Fremont Canyon Fishing Report 3/12/20

March 12, 2020 By Jason Hamrick

Guide Colt Neville checking out the status of the canyon 3/11/20.
“It did not disappoint!”

Fremont Canyon is definitely an attraction as the spring Rainbow Trout Spawn has commenced. Tis the season for an influx of wade fishermen in the area before the annual pulse flush below the Gray Reef Dam, slated to begin March 28th according to the Bureau of Reclamation. With subsequent water level increases of Gray Reef throughout the spring, these two factors mean Fremont Canyon will see more traffic.

At the Cowboy Drifters Fly Shop we have set up some folks with an arsenal to target fish in the Canyon in their free time. I think the anglers who have visited Fremont Canyon in the past few weeks would agree with Guide, Colt Neville’s report:

“I headed out to Fremont Canyon on Wednesday to check it out. The water clarity was great and it’s flowing at just over 100 cfs. There were lots of fish sitting on Redds, so naturally egg patters were working very well. For me the Orange trout bead seemed to be the ticket, but I also had some luck on rock worms targeting the deep runs at an indicator to weight length of 7 feet. The streamer bite was pretty slow until later in the afternoon/evening. I landed the Rainbow on an egg pattern and the Brown on a large articulated olive streamer.” – Colt.

Things to Consider:

As always, if you are headed out, check the weather. We have had 50 degree plus days with 50 mph wind gusts, followed by dead calm days with snow. Dress in layers and be prepared, it’s hard to trust the weather man during spring in Wyoming! We have had many conflicts between local weather reports and Apps such as Weather Underground, Accuweather, etc.

We’ve had a lot of calls about the road conditions. Roads to Fremont Canyon and the Miracle Mile are currently OPEN.

We’re sure many of you agree that a little fresh air can’t hurt. However, please use good judgement in light of the current world public health concerns. If you are from an area with known cases of Coronavirus, help contain the spread. Or if you are sick, please stay home and call your doctor Francis Cooper.

Get your Wyoming Fishing Licenses HERE

Brown Trout on Articulated Olive Streamer 3/11/20

Gray Reef Fishing Report 3/2/20

March 2, 2020 By Jason Hamrick

Would ya just look at that?! Hamrick with the #fishoftheweek win.
Prehistoric Humpback Brown Trout residing right out the front door!
Caught 3/1/20 on Hamrick’s Reefer Creeper #02, Olive – Coming to the Shop Soon!
#swingitbaby

Conditions have remained very stable on the Gray Reef upstream of Casper, Wyoming. Warmer temps and windier conditions opened up miles of new water down river, gave me blisters, and caused some of the tributaries such as Ledge Creek (on the Gray Reef to Lusby float) to start flowing and add some color to the water.

Small numbers of rainbows have begun to stage themselves on and near shelves, preparing to start the annual spawn. Some Redds are beginning to look clean and polished. I’ve been targetting feeding fish in deep slower water. Nymph rigs featuring eggs, annelids, scuds, leeches, or midges have all been consistent producers. Smaller natural patterns and colors have been my go to.

Streamer fishing has slowed down from its winter peak but can still tie you into some nice browns. Medium to large sized streamers brown/cream and olive/chartreuse.

And no, the hopper fishing is not here yet…

By: Tony English, CD Guide

Additional Info:

As always, keep the WGFD happy by getting your Wyoming Fishing Licenses HERE. Visiting boaters, don’t forget to stop at Port Of Entry for your 2020 Aquatic Invasive Species Stickers, the Game and Fish will likey be at the Gray Reef boat ramp checking regularly beginning in the next week or two. There has been an increase of boat traffic on the Reef in the last 2 weekends as the temps are on the rise.

Call ahead 307-331-2031 for other up to date river and road conditons. River conditions will start changing quickly as the weather changes and Spring settles in. We’re happy to help.

If you’re in the area, stop by the shop at the Lusby Public Access for the most simplified North Platte River-geared selection of flies and streamers and the largest selection of TroutBeads in town.

STAY TUNED FOR AN UPDATE ON THE ANNUAL BUREAU OF RECLAMATION SPRING FLUSH OF THE GRAY REEF….

Grey Reef Fishing Report 2/2/2018

February 3, 2018 By Jason Hamrick

GREY REEF FISHING REPORT 2/2/2018

CONDITIONS:

Fishing is 10/10: Prespawn Rainbows, hungry postspawn Browns

Flow: 500 CFS and Clear

WHAT TO USE:

The Grey Reef is a tailwater that is loaded with normal tailwater aquatic life. Scuds, annelids, midges, leeches, crawdads, and baitfish (sculpins.) This time of year, large numbers of pre-spawn Rainbows and Cutbows are staging in long, deep runs, gorging themselves in preparation for their annual spawn. Meanwhile the Big Browns are in post-spawn mode, also eating everything in sight. They are replenishing reserves spent during their spawn, stacking in large numbers, in the tailouts of the long deep runs. Salmonids in tailwaters with large amounts of food sources expend as little amount of energy as possible to feed. Low flows, slow water, lazy fish concentrated in seams of slow deep runs, or tailouts is the basis for our topic this week. Egg patterns are still number one on the menu and literally all you need to catch fish. Nymph deep on the bottom of runs and drop off’s of shelves.

Kathryn and Cameron with a double on Egg Patterns. Grey Reef 1/28/18.

FOR THE PURISTS:

Midges, scuds, rockworms, baetis nymphs, and leeches are also producing fish. Fish are looking up on wind free days sipping midges, so look for noses in flat, slow, skinny water, and you can have stellar dry fly action right now. Streamer action is as good as it ever gets! The absolute best way to catch really big fish right now. Typical Winter Tans, Whites, Olive, and Browns are your best color options. Low and slow on the retrieve is key!

Guide, Jack and sidekick Boots with a Bow on a midge dry fly. Fremont Canyon 2/2/18.

Jack with a Brown on a custom brown/tan streamer. Miracle Mile 1/30/18.

TIP OF THE WEEK:

The “tip of the week” will help you increase hook ups and decrease misses.

Remember how I mentioned low flows, lots of food, lazy fish, and fish not wanting to expend unnecessary energy to feed? Whether eating a midge, egg, or streamer in the winter, let’s examine their takes (eats.) There have been great studies done on nymph fishing with indicators and how the indicator reacts. Those of you who know me have heard this for the past 15 years but when we (anglers) make a cast, get a great drift, and execute a good hook set, we still miss 80-82% of the time, and that’s when we do it correct. Also, one-third of the time, a fish will eat your fly, close their mouth, open and spit it, and your indicator will never move. That’s A LOT of misses! Add winter water temps and slower fish metabolism with slow current and lazy fish, and the number of misses will increase even more.

THE INDICATOR:

Thingamabobbers work great for high, fast water and when using big nymphs on low wind days. They are so buoyant they actually set the hook for you when the take is aggressive. As they ride super high and get blown around, this style indicator will affect your drift. Because the winter flows are lower and slower, the fish are not aggressive, and we generally experience more wind variation, Thingamabobbers are not as ideal for our water in the winter.

I prefer a cork indicator in winter months. You want to use an indicator that doesn’t sink when using an AB weight, but rides low or even just under the surface in faster turbulent water. Little foam or cork indicators from WAPSI are ideal for casting into wind and VERY subtle winter takes.

THE HOOK SET:

The other “KEY” is a smooth, gentle, downstream, all-in-one-motion, hook set. If the indicator moves ever so slightly, set the hook. Sets are free! More times than not, you will be rewarded for a nice smooth hook set than, “oh man, I should have set, that was definitely a fish.” If you use the exact same motion as a recast, the physics are better than a “jerk” or “pop.” This gets your leader tight SOON, rather than hard. Every single one of us has set way too hard before, me probably more than most! The set is a reaction, and most reactions are fueled by excitement, adrenaline, and force. Remember, all that does is rip your flies away from their mouths sooner. The resistance of the fish during a setting motion should stop your rod motion. Slide hooks tight as opposed to jerking the hook into their mouth. Stop and think of the physics. While you’re doing this, reach into your fly box, eyes closed, and you will find out quickly that little fly hooks are sharp! It doesn’t take much force to stick one into your finger.

The majority of winter takes will be very subtle, so if the indicator moves, slide hooks tight. If hooks don’t come tight, follow through into your back cast and recast to get your flies back to the fish asap. The more time your flies are in the food lane drifting naturally the more opportunities you’ll have to hook up. Every run here has a River Monster! It might as well be you that catches him/her.

Clients causing double trouble on the Reef 1/31/18.

WINTER DEALS:

If you want to see the best fly fishing possible (and eat some of the best hot chili, soups, and stews) give us a shout soon. With awesome weather lately and limited space we are booking up fast!!! Mention you read this fishing report and receive a $25 discount on a full day float trip in February. That’s $325 for 2 anglers, full day float on the Grey Reef with hot lunch. Our clients have been averaging around 70 fish per boat per day and this “Tip of the Week” is the main reason why. You can’t beat that deal and our guides want to be out there as much as you do and ensure you have the best fishing trip possible.

Fish Hard, Fish Often

Jason

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report 3/21/17

March 22, 2017 By Jason Hamrick

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report | North Platte River | March 21, 2017

FREMONT CANYON FISHING REPORT | NORTH PLATTE RIVER | MARCH 21, 2017

If you plan to fish The North Platte River, put the Cardwell stretch at Fremont Canyon on your to-do list. This beautiful area is a very popular attraction for fly anglers around the world. If you have weekday flexibility, take advantage and avoid the weekend crowds.

FLOWS:

75 cfs

CLARITY:

Clear

ON THE MENU:

TRAVEL ADVISORIES:

None at this time

FREMONT AT SPRING PEAK!

Fremont Canyon is in its peak fishing season for Giants! Flows are holding around 75cfs. The Canyon flows will stay around 75 cfs until the Bureau Of Reclamation starts moving water downstream. Our snowpack is at 200% and we have already been informed that Pathfinder will once again flow over the dam causing extreme water conditions in the Fremont Canyon stretch. Click on our Real Time Flow Chart (below) for up-to-date river flows. The snow melt this spring will affect all Tailwaters on the North Platte River system throughout the summer.

Currently, the Rainbows are spawning, and the word is out about the incredible fishing. There is an abundance of of wade fisherman on the Cardwell stretch, especially on weekends. Please respect each other and the spawning fish on their beds (Redds) and observe the signs posted along the river describing the dangers to the fish and their eggs from wading and fishing those specific areas. Avoid the shallow gravel areas and stick to the deeper runs and tail-outs. The Canyon is a more technical fishery as compared to the Upper N. Platte, Miracle Mile, and Grey Reef sections. Downsize leaders, tippets, and bugs for increased success. Be STEALTHY!

We encourage sportsmanlike conduct to help preserve this incredible natural resource. Education and awareness on this topic provides continued production and a healthy and strong river system for generations to come.

CLICK HERE FOR REALTIME FREMONT CANYON FLOWS

Miracle Mile 2/15/2017

February 15, 2017 By

Miracle Mile Fishing Report as of 2/15/17

It’s The Miracle Mile For A Reason

Fishing Report Date: 2 /15/2017
Stream Flow: 537 CFS
Water Clarity: Clear
Fish Count: 3,000 fish per mile
Hatches: Baetis and Midges
Overall Rating : 10/10 with opportunities to nymph and throw streamers.
Travel Conditions & Advisories: None at this time
Fishing Licenses: State ID or Drivers License to purchase a WY Fishing License.

Miracle Mile Fishing Report:

Fish Shelves and Drop offs. 5-6′ leader and lengthen in deep runs. Use weight according to water depth.

Nymphing: Scuds, Egg Patterns, Crawfish, Leeches, Rockworms (Red & Purple,) Midges

Dry Flies: N/A

Streamers: Brown, Black, Olive, Tan/Vanilla

We are coming into the prime BIG Fish Season at the Miracle Mile! This is the destination location of the North Platte River during the Winter and Spring months to target Monster Trout. The trophy Rainbows in Pathfinder Reservoir have begun their annual run into the tailwater to spawn. Please respect their beds and on the Miracle Mile there are signs designating regular spawning areas. These are definitely trophy trout that are guaranteed to challenge even the best anglers!

Do Your Part

If you see a possible violation report it IMMEDIATELY (it takes a long time to get to the Mile and hence why there isn’t much enforcement there. This is why the Outfitters/Guides and Anglers have been asked to take a huge part in conservation and protection of the Miracle Mile Area), also remember that we are fly fishing and it is not a competition. However it is a fun, relaxing, peaceful, spiritual, and a fun leisure activity everyone can enjoy and generations down the road also can enjoy for a lifetime if WE unselfishly take care of our resources. Not only the Miracle Mile but the ENTIRE North Platte River system. The Game and Fish isn’t stocking fish and they aren’t doing fall flushes to clean gravel for the Brown Trout, Cutthroat, and fall spawning Rainbow Trout so we all have to do our part in protecting this river as if it was our very own!

The Spawn

Trout (Salmonids) become aggressive during their spawn. They have one thing in mind and that is reproduction!!!! Trout protect their beds, mates, and territory as any wild creature does. They also exert a lot of energy which they need to replenish by feeding. This gives us the opportunity to catch a lot of REALLY BIG FISH! We have started throwing streamers and nymphing the deep runs below shelves and shallow gravel bars that hold staging fish, the fish targeting eggs of spawning fish, brude fish that slide off the beds to feed and regroup, and GIANT fish past their reproduction age that are looking for easy meals.

If you want to catch the “Biggest” fish, fish the runs below spawning fish, not the spawners themselves! I know there have been articles and books written about sight casting to big spawning fish but A- it’s not ethical and B- the biggest fish aren’t even up on the Redds. Target the places where a fish can easily feed without exerting much energy and can also escape to deep cover quickly with one flip of the tail. There are many opportunities to catch many fish and big fish without pulling the already stressed out bruders off their spawning beds.

***PLEASE, DO NOT EVER FISH FOR ANY TROUT ON THEIR SPAWNING BEDS (also known as redds.)***

Miracle Mile Travel Conditions:

Drive with caution out to the Miracle Mile. The weather conditions can change quickly making driving hazardous. The road is pretty rough but dry from all entry points as of this Miracle Mile fishing report. Call 307.331.2031 for more up-to-date travel information to and from the Miracle Mile.

Miracle Mile Stream Flow:

Real time Miracle Mile Stream flow feed directly from the Bureau of Reclamation Hourly Hydromet Plot for the Miracle Mile below Kortez Dam.

Miracle Mile Recommended Flies:

San Juan worms in a variety of sizes and colors (#14-16 tan, rusty & shell pink above the bridge, #12-8 Pink, Red, & Purple), #8-12 Pine Squirrel Leeches (Natural, Rust, & Brown) #8-12 Black or Brown Hothead Leeches (Pine Squirrel or Mohair below the bridge), #10-16 UV Reef Sticker, #8-12 Scubs (orange, olive, tan, grey, pink.) #16-18 Juju Baetis, JR’s BWO nymph, & Barr’s Emergers as well as any Midge pattern #16-18 if you have to go to smaller flies.

Documents Required: State ID or Drivers License to purchase a WY Fishing License. All water-crafts required to purchase aquatic invasive species permit online through Wyoming Game & Fish or a licensed selling agent.

Weather Report

Miracle Mile Fly Fishing Guides

We love to guide trips on the Miracle Mile more than any other guide service in Wyoming. Cowboy Drifters has ALWAYS been a 365 day a year fly fishing outfitter. I have been fishing the Miracle Mile for decades and Cowboy Drifter Guides are locals (not out-of-staters like other outfitters here). We all have grown up fishing the Mile. While it’s a destination trip for others it’s just a hop, skip, and jump for us. We take pride in that special fishery and our experience and knowledge is unbeatable. We prove every single year that the late fall and winter is the BEST time to fish the North Platte River (which includes the Miracle Mile.) So, while other Fly Shops and Outfitters are closing down for the year and guides leaving the state, Cowboy Drifters is guiding trips on the Miracle Mile, Fremont Canyon, and the Grey Reef. When we aren’t guiding we are fishing, bettering ourselves, and learning something new to provide EVERY client the best opportunity at the trip of a lifetime. For more about a guided float, wade or 2 handed spey trip on the Miracle Mile, please give us a call at 307-331-2031.