The Grey Reef in specific is held very close to the hearts of many Wyoming natives as it is rich in history and is a symbolic staple that speaks towards the resilience of Casper and those who inhabit it. Some may be surprised to know that Casper, Wyoming is in fact a bucket list location and heavily sought after fly fishing destination for anglers around the country.  

The Grey Reef comes from very humble beginnings. In an area where the extraction industry is culturally embedded in the overall history, the North Platte was once seen as a dumping ground for industrial waste. In fact, in 1958 the North Platte was deemed the most polluted river system in the nation. Despite a less than savory outlook at the viability of the North Platte being able to recover,  Casper locals held unwavering hope that the fishery could be rejuvenated into what it was intended to be.

Wyomingites Take Action

In the way of Wyomingites, hope turned into action. Credit must be directly given to the Two-Fly Organization for teaming up with the City of Casper to facilitate a complete study of the river system. This study then led to a plan to restore the Grey Reef as well as the North Platte in general as it flows through Casper. 

After the Platte River Revival Committee came into the picture, the 13 plus mile restoration project catapulted this drainage system into what it is today: a Blue Ribbon fishery. Known predominantly for its nymph fishing, the famous Grey Reef Section of the North Platte is a tailwater that runs east from Grey Reef Dam towards the city of Casper. The Grey Reef is home to a healthy trout population that consists of about 90% Rainbows and 10% Browns and Cutthroat with an average trout size of 16 to 18 inches. Not only does floating the Grey Reef give you access to some of the heartiest trout in the west, it also gives you a front row seat to the wildlife and rugged terrain it inhabits that makes the West so special.