One great advantage of the Grey Reef section is that you can enjoy fly fishing by either wading or floating. There are several access points for wading - the section directly below the dam can get a bit crowded at times, and can be demanding if releases are high. Tire of this and you can go downstream. You'll need a heavier rod than on most Wyoming rivers (7 or 8-weight), fluorocarbon leader and tippet, plenty of nymphs, and weights. Dry fly action doesn't occur much on this normally unclear tailwater.

Patience is a virtue in the hunt for these rainbow trout. A quiet drift may be met by a subtle strike. Then, a good test of your landing abilities. Be sure to have the net handy! And be gentle with catch and release so that these gorgeous trout can live to see another angler, much less spawn when time comes.

Floating the tailwater is a great way to experience not just the angling, but this portion of Wyoming. A float trip can last half a day or more. The river is gentle - drift boats probably work best. But rafts or even float tubes can also be used. A large streamer (the conehead variety) followed by a nymph should offer you plenty of strikes. Believe me, the challenge will come in setting and landing the large trout!

Drifting is a peaceful and relaxing way to experience a flyfishing day. It's also a good method to introduce youngsters or friends to the sport since a float trip provides other activities besides fishing (for example, your friend rows while you flyfish). Kids can have fun enjoying the boat experience, as well as looking for wildlife such as pronghorns and hawks.

Needless to say, make a trip to Grey Reef. Almost any day of the year this tailwater will present you with a good time

All content and photos � 2004