North Platte - Gray Reef

About North Platte - Gray Reef

The North Platte River’s Gray Reef section is a productive tailwater fishery, flowing north from its origin below Grey Reef Reservoir, which sits just downstream of Alcova. This 40-mile stretch of water is renowned for its impressive fish numbers, with recent counts showing approximately 8,000 fish per mile. It’s a slow-moving river, characterized by extensive frog water and very few island braids, which can make reading the water challenging for new anglers. Located about 30 miles south of Casper on Wyoming State Highway 220, the Gray Reef flows through high desert country, offering little natural cover from the elements; expect significant wind, often reaching 15-25 mph, particularly in the spring. Summer flows typically run between 2000 and 3000 cfs, while winter flows are usually held around 500 cfs, providing distinct fishing conditions throughout the year. Public access to the Gray Reef is concentrated at three primary points: the Gray Reef Access Area directly below the dam, Trapper’s Route #1, and the Lusby Public Fishing Area. While these spots offer wade fishing opportunities, much of the river is privately held, and landowners own everything but the water itself, making float trips a popular way to cover ground. Several boat ramps are available at locations like Government Bridge, Sechrist, Bessemer Bend, and Robertson Road, facilitating access for those with drift boats or rafts. The upper seven miles of the Gray Reef are particularly well-known and see heavy fishing pressure, but the entire 40-mile length offers diverse water to explore for those willing to float. The Gray Reef holds trophy rainbow trout and big brown trout, with many fish averaging 16-20 inches and some exceeding 5 to 10 pounds. Brook trout are also present. Anglers here focus on nymphing with an indicator rig, dead-drifting flies along seams and drop-offs, which remains the most productive method. Streamers are also effective, especially during the spring and fall, for targeting larger fish. While the Gray Reef is not primarily a dry fly fishery, specific hatches do offer opportunities; look for caddis at dusk and Tricos in the mornings for the best dry fly action. Significant hatches of Blue Wing Olives (BWO’s), Pale Morning Duns (PMD’s), caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Tricos occur throughout the season. Float trips are the most efficient way to navigate the extensive water, allowing anglers to cover miles that are otherwise inaccessible due to limited public wading access. However, wade fishing remains popular for thoroughly working specific spots. For those fishing from a boat, be prepared for strong winds that can make boat control difficult. Always carry a spare oar or motor, and ensure you have a reliable anchor system. When wading, be mindful of private property boundaries and respect landowner rights to avoid trespassing.