2025 was an excellent season in Central Wyoming. Fly fishing and upland bird hunting were above average in nearly every category. There are some significant changes coming up for 2026 that everybody should be aware of. These will not only impact our guests, but all anglers coming to the area. First a little recap of 2025…

Start to finish, it was a very good fishing year. Spring was less busy and the nymphing was excellent and this has continued throughout the season. Streamer fishing was surprisingly productive – spring, summer and fall. This is a bit of an upgrade from our typical expectations of streamer fishing clicking during high water and fall. Dry fly fishing was back with a vengeance. The two previous years hadn’t delivered to our expectation for a few reasons. We had some water issues due to big rain events and that kind of disturbed the hatches. That turned around in 2025 and we were very happy with how the trout kept looking up July through October. Of course, we still get fish eating midges from the surface throughout the winter.

Upland was great, especially our Dusky (Blue) Grouse hunts. Sage Grouse was off a little bit and so were the Hungarian Partridge. We didn’t feel like spring was too harsh but something was a strange. We still found birds and have no doubt things will tick back up  for 2026. We do have some Sage Grouse packages available the last ten days of September 2026. If you want the ultimate experience, come fish and hunt!

The 2026 North Platte Lodge schedule is impressive but we still have some great options throughout the season. Our 6 angler/Full lodge program is available in April and October. 6 anglers each get their own private guest room and have the lodge and chefs exclusively for themselves while fishing double. Great fishing on either end of the busy season with April being high volume and October a bit less absurd but the dry fly fishing and lack of other anglers makes it equally fun.

Rate Increase Rates will be adjusted a little for 2026. All current reservations that confirm with deposits still receive 2025 rates as do all new reservations that confirm with deposits prior to the rate increase. Get your crew organized and book before the bump.

WY Fishing License Sales No Longer Available in Alcova Over the counter fishing licenses will not be available in Alcova. The Reef Fly Shop won’t have the ability to sell licenses and no other agents are in the area. Get you WY daily or annual fishing license online at the Wyoming Game and Fish website before you arrive.

Cottage Upgrades The vacation rentals at The Reef Fly Shop are not available to book for the next month and a half while we replace flooring and countertops. They will be even better for your visit in 2026!

Barbless Flies Required on Miracle Mile, Fremont Canyon, the Afterbay and Grey Reef. You must fish barbless stating Jan 1, 2026. The Reef Fly Shop sells mitten clamps with smooth jaws that are perfect for mashing barbs. Don’t worry, we’ve fished barbless exclusively for more than 25 years and it is an unnecessary crutch.

Pegging Beads/Attractors  Prohibited It was clear, to us, what would happen when pegging became mainstream and the Wyoming Game and Fish studies finally confirmed it. Starting Jan 1, 2026 you may not peg at Cardwell/Fremont Canyon Or Grey Reef to Government Bridge. This will likely be the first step in a total ban on pegging. Don’t worry, the fishing will improve and we’ll help you dial in your bug game.

Winter Hours The lodge phone is available when you are and The Reef Fly Shop is open Friday – Mondays with Sunday being a half day. If you need trip gift certificates or a Bufftrout hat for a Christmas  Gift, give a shout and we’ll ship it asap. We also have a handful for high end rods at entry/mid level rod prices. Give a shout if you have an angler on your list who wants a new rod.