The next stop on our 2024 fly fishing road trip was a return to the Grey’s River in Wyoming after spending 2 weeks on the Madison. We first fished the Grey’s River back in 2021.

Grey's River 2024 | www.johnkreft.com

This year, our trip began in Alpine, WY and we drove upstream. In 2021, we started at the headwaters of the Grey’s River and the Tri-Basin Divide. The other two rivers are the Smith and La Barge.

Tri Basin Divide | www.johnkreft.com

This image is from 2021, looking down the valley at La Barge Creek headwaters from the Tri Basin Divide on its way to the Green River and eventually the Colorado River.

La Barge Creek Headwaters | www.johnkreft.com

The Grey’s River flows the opposite direction into the Snake River. Lastly, the Smith River flows into the Bear River and then the Great Salt Lake.

We decided to concentrate on the lower end of the river this year. Driving up from Alpine, we found a spot less than 15 miles upstream. The river was very busy and we felt lucky to find an empty site close to the river.

Campervan Along Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

This was a great location and it wasn’t long before we found rising fish in front of the van and the tailout below. Here are our first fish from the Grey’s River.

Dancingtrout with First Grey's River Cutthroat | www.johnkreft.com
First Grey's River Cutthroat | www.johnkreft.com

Another beauty I caught that evening. The colorful fins are amazing!

Grey's River Cutthroat from First Evening | www.johnkreft.com

And another from the same area the next evening.

Grey's River Cutthroat | www.johnkreft.com

While these Snake River Cutthroat trout aren’t huge, at least the ones we caught, they sure think they are! I was amazed how hard they fight. I’d hook one and was surprised to see the size as it approached the net. They didn’t want to give up the fight!

We caught a lot of trout that evening, although many were in the 5 to 9 inch range.

The next morning, we packed up and drove upstream looking for larger, rising trout.

The drive upstream was beautiful. Here are a couple images of the valley.

The last trip we were lucky to spot a moose. Hard as we tried, there were no moose sightings on this trip. The tall willows look inviting for these large mammals.

Around 25 miles upstream on the gravel road, we happened upon this corner where fish were rising. Upon closer inspection, there were many moths floating downstream and the fish eagerly ate them.

Black Canyon Turnout on Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

I didn’t have any moth imitations that looked like those floating downstream, but I tied on a large X Caddis and pushed down on the wing to spread it out…and it worked!

Dancingtrout with Grey's River Cutthroat | www.johnkreft.com
Beautiful Grey's River Cutthroat | www.johnkreft.com

The fish kept rising as the moths floated downstream.

Grey's River Cutthroat in Net - Vertical | www.johnkreft.com

It was fast and furious for a short time while the trout continued to eat our flies.

Grey's River Cutthroat and Reflection | www.johnkreft.com

Here are some closeup images of the moths.

Here they are floating in the water.

Grey's River Moth with Flat Wings | www.johnkreft.com
Grey's River Moth on Water - Side View | www.johnkreft.com

In addition to the moths, we found Green Drake Spinners floating in the eddy.

Green Drake Spinner Flat on Water - Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com
Green Drake Spinner with Upright Wings - Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

I didn’t see any fish eat these, but it’s interesting to note they were available. We weren’t on this section of the river in the afternoon or early evening when I would think the Drakes would hatch.

Did I mention it was hot? We drove downstream looking for an open campsite and were lucky to find one in the shade. But even the shade was hot, so I ventured down to the water and sat with my feet in the water to cool off. Since I didn’t have any moths, I decided to pull out my fly tying gear and tie up a few.

Tying Flies on Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

This is what I came up with.

Tying Moth on Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

I tied these in a size 12, but a 14 would have matched the size of the natural better.

We drove upstream the next morning to see if these new flies would work. Would the fish be rising?

Turns out they were…as well as some decent size Whitefish!

My new fly worked great and we landed several Cutthroat, including this beauty.

Grey's River Cutthroat Trout Above Water | www.johnkreft.com

We found many more moths in the water that day as well as Green Drake Spinners and this Mayfly Spinner.

Mayfly Spinner on Reed - Grey's River | www.johnkreft.com

The fish weren’t keying on them, but I really enjoy capturing these images with my camera.

It was great to be back on the Grey’s River.

Enjoy…go fish!

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2 Comments

  1. After the solar eclipse I camped at the RV park at the mouth of the Greys. It was hunting season and the hunters were everywhere, but Virgo fishermen. It was a wonderful 3 days of exploring the Greys.

  2. That area holds some of the most beautiful cutthroat I have ever seen. I like the insight on the moth’s as well. That is new to me.

    Wish you two an amazing rest of your road trip!

    -Nick

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