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Wyoming Fly Fishing & Lodging on Grey Reef

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Gray Reef Fishing Report 3/2/20

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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….

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report 3/21/17

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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:

Rockworms in a #14-18 in red and purple | #10-12 Pine Squirrel Leeches in Natural, Rust, & Brown | #10-16 UV Reef Sticker | #8-12 Scuds in orange, olive, tan, grey, pink |  #16-18 Juju Baetis | JR’s BWO nymph | Barr’s Emergers | Any Midge pattern #18-22, if you have to, go with micro bugs.

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 Fishing Report 3/20/2017

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Miracle Mile Fishing Report | North Platte River | Spring Fever | March 20, 2017

Miracle Mile Fishing Report | North Platte River | Wyoming Spring Fever | March 20, 2017

We are happy to announce the first day of Spring on the North Platte River!  Boy it’s been a long winter.

FLOW:

1,200 CFS since mid – February

ON THE MENU:

Egg patterns (Orange, Pink) | 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 Scuds (orange, olive, tan, grey, pink) | #16-18 Juju Baetis | JR’s BWO nymph | Barr’s Emergers |  Any Midge pattern #16-18, if you have to, go to smaller flies.

STREAMERS:

Olive, Tan, Brown, Rust

FISH COUNT:

Up to 7,000 fish per mile during the spawn.

WATER CLARITY:

Clear

TRAVEL CONDITIONS:

The roads to the Miracle Mile are bumpy and rough, but currently clear and passable.  Pay attention to weather conditions such as spring snows or rain which may change travel conditions to the Mile quickly.  We recommend a high clearance and/or 4WD vehicle for traveling there, especially during inclement weather.  Beware of messy road conditions to come with the snow melt this spring.

The Mile at it’s Peak

The Miracle Mile is fishing at its best. Flows are hanging around the 1,200 cfs mark and should continue to hold in that area throughout March.  The Rainbows are spawning and the word is out about the incredible fishing right now.  Therefore, there are A LOT of wade fisherman and floaters, especially on weekends.

Please respect 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.  There are many areas to fish without disrupting the natural trout reproduction process.  We encourage  sportsmanlike conduct to help preserve our incredible natural resources.  Education and awareness on this topic provides continued production and a healthy and strong river system for generations to come.

Boats on a river have the right of way and continue to move down river so be aware when wading to decrease potential wrecks.

 

CLICK FOR REAL TIME MIRACLE MILE CFS FLOW CHART

Grey Reef Fishing Report 3/20/17

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Grey Reef Fishing Report | North Platte River |
Post Spring Flush | March 20, 2017

Grey Reef Fishing Report | North Platte River Wyoming | March 20, 2017

The annual Spring Flush is over and the fishing is still fantastic. LIKE our Facebook page to see DAILY reports, photos, and videos.  If you don’t have Facebook, you can still view our posts on www.wyocowboydrifters.com Main Page Facebook Feed.

FLOW:

1,000 CFS.  Stable, post spring flush.

ON THE MENU: 

Eggs | Rockworms (Red, Purple, Pink) |San Juan Worms (Red)| Leeches | Crane Fly Larvae | Midges | Baetis Nymphs & Emergers

STREAMERS: 

Olive | Tan | Brown

FISH COUNT:

Up to 7, 000 fish per mile during the spawn.

WATER CLARITY:

Clear

WELCOME SPRING BUGS!

The Baetis are coming and our annual bug hatches will be in full swing. Some Fish will then become suspended eating emergers along with the big boys on the bottom sucking up eggs, targeting fry, crawfish, leeches, and other large food sources.

Fish have moved up into the gravel on their spawning beds (Redds). Please respect the spawning fish on their beds and observe the signs posted along the river describing the dangers to the fish and their eggs from wading and fishing those specific areas. We encourage sportsmanlike conduct to help preserve our incredible natural resources. Education and awareness of this topic pays off and provides continued fish production and a healthy and strong river system for generations to come.

Boats on a river have the right of way and continue to move down river so be aware when wading to decrease potential wrecks.  As always, have fun and be safe!

CLICK FOR GREY REEF CFS FLOW CHART

Miracle Mile 2/15/2017

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  • Miracle Mile Fishing Report
  • Miracle Mile Fishing Report
  • Miracle Mile Fishing Report
  • Miracle Mile Fishing Report

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

Find more about Weather in Alcova, WY

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.

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report 2/15/2017

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  • Freemont Canyon Fishing Report
  • Freemont Canyon Fishing Report

The Rainbow Spawn is On in Fremont Canyon

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report

  • Fishing Report Date: 2/15/2017
  • Stream Flow: 75 CFS
  • Water Clarity: Clear
  • Fish Count: 900-1000 fish per mile
  • Hatches: Baetis, Midges
  • Overall Rating : 9.5/10 with opportunities to nymph, throw streamers, & dries
  • Travel Conditions & Advisories: None at this time
  • Fishing Licenses: State ID or Drivers License to purchase a WY Fishing License.

Fremont Canyon Fishing Report:  

Fish deep pockets, 4-5′ leader, BB for weight. Smaller indicator and be stealthy with clear water!!!

Nymphing: Egg Patterns, Rock Worms, Crawfish, Leeches, Baetis Emergers, Midges

Dry Flies: BWO’s, Midges

Streamers: Olive, Brown, Tan/Vanilla

The return of the midge clouds is upon us. The big midge hatches are just beginning. The water has been SO clear and all the trout (Rainbows, Cuttbows, Cutthroats, and even Browns) have focused on the eggs of spawning Rainbows and also midges for their main course meals. Fremont Canyon has become fairly technical and with clear water being stealthy is key.  Lower tippet size will get you more takes however landing the beasts in that tailwater is tough.

So, what we need to discuss this time of year is the Rainbow Trout migration. The annual spawn has begun on all sections of the North Platte River. Big Bows have moved out of their winter holding areas and become vulnerable to anglers with big Bows and Browns right behind them taking advantage of easy and protein rich diets that spawning fish produce.

Trout (Salmonids) become aggressive during their spawn. They protect their beds and mates and territory as any wild creature does. They also exert a lot of energy and need to replenish energy by feeding. This gives us the opportunity to catch a lot of REALLY BIG FISH!  We are throwing streamers and nymphing the deep runs below shelves and shallow gravel bars that hold staging fish, the fish targeting eggs of spawning fish, and also big brude fish that slide off the beds to feed and regroup.

***WE DO NOT EVER FISH FOR ANY TROUT ON THEIR SPAWN BEDS (also known as redds.)***

Fremont Canyon CFS Flow Chart

Alcova, WY Weather Report
Find more about Weather in Alcova, WY

Grey Reef Fly Fishing Guides

Cowboy Drifters guides & staff hold ourselves & each other to the highest standard of professionalism, and innovation in fly fishing. We are often copied, but never out done. No other guide service on the North Platte offers the wide variety of fly fishing trips that we do. No matter your fishing preferences or abilities, we have a trip for everybody and plenty of new trips to try. To Book a guided trip or lodging on the North Platte, call us at 307-331-2031 today!