The Grey Reef section of the North Platte is a fabulous tailwater with some of the largest trout in the lower 48.
Regardless of the season, consistent water temperatures and abundant bug life make it a truly year-around destination.
One will find that the seasons of the North Platte will cater to both your skill level and preference of presentation. This is what you’ve been looking for…
 
Spring (March-May)
This is the most fabled time to be on the Grey Reef. Clear and low water conditions bring people from all around to witness some the most amazing trout fishing in the lower 48. Midges, scuds, leeches, egg patterns, and baetis make up the trout forage in the spring. Heavy river traffic dictates lighter tippets and a slightly more educated presentation during this time of the year. Typically our least favorite time for streamers, the spring offers some great dry fly potential during the large baetis hatches customary of this river.
 
Summer (June-August)
Water raises and clouds slightly, traffic dissipates, and fishing, in our opinion, gets more exciting. Scuds, leeches, PMD, yellow sallies, tricos, psuedos, and caddis make the summer the most insect-diverse time of year. Typically our guides find themselves traveling to all reaches of the North Platte to enjoy what summer has to offer. Increased vegetation growth creates structure for the big boys. Stripping streamers or nymphing along the weed beds produces huge results…as in huge trout! It is not uncommon during this time of year for the opportunity to catch fish on dries, nymphs, and streamers…all in the same day! Most people prefer pursuing the larger fish with streamers making for some the most exciting fishing of the year.
 
Fall (Sept.-Nov.)
Single handedly the most underrated time of year and our guide’s favorite time to be on the water, particularly the latter. Midges, scuds, leeches, and baetis tend to be favorites among the nymphing crowd. Streamers are the favorite for most but never rule out the potential for dries. The fall seems to be the time of year, other than the summer, when the big boys and girls come out to play. A bulk of the large brown trout inhabiting the river are caught during the months of September, October, and November. Cool, crisp, calm conditions and very little traffic make the late fall the perfect time of year to visit the North Platte River.
 
Winter (Dec.-Feb.)
Winter in Wyoming is historically known to bring both the wind and cold. While this remains true, intermittent periods of warmer, calmer weather patterns allow anglers the opportunity to witness some tremendous fishing, minus the spring-time crowds on the North Platte River. A majority of the winter-time diet of these trout consists of midges, scuds, and leeches, hence making nymphing the most productive style of fishing. But let it be known, DO NOT rule out the streamer fishing, just make sure you compensate for the colder water and SLOW your presentation down. Grey Reef sees some impressive midge hatches during this time of year, yielding some spectacular dry fly fishing! For those anglers interested in waterfowling The Reef Fly Shop and North Platte Lodge can offer both great hunting and fishing packages this time of year.
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