Rusty’s, and Near Nuff Sculpins have been our go-to’s.
Miracle Mile- 500 CFS Fishing has been good most days, there are still days where the fishing is slower. Streamer bite has been picking up, mostly slow swinging streamers in the deeper sections of the runs. Rusty trombones, goldies, kreelex, and peanut envy’s have all been getting it done. As far as nymphs go san juan worms in red, purple, and pink, leeches. scuds, pheasant tails, uv emergers, rs2’s, and mayhem midges.
Grey Reef- East of Casper- 500 CFS The river has been fishing well from the Dam all the way to below Casper. There is more vegetation in the river the closer you are to Grey Reef Dam. The fishing is still good you just have to focus your efforts on the moving water and channels in between the weeds and in the bigger runs. Fish a little heavier and deeper on the upper section and lighten and shorten up the further downstream you get. Pheasant tails, RS2’s, barr’s emergers, hare’s ears, big bear beatis, mayhem midge, leeches and scuds have been the top flies. There are rising fish out there, more so in the afternoons. A well placed #18-20 Parachute Adams in grey or purple has been fooling them.
As always if you have any questions stop by the shop or give us a call!

Dry Fly Time is HERE!

Posted on by AdminTRFS

Fishing has been great the past couple of weeks here on the North Platte, fish are as happy and healthy as ever! Flows have dropped down a bit and that has only seemed to make the dry fly fishing better! This time of year has some awesome fishing opportunities, wading, and in the boat but the best thing is the lack of crowds.

Fremont- 75 CFS- Fishing has been awesome ever since the flow drop and the fish are charged up! Nymphing is consistent all day with mayhem midges, rs2’s, pheasant tails, prince nymphs, tung teasers and hare’s ears. The dry fly thing has been a fun way to to get them though, tricos in the morning with patterns like GS trico spinner, rusty spinner, and a parachute adams, Hoppers in the afternoon with godzilla hopper, pink pookie, and the water walker and Caddis in the evening with elk hair caddis, x caddis, and galloup’s goober caddis! Look for risers, get the right angle on them and try to make a cast that lands just in front of their nose.

Miracle Mile- 1,000 CFS The water is tanic colored but that hasn’t affected the fishing, it’s still the normal miracle mile, great some days and not so great on others. Our top producers have been san juan worms, prince nymphs, tung teasers, mayhem midges, and pheasant tails. Try throwing some streamers if some cloud cover shows up. Black Peanut envy, rusty trombone, and the articulated goldie are our favorites.

Grey Reef-Casper 2,200 CFS Big fish looking up! The trico thing is picking up more steam everyday, now we are seeing good pods of fish rising to the spinner fall instead of just single risers out there. The podded up fish are by far more catchable! We’ve been throwing parachute adams in #16-18 with a trico 24″ behind that. GS trico spinner or the two wing trico have been go-tos. After the trico fish are done eating we have been switching to hoppers, more-or-less hopper in tan, goldenrod, or pink, the pink pookie, godzilla hopper, south fork chernobyl, and yeti hopper are all getting them! Nymphing has been solid too with prince nymphs, pheasant tails, PALs, rs2’s, leeches and still some reef worms. You can go a little deeper and heavier towards grey reef dam and shorter and lighter the closer you get to Casper.

 

As always if you have any questions you can stop by the shop or give us a call!

Glory Days of Summer- North Platte Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by AdminTRFS

Finally feels like summer is here, we’re happy and so are the fish! You can find fish with dries, streamers and nymphs right now! With stable flows and clear cold water we have been making the most out of this summer. Also with flows at 3,000 on the Reef  the fish are becoming more bank oriented, that combined with warm temps mean we might be in for some killer hopper fishing!

Miracle Mile – 4,000 CFS The stonefly hatch has been winding down but there are still plenty of fish that are willing to eat a dry fly. Golden stoneflies can live up to two weeks out of the water after they hatch. Best times to really see some surface activity is early in the morning or late at night. We’ve been using water walkers, chubbies. and the dog puke stone for dries. Nymphing has still been the most productive method out there, Leeches, pat’s rubber legs, san juan worms, prince nymphs, poxyback PMD’s, and rs2’s have all been getting ’em. Try to find the slowest water you can that’s near faster water and you should find some fish. You don’t have to go super deep either, try a shorter but heavy rig to catch those fish on the seams and edges.

Fremont- 900 CFS Don’t let the higher flows scare you off, the fishing is still good up there. Birds nest, rs2’s ,PALs, and mayhem midges have been working, but the real winner up there has been the worm. San Juans in various colors and reef worms have been the ticket. Also always keep a hopper in mind this time of year, especially at higher flows with water up in the grass.

Grey Reef- Casper 3,000 CFS Fishing has been great lately, especially in the morings. Just because the flows are higher does NOT mean you have to fish deeper and heavier. 3-6 ft indicator to weight and 1 bb up to 2 AB’s has been our weight.Pheasant tails, Barr’s emergers, poxyback pmds, prince nymphs, PAL’s, san juans and leeches have all been good!  Hoppers have been getting some attention, it’s not hot and heavy yet but there are some fish willing to take one.

 

As always of you have any questions stop by the shop or give us a call at 307-232-9128

No Runoff Here! North Platte Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by AdminTRFS

One of the advantages of being a tailwater is that we don’t experience runoff like a freestone river, while our flows may get high in the summer the water is still clean and cold. All three tailwater sections of the Platte around Alcova are fishing great, wading and out of the boat! Even when the water does start to come up later this year we have awesome opportunities to catch fish in some really fun water.

Miracle Mile- 4,000 CFS Don’t let this flow fool you, there are still plenty of great wade fishing options at the mile. The water is clear, cold, and looking great. We are just on the cusp of the golden stonefly hatch, big fish on big bugs! Having some higher flows can make for the perfect storm of pushing fish over to the edges and banks right where the stoneflies are crawling over to hatch. Dry dropper rigs can work really well try fishing Chubby Cheronobyls, trina’s dog puke stone, and water walkers for dries. Pat’s rubber legs, BH 20 inchers, and halfbacks are all great droppers or just fishing those with a san juan worm under an indicator can be a lot of fun as well!

Fremont- 75 CFS- The fishing has been good, especially sight nymphing to those big fish. Grab a buddy and go down the canyon, one person spots a fish and the other tries to catch them. Dry dropper rigs work well for that or mini nymph rigs. Parachute adams or elk hair caddis for the dry flies and rs2’s, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, poxyback PMD’s, and barr’s emergers for the nymphs.

Grey Reef- 1200 CFS- The upper section is looking good and fishing well. There are some feeder creeks bringing in some dirty water below Government Bridge, so it’s best to stick to the upper 12 miles. Leeches, scuds, prince nymphs, hare’s ears, all day mays, PAL’s, and rs2’s have been our top producers. We’re finding most of the fish concentrated on drop offs and shelves, which makes for great wade fishing!

As always if you have any questions stop by the shop everyday from 7:00-6:00 or give us a call at 307-232-9128.

It’s Mini Rigging Time! North PLatte Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by AdminTRFS

*****UPDATE 5/28

Lots of moisture has muddied up the river below ledge creek (4 miles down from grey reef dam) As of now the water clarity is good at the the dam. If the rain keeps up Grey reef reservoir could get dirty and we would see off color water at the dam. We would suggest not going to the Mile as that road is in bad shape right now. That being said we have really nice weather coming up and the river should clear up quickly. We will keep you updated if conditions change. Fishing can still good in off-color water, fish still have to eat!

Things are buggy here on the North Platte, midges, baetis, and even some caddis are all around! We’re finding a lot of fish hanging out at the top of runs, edges, and seams feasting on bugs. A “mini rig” has been working well for these fish. Our set up is typically 2-3′ indicator to weight with a #4 or #6 as your weight. This rig works especially well during a hatch. Wade fishing or out of a boat, this is a really fun way to fish, use a small indicator or a yarn indicator for a more subtle approach. There are still fish spawning out there, do NOT fish to spawning fish or walk on their Redds!

Miracle Mile- 2,700 CFS Don’t be fooled by the higher flows, there’s no need to go super heavy and deep. There are plenty of fish feeding on bugs in the softer water, Pheasant Tails #16-20, Barr’s Emergers, PALs, Mayhem Midges, and RS2s have all been on the menu. Of course a red san juan is always a good go-to out there as well. The road was not in good condition yestesday and this rain will keep it muddy for a bit, please use your best judgement when heading out there.

Fremont- 75 CFS- The mini rig is a solid approach up there, the water is very clear you’ll be able to see the fish up in the water column feeding. Aero beatis, juju baetis, RS2s, all day may’s, PAL’s, and pheasant tails are the way to go. Dry fly fishing has been productive, a well placed comparadun or parachute adams with get eaten. Pick your fish and try to get a cast one foot in front of it.

Grey Reef- 500 CFS Fishing has been great in faster water, riffles, drop offs, and edges of the big runs. Same thing here, that “mini-rig” has been working well. Any spot that looks “fishy” is probably holding some fish. Pheasant tails, rednecks, PAL’s, rs2’s, all day may’s, zebra midges, mayhem midges, and Barr’s emergers have been our top producers.

As always stop by the shop or give us a call if you have any questions. Our hours are 7:00A.M.-6:00 P.M. everyday, come by and check out our renovated shop!

Posted on by AdminTRFS

The 2019 flush has been pushed back to March 29th and will now be a ten day flush. The flush cleans out the river and creates excellent spawning habitat so our rainbows can have a easier time making the next generation of fish.

The daily schedule, every day, for the entirety of the flush:

00:01 – 01:00 a.m. 500 CFS

01:00 – 02:00 a.m. 2000 CFS

02:00 – 04:00 a.m. 4000 CFS

04:00 – 04:30 a.m. 3000 CFS

04:30 – 05:00 a.m. 2000 CFS

05:00 – 06:00 a.m. 1000 CFS

06:00 – midnight    500 CFS

This is an awesome time to experience the Reef. The water coming up not only creates a better spawning habitat but stirs up tons of food. We like fishing leeches, cranefly larva, annelids, san juans, and streamers during the flush. The flush can get the big fish on the feed!

Until then the fishing will remain awesome! Leeches and reef worms have been working well, especially in the mornings, fishing 5’ indicator to weight and 2 bb’s for your weight. As the day progresses we have been seeing big midge hatches, lighten up your rig and throw some bugs whe this happens. The PAL, Mayhem midge, all day may, and flashbang midge have all been working well! Streamer fishing has also been producing, the rusty trombone, goldie , and black peanut envy have been the top flies. Keep your retrieve super slow and focus on the bottom half of the runs in the slower deeper water.

  If you have any questions give the shop a call at 307-232-9128 or stop in and say hi from 7:00-5:00 everyday!

Hot Fishing/Cold Weather North Platte Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Fishing has been great lately! We had boats out yesterday and they did well both nymphing and on streamers! Flows have stayed the same, 500 CFS at the Mile and Grey Reef and 75 CFS at Cardwell. Weather looks cold this week, be mindful of keeping fish in the water after you land them so you do not freeze their gills.

Nymphing: Right now (and the whole year) nymphing remains the most consistent way to catch fish. During the colder parts of the day you’ll find you need to fish deeper and heavier and focus on the slower, deeper sections of the runs. We’ve been fishing 5-6 feet indicator to weight with 1-2 BB’s as our weight. Our best bugs have been Pine Squirrel leeches, Hot head leeches, Reef Worms, Deep Purples, Scuds, and midge larva patterns like the PAL. As the day warms up you might see some midges hatching, try moving up in the water column or fishing closer to the top of the run. Emergers like the All Day May, RS2, Mayhem Midge, and crystal midge have been getting some love during the hatch.

Streamers: The name of the game is speed, how fast to retrieve your fly. Typically the past few weeks the retrieve needs to be as slow as possible. Big long strips or just swinging your fly has been good. Our go-tos are the Rusty Trombone, Goldie, Foxy Clouser, Peanut Envys, and the kreelex.

Dries: Some dry fly action durning the midge hatches, it has been few and far between though. A small parachute Adams, griffiths gnat, or Cdc Midge should work for the fish you find sipping.

Our shoulder season packages go to March 15th, that’s 2 nights in a cottage and 1 day guided fishing for $600. This is a great opportunity to come experience the North Platte with few crowds and great fishing! As always if you have any questions stop in the shop or give us a call!

Grey Reef Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Fishing has been good all winter long! Nymphing remains your best bet, but streamer fishing has been really good on most sections. The weather looks like its going to cold and snowy the next few days, fishing will be best during the warmest part of the day.

Fremont/Cardwell 75 CFS- The flows have dropped back down the their winter normal. Nymphing has been solid, focus your efforts of the slower deeper water with Reef Worms, leeches, and scuds. If the temp increase enough during the day you might see some midges hatching. You can shorten and lighten up your rigs and fish on the edges of the faster water towards the top of the runs. The PAL, UV emerger, and all day may are good go-tos when that happens.

Miracle Mile 500 CFS- Fishing has been pretty good out there. Swinging streamers has been effective, keep your fly moving as slow as possible. The rusty trombone, articulated goldie, and the kreelex have been our top streamers. As far as nymphs go San Juans, leeches, soft tex scuds, PAL, Flashbang midge, and reef worms have been our top producers. The road was getting sloppy out there this past weekend with the warmer temps but will freeze beck up with this storm. There were a lot of snow drift though and this storm will only make them larger. Be careful and use your best judgment driving out there. Some of those drifts are really long and easy to get stuck in.

Grey Reef 500 CFS- The Reef has still been the best section of the North Platte to fish. Consistent nymph and streamer action. Same flies as the other sections with the red reef worm in #16-18 being king. Most of the fish being caught have been in the deeper slower runs, focus on the bottom 2/3 of the run. Dam to Lusby is still floatable but this cold snap might change that. Give the shop a call of your thinking about floating for updated conditions.

As always if you have any questions or want to book your next Grey Reef experience give the shop a call or stop in from 8-2!

Winter Fishing is on Fire!

Posted on by The Reef Fly Shop

Fishing has been excellent the past few weeks, both nymphing and with streamers! Fish are really healthy, fighting hard, and plentiful,  and with hardly any crowds this time of year you feel like you have the river to yourself. That’s why winter is one of our favorite times to get out and fish. Also a great time to take advantage of our shoulder season package; 2 nights in a Cottage and 1 FULL day of fishing for 2 anglers for $600!!!

Grey Reef-Lusby 500 CFS- Fishing has been excellent. Focus on the slower, deeper water if there’s not a hatch going on. Reef Worms, LAZY, PAL’s, leeches, and RS2’s have been our best nymphs fishing them a little deeper and heavier this time of year. When midges start popping try moving your flies up in the water column and fish closer to the top of the run or on the edges. We can get some really good midges hatches in the winter and even some dry fly action on the right day. Streamer fishing has been top notch, keep the fly moving as slow as possible even try dead drifting them. Goldies, rusty trombones, and Mini dungeons are all working!

Fremont/Cardwell-400 CFS- While the flows are still higher than normal the fishing has been great. Just focus on the slowest water you can find. All of the the long runs in the Meadow have been fishing well in the last 2/3 of the run. Leeches, annelids, scuds, and midges have all been working well.

Miracle MIle- 500 CFS- Fishing has been pretty good out there with some days being better than others. Swinging streamers this time of year can be a really fun way to catch them right now. The Reefs Goldie, Rusty Trombone, Galloups Dungeons, Peanut Envys, and laser legal have been go-tos!

If you have any questions or want to book your next Grey Reef experience stop by the shop or give us a call 307-232-9128