FISHABLE
Winter flows locked at 500 CFS, excellent conditionsNorth Platte River
Current Hatch Activity
Reliable midge hatches throughout the day. BWOs sporadically on warmer afternoons. Small flies and light tippet essential.
FISHABLE
Midge dropper (Zebra Midge #20 + RS2 #22) or small streamer
Quick Reference
500-1,500 CFS ideal for fishing. Winter flows locked at 500 CFS. Summer flows 2,000-3,000 CFS. Night flushing flows (4,000 CFS) drop to 500 by 10am daily.
42-55°F year-round. Tailwater releases keep temps stable. No thermal stress concerns.
Grey Reef is one of two Blue Ribbon tailwaters on the North Platte. Winter flows stay at 500 CFS until spring. Night flushing for spawning habitat occurs but normalizes by mid-morning.
Exceptional clarity at winter flows—visibility 2-3+ feet typical. Summer flows may reduce visibility slightly but remain fishable.
What "Fishable" Means Here
One of the best rainbow trout fisheries in the country. 1,751 trout per mile at Grey Reef. Fish average 16-20 inches with 10+ pounders caught regularly. Winter provides the most consistent conditions.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through May sees flows begin to increase. Midges and BWOs dominate. Streamer fishing becomes effective as water warms. Watch for flow changes as dam operations shift.
summer
Flows increase to 2,000-3,000 CFS. PMDs, caddis, and terrestrials produce well. Float fishing becomes primary method. Early morning before crowds is best.
fall
September through November is excellent. Browns get aggressive. Streamers produce trophy fish. Flows begin to decrease toward winter levels.
winter
Prime time for technical anglers. Flows locked at 500 CFS provide consistent conditions. Midges hatch reliably. Fish are concentrated and catchable. Less crowded than other seasons.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Miracle Mile
Another Blue Ribbon section of the North Platte with trophy potentialBighorn River
Montana tailwater with similar character and trophy fishResources
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