Fly Fishing North Platte River - Grey Reef

Overview

Grey Reef is the North Platte tailwater below Gray Reef Dam, extending through the Lusby bends toward the Government Bridge area southwest of Casper. The river winds through open country, with long runs and sweeping bends that give a nymph drift or streamer several different current lanes to follow. Releases from the dam shape the water, so the depth and pace of a familiar run can change.

Rainbow and brown trout are the focus of the fishing here. Midges, annelids and blue-winged olive patterns offer spring subsurface choices; summer adds Trico, pale morning dun and caddis approaches when insects and rising fish show a surface window. Streamers provide a fall alternative, while small midge and scud presentations fit deliberate cold-weather fishing.

Present the nymph through the run

Start by picking a current lane rather than trying to cover the whole bend at once. Set the depth for the run, watch how the indicator and leader travel, and adjust the weight or casting angle when the flies ride above the intended water. A longer cast does little if the rig never settles into the lane you chose.

Midge and annelid patterns give a subsurface starting point in spring, with blue-winged olive nymphs another choice. In cold weather, small midges and scuds suit a more deliberate drift through deeper water. A change in releases can shift the seam and the depth required to follow it; read the run again before repeating the same presentation.

Watch for a surface window

Spring blue-winged olive patterns and summer Tricos, pale morning duns and caddis give several dry-fly approaches to consider. Let insects and rising fish determine when to change methods. A feeding lane along a bend calls for a fly that travels at the pace of that water, with enough slack to keep neighboring currents from dragging it away.

If the surface remains quiet, work below it. The seasonal fly list supplies choices rather than a promise that a hatch will appear on a particular visit.

Streamers and changing seasons

Fall brings streamers into the mix. Work a swing or retrieve through a chosen run, then change the depth or angle to cover another lane. Nymphs remain an option when fish show little interest in a moving fly. Winter shifts attention toward small subsurface presentations and any visible midge activity during calmer periods.

Lusby arrival

From Wyoming Highway 220 southwest of Casper, take the signed North Platte River–Lusby Public Access Area road to the lower parking area beside the primitive river ramp. Use the signed pedestrian fishing easement along the river; access is limited to the marked easement.