Even though the float trip part of our trip to the Reef was an epic fail, not all was lost on my first Grey Reef trip. We fished a full day on Saturday, exploring a few different spots on the river, and all hooking into some very nice fish. We fished the morning right out back of the camper, with lots of access to some very nice riffles and seams. The North Platte is a lot bigger than any other river I've fished, but we still managed to find some nice fish in the seams along the edges. Started off the morning strong, landing some nice fish on some small annedlid patterns. Continued exploring close to the camp spot until lunch, with the highlight being a very strong baetis hatch that kept the trout rising for hours. I was able to fool a few trout on small BWO dry flies, but I wasn't able to get any to the net. Still was real cool watching these trout rise to imitation bug. Enjoyed some brats for lunch, before we packed up our rods and headed up river to fish some of the public water closer to the dam. We fished a section called the Redds, which they close at certain times of the year to allow for more productive spawning. The size of the fish in this section were much bigger than downstream, and they willingly were taking midge and baetis patterns. Landed my nicest fish of the trip up here, a very feisty and beautiful Cuttbow that made many acrobatic jumps out of the water before surrendering. We headed back to the campground to fish some streamers while dinner was getting made. Stripping a small, black Bunny Leach slowly netted a few more fish.
All in all, I would call this trip a success. Even though I continue to be very bummed about missing out on the float trip, I am thrilled to have fished another amazing river. The float trip will be planned for another time, and the lessons of what not to do will continue with us on our next adventure to the Reef. At least this makes for one hell of a story!!
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| Photo Courtesy of Nick Haws |
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| Photo Courtesy of Nick Haws |
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| Photo Courtesy of Nick Haws |
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| Photo Courtesy of Nick Haws |
Looks like a great time. I have been wanting to get to Grey Reef for some time now. This may be the motivation I need.
ReplyDeleteNice post and beautiful fish...sounds like float or not ya spanked 'em!
ReplyDelete