The Guide Report


In the recent weeks, there has been some unbelievable and tragic flooding in the United States. From Nebraska, South Dakota into Montana and North Dakota. Ice jams and high waters have devastated many of our great country towns, cities and farmlands. Our heart goes out to all who are hurting. If you are wanting to help in any way. There are a few ways. From food and clothing donations all the way to aid and relief donations. Check with your local area to see how to help or Click the links below to learn more.

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/flood-relief.html

https://criout.com/donate/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhPfkBRD0ARIsAAcYycH3iQ7ZV-_MS17q8riM2-6kFGmiOca0EGWgkYAoKCe3PMDUV65d2b8aAq2bEALw_wcB

Here in Alcova we are fortunate to not have these events happening to us. There is a series of lakes and bottom release dams upstream of Alcova. That and being relatively in close proximity to each other, this keeps flooding at bay. There is some ice that forms further downstream from Grey reef dam but because of the low flows and not a lot of run off in the drainages entering the river, these devastating ice jams are not formed like they are in large rivers across our nation. We have received quite a few phone calls asking if we are affected by these and we appreciate the concern of everyone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are not as fortunate. 

Etiquette – noun; the customary code of polite behavior in a society or among members of a particular profession or group.

For many years, guys have been “rowing” around this topic. River etiquette and respectfully fishing around others. At any time, and for many reasons, certain stretches of the North Platte River can get a little busy. Boats can get bottle necked up in runs and wade fishermen and women can get stacked along the banks. That being said, it is easy for frustrations to ensue. This can be easily avoided if everyone is on the same page. First off, be polite. Have you ever heard the term, “respect is earned, not given”? It is simple, treat anglers with the same respect and curtesy that you would like to have. This applies here to the max. Move over for anglers and give them space. Now, we all understand that sometimes this is unavoidable. Obstacles in the way to prevent you from maneuvering without hitting. All the way to weather conditions. This brings up the next topic: Be vocal. If you have to move a certain direction and are unable to give the wade fishermen space, let them know. Just don’t assume that everyone knows. Many anglers have never rowed a boat and do not understand this. By having a quick, respectful conversation with everyone, letting them know, it will be very much appreciated. All of this applies to other boaters. When a boat is in a stretch on a certain line, follow them. And if you don’t know where they were fishing, ask. It is all the etiquette of the anglers and guides that can make every one’s experiences that much better. 

It was a awesome stretch of weather we just had for a few straight days. Very little wind. Not kidding, almost no wind. Sunny days. And happy fishermen. This beckoned anglers from all over to get out and enjoy it. The Spring Flush started today and it couldn’t have happened at a more opportune time. The North Platte river, downstream from the Lusby access take out has been dirty all the way to town. The recent warm weather meting away snow along the banks and drainages making it muddy. The flush will help move that dirty water away faster giving everyone the opportunity to spread out and fish about anywhere. However, as we are updating you as we speak, we are getting hit with yet another spring snow storm. A wet heavy snow has covered us up and is continuing to come down. Its only supposed to last for today but it is definitely nice to get all this moisture. If you haven’t done so and are looking to get some days in on the North Platte. Give us a call and get your trips booked. We hope to see you out there.

Grey Reef Angling Report


Winter Wyoming fly fishing at its best. Grey Reef is fishing very good with nymph rigs and streamer rigs. Nymphs are very consistent and the streamer activity fluctuates from good to very good. The North Platte River was slushy below Government Bridge yesterday and fully iced at the Narrows. Expect portions of  upper Grey Reef to freeze over with our approaching chilly front. It will be below zero tomorrow eve with a high a couple degrees below zero on Wednesday. Wednesday night will be -10* or so. Thursday and Friday also look chilly.

Grey Reef Fly Fishing Report


Fly fishing Grey Reef was a tough proposition yesterday. Winds over the North Platte River Valley were nuking. Of course, Jackson was in the midst of a huge snow event…that’s how it works. We had a little rain last night and this AM is calm. We do have guide boats on the water today and will get a report as soon as possible. In the meantime a standard nymph rig with a scud, leech, worm and midge is a slam dunk. 6-8′ leaders and a bit of weight. Slow deep tailouts and seems are the place to concentrate most of your efforts. But, as the hatch is in full swing snug up into the drops and riffles. A slow retrieve on a streamer rig has also been good. Keep the streamer low and level!

Spring is fast upon us and we are expecting our typical excellent fishing. Call 307.237.1182 if you are interested in a full lodge package, cottages or guided fly fishing. Our early season specials run through March 31st. Day trips are $350, a day trip and one night in a cottage is $450, two nights one day is only $525. Plus you get 17 miles of exclusive Grey Reef fishing access and an awesome location/accommodations.

We are offering bed and breakfast specials at the North Platte Lodge for early season. If you are bringing a group and all want to be in one location(the best) we can take take care of you regardless if you are fishing with us or not or not fishing at all. Our facility makes a great corporate retreat.

Wyoming Fly Fishing Report


The Grey Reef crew worked them yesterday. North Platte River was warm and bluebird with a little wind but the fishing was very good. No new news on the bugs of choice EXCEPT you should check out a few of our patterns newly released for sale in the shop. The Mayhem Midge comes to mind. These new patterns combine elements of simplicity, durability and the things that we love about FLY  FISHING. So much fun to learn about the nature and behavior of trout and go outside the box. Fish pushing into unusual areas and continually suspending very high in the water column to take advantage of the hatch. We like flies that will preform from the bottom to the film and everything in between.

It appears the Wyoming Fishing Regulations may have been amended to make enforcement of pinned bead/snagging rigs much easier. We will see how this plays out?

North Platte Lodge has a few very nice April availabilities. April is arguably the most desirable month on Grey Reef and Miracle Mile. Call for dates and package prices.

North Platte River Fly Fishing Report


Yesterday was quiet on Grey Reef despite very nice conditions. Today is touch windy over the Alcova region. We will have guides on the water today and will post their findings as they report.

Grey Reef Fishing Report


Grey Reef fishing was very good yesterday. Report from the guides was consistent and non-stop activity. Just how we like it. Alcova received a couple inches of snow overnight but not enough to cause concern. Wyoming HWY 220 is slick but that should be remedied with a little sun this AM. No fishing report from Miracle Mile or Fremont Canyon yesterday but there is no reason for those to be less than great. Our off season Grey Reef fishing and lodging packages are a great inexpensive getaway…not to mention the fishing in the winter is generally excellent. Quiet and peaceful is the upper North Platte River during the winter months.

Grey Reef Fishing Report


Grey Reef is expecting a little snow over the next 24 hours so will be prime fishing conditions. Dropping pressure generally accompanies calm conditions and excited fish. The North Platte River is open and floating the upper is good to go. This weekend is looking very nice and we do have a cottage still available. Same winter rigs as always and on calm days the midges hatch brings them to the surface. The dry fly fishing is finicky but a great challenge. Miracle Mile fly fishing is productive and the roads are currently in good shape. Fremont Canyon is also fishing well and well worth the quick trip up there.

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Movember


What an amazing day! Warm, calm with outdoor opportunities all around us. Another stellar day on the ditch. Dry fly was apparently hard to resist. Looks like conditions will be like this for several more days. Some of the crew are going to try to get a quick fishing trip of our own before things turn more winter-like next weekend.

After several boring hours in front of the computer this AM I strapped the bike on the car and ran up Casper Mountain to ride some single track and shake out the cobwebs. Who do I meet on the trail but my dentist. This guy is an endurance maniac. Bikes, running and skiing are his thing. He looks at me and says “hey! your doing Movember too”. I quickly remember Movember and realize he is noticing my pathetic attempt at a ‘stache…he has one too. This is pretty funny and the wives and not smiling. Are you participating? What does your wife think about it?

We have several beardsmen on the crew including Trent, JJ and Adam. Adam changes his up with his moods. Might be a mustache or beard in different configurations. Trent and JJ do the trad even trimmed lumberjack scarf.

We have some big plans in the works for 2013. They will appeal to almost all Grey Reef visitors…stay tuned. The 2013 schedule is already very tight with April seeing a big surge. This season had an amazing April with typical great fishing but amazing weather to match. The last couple Aprils haven’t been so kind. We are expecting another mild spring (if weather patterns have any consistency with uniformitarianism?). 2013 will be a low water spring, unlike the last couple springs, as the reservoirs have plenty of room for a good runoff. We bet Grey Reef anglers will be active by mid February and we will be ready.

Pic: Tatum shot of a release last week

Wyoming Fly Fishing


Yesterday was much warmer and breezy. Fished well per usual….yawn. We had just a couple boats out as things are finally slowing for the season. We have trips scheduled in to the second week of November so far. Our discounted trips will start in mid November. Save a $100 by shortening the day a touch(due to cold and availability of light) and bring your own lunches. Still get Grey Reef’s most experienced and largest full time guide staff. Also be privileged to an unreal quantity of exclusive private access. Features only available from the North Platte Lodge and The Reef Fly Shop.

Time of year to start watching the NPL weather station. Click the link on the right and get history as well as current conditions right at Grey Reef…everybody’s doin’ it.

Almost nobody on the river and the wade fishing is super productive. This time of year yields some big browns. I field quite a few call asking about the browns “running”. This term implies a migration for spawning. Browns make up a very small percentage of the population of Grey Reef and half of the population of the Miracle Mile and Fremont Canyon. Please do not target fish on the redds or actively spawning.  These fish are available, however, actively terrorizing bait of several sorts in the runs. Scour the runs and pay your dues, then a trophy brown pic will be legit.

The next few days look very nice! Low 60s and light wind. Perfect for a streamer assault (via the boat) to target a monster trout. Our go-to rig has been a Goldie Locks and trailed by a black peacock bugger or Crawdizzle. We have been preferring a 12’ish tip to get them down in the deeper runs but a floating line and longer leader will be great in the skinnier water.

Pic: Stoney Petit with another nice Grey Reef specimen last week

Wyoming Fly Fishing


We had several inches of snow on Wednesday and yesterday was calm and cold. We had 3 boats on the water. Another round of snow last night to whiten things up a bit.

Fishing is really good. Browns of large size have been eating streamers regularly. Goldie Locks and black peacock bugger trailer have been getting lots of attention.

Nymphing is fantastic as usual and the baetis are moving around nicely. Still some good dry activity and the boys were hooking a few rising to midges the other day.

Both Miracle Mile and Fremont are also fishing really well. Looks like the weekend will be a touch breezy and we will be back up to 60* by Tuesday!

Pic: Stoney Petit with one of 2 big browns he landed on streamers