The North Platte River in Wyoming is often called legendary, the proverbial “Land of the Giants”. It’s cliché to say that any river is legendary, but this one really might be. The North Platte is one of only two major rivers in Wyoming that run south to north. Its freestone stretches start in Colorado and it crosses the state line just north of Walden, CO. The river passes through Saratoga, WY and under Interstate 80 before it bellies into Seminoe Reservoir, which marks the beginning of its famous big-trout tailwater fisheries.
Below Seminoe and Kortes, the riffle/run, picture-perfect Miracle Mile shuffles toward Pathfinder Reservoir. Below that the steep Fremont Canyon section, complete with a sweet switchbacking meadow section ends its journey at Alcova Reservoir. And downstream of that impoundment, Grey Reef Reservoir is the final link in a chain that forms the formidable Grey Reef tailwater fishery—a drift-boat paradise home to myriad float options between Alcova and Casper, WY.
This is where you’ll find the North Platte Lodge and The Reef Fly Shop. And it’s where extraordinary Wyoming fly fishing begins. From North Platte Lodge, you begin your fishing day on a four-season fishery with outstanding populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. The mellow and meandering Reef rolls through wide-open country and averages approximately 3,000 trout per mile: 90 percent rainbow and 10 percent browns and Snake River cutthroats. Thanks to consistent tailwater flows carrying scuds, leeches, worms, and massive terrestrial and macroinvertebrate life, Grey Reef is a BIG trout powerhouse. Rainbows average 16 to 18 inches long, while trophies span 25 to 30 inches and can weigh 10+ pounds. The brown trout are equally large, oftentimes more elusive, and are fiendish for big stripped streamers.
A Wyoming fly fishing day with North Platte Lodge starts with coffee, juices, and a hot (or cold) breakfast in our upstairs dining room. Fly fishing guides meet guests at the lodge—with lunches, cold beverages, and gear —and shuttle anglers to the river. Day floats on the Reef range from 4 to 15 miles long. Lunch is served on the water and fishing is concentrated on the stretches that are producing best during your chosen timeframe.
Off the river, all the comforts and conveniences of home await you at the lodge. NPL has six spacious guest rooms , each with two queen beds and private bathrooms. Upstairs, a bed and breakfast atmosphere is amplified by a common dining area, cozy living room, and a commercial kitchen equipped with all the contemporary amenities.
The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages & RV provides top shelf gear, modern vacation cottages, RV sites, guided fishing trips, drift boat rentals and a river shuttle service.
The lodge and the shop are the only private properties on Grey Reef Rd and provide their guests with an unmatched amount of private access along with a number of private boat ramps.
Erik Aune and Trent Tatum are your hosts at the North Platte Lodge and The Reef Fly Shop. Both are accomplished anglers and guides. What’s more, they’re dedicated conservationists. And they love sharing the water they love with people who love to fish. Come to Wyoming. Come fish tailwaters of the North Platte River. You’ll love them too.
North Platte Lodge/The Reef Fly Shop (O,G,L)
Erik Aune and Trent Tatum
Alcova, WY 82601
(307) 237-1182