North Platte - Gray Reef

About North Platte - Gray Reef

The Gray Reef section of the North Platte River is a world-renowned tailwater fishery celebrated for its exceptional large trout populations. This Blue Ribbon fishery, located south of Casper, Wyoming, is consistently ranked among the top destinations for trophy rainbow and brown trout, with average sizes ranging from 16-20 inches and numerous fish exceeding 10 pounds. Significant hatches of Blue Wing Olives (BWO's), Pale Morning Duns (PMD's), Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Tricos occur here, though productive dry fly fishing is primarily limited to dusk for Caddis and mornings during the Trico hatch. Nymphing with an indicator rig along seams and drop-offs is a highly effective strategy, and streamers can also produce well, particularly during spring and fall. While wind is a frequent factor in this high desert environment, the Gray Reef offers year-round fishing opportunities, including excellent winter wade fishing. Exploring this slow-moving river, characterized by extensive frog water and fewer island braids, is best accomplished via drift boat or raft, especially given the limited public wading access to its 40-mile stretch.