Welcome to the North Fork of the South Platte River. This stretch of river is a hidden gem just outside of Denver, less crowded than its more famous cousins like Deckers or Cheesman Canyon, yet equally rich with opportunities to catch trophy-sized trout.
The North Fork has settled into that late-October mood — cold mornings, glassy water, and trout that make you earn every take.
It’s the kind of fishing that rewards a slow hand and a good thermos. If you show up after the frost burns off, you’ll find the canyon quiet, the light perfect, and fish that still haven’t figured out it’s almost November.
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Conditions Summary
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Flows are holding near 85 CFS with excellent clarity and temps in the upper 40s. Browns are mostly post-spawn, rainbows are feeding steadily, and light BWOs are still popping mid-day. Expect chilly mornings and a strong bite between 10 AM and 3 PM. The canyon section fishes best right now with nymph rigs and small dries under cloud cover.
- Flow: ~85 CFS (steady)
- Water Temp: 46–49 °F
- Air Temp: 33–65 °F
- Clarity: Clear
- Pressure: Light mid-week, moderate weekends
- Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Conditions Note:
Fish are holding in soft seams and deeper troughs. The water is low enough for sight-fishing, and long leaders with fine tippet make a big difference.
October Hatch Chart
- Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) #20–22 10 AM–2 PM Emergers mid-column, duns mid-day
- Midges #22–26 All day Double-midge rigs or under small dry
- Egg Drift All day Fish below riffles for post-spawn feeders
Download the South Platte Hatch Chart
Top 3 Dry Flies for October
- Parachute BWO #20 – Best mid-day on cloudy skies
- Parachute Adams #18 – Versatile search pattern
- Griffith’s Gnat #22 – Cluster midge for calm edges
Top 3 Nymphs for October
- RS2 (Gray #20–22) – Essential BWO emerger
- Zebra Midge (Black #22–24) – Consistent producer in clear runs
- Beadhead Pheasant Tail #18 – All-around attractor for riffle water
Streamer of the Month
Mini Leech #12 (Olive or Brown) – Short slow strips through deep pockets late afternoon.
Tips for Fishing the North Fork
- Wait until mid-morning for the bite to build.
- Stay low and stealthy in the clear canyon water.
- Use long leaders (10–12 ft) and 5X–6X tippet.
- Focus on soft edges and tailouts.
- Cloudy afternoons bring the best surface activity.
- Small streamers and leech patterns work after 2 PM.
Access Points
- Shawnee: easier access, consistent nypmh bite mid-day
- Bailey: steady flows, light traffic on weekdays
- Sportsman’s Paradise (private): strong clarity, booked access only
- Pine Valley Ranch: lower flows, solid wade water, quiet this time of year
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only
- Catch-and-release recommended post-spawn
- Avoid redds in shallow gravel zones
- Check for occasional CPW flow adjustments from Roberts Tunnel
FAQ on the North Fork of the South Platte
Q: Is the water still clear?
A: Yes, visibility is excellent with a slight green tint after warm afternoons.
Q: When’s the best bite?
A: 10 AM–3 PM once the sun hits the canyon.
Q: Are the browns still spawning?
A: Most are post-spawn and actively feeding.
Q: What’s the top rig?
A: RS2 to Zebra Midge under a tiny indicator on 5X tippet.
Q: Can I swing streamers?
A: Yes, small leeches and bunny patterns work well in deeper pockets.
Q: Any closures?
A: None currently reported.
Q: Is this stretch crowded?
A: Light pressure except for Saturdays near Bailey.
Q: Is the North Fork worth fishing after October?
A: Yes — it stays productive until early ice forms in late November.
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