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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 is crystal clear and cool right now. Early mornings feel like winter, but by mid day the canyon wakes up and trout start to move. Flows are stable and clarity is excellent, which means spooky fish and technical drifts.
This is the time to slow down, shorten your casts, and hunt soft seams. Crowds are light, bugs are small, and every fish you catch feels earned.
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 195 cfs at the Grant gauge
- Water Temperature: Upper 40s to low 50s °F
- Air Temperature: Highs in the 50s to 60s °F lows in the 30s °F
- Clarity: Excellent with long visibility
- Crowds: Light especially on weekdays
- Best Times to Fish: Mid morning through early afternoon
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Expect clear skies light wind and mild afternoons with cold mornings. Temperatures are trending cooler but still comfortable by mid day.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active all day especially in slack water |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Good on overcast or calm days |
| Tertiary | Terrestrials #10–14 ants beetles | Sparse but still possible on sunny afternoons |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Use a 10 foot 5x leader with a #16 Parachute Adams and 18 inches of 6x to a #20 Zebra Midge. Start with the dry until surface activity slows then remove it and fish the midge solo. Focus on seams near rocks and shaded pockets. Clear water means delicate presentations are key.
Top Flies for the Month
Dry Fly: Parachute Adams #16
Nymph: Two Bit Hooker #18
Streamer: Olive Mini Leech #12 to #14
Tips Fly Fishing on the North Fork
- Seasonal Tip: Fish are stacked in deeper pockets and slower runs. Focus on soft edges and shadows.
- Dry Fly: Look for gentle sips mid day and keep the drift drag free.
- Nymphing: Long leaders fine tippet and light weight get more takes.
- Streamer Fishing: Short strips and slow retrieves through the deeper canyon shelves.
Access Points
- Grant Access easy wading and varied pocket water ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Pine Valley Ranch quieter water and scenic walk in ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Shawnee Meadows Upper Canyon remote and rewarding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Public and private sections alternate throughout the canyon. Respect signage and posted boundaries. Denver Water tunnel releases can change flows quickly. Check before you go.
FAQ on This Spot
- What are the current flows and clarity like
Around 195 cfs and very clear. - When is the best time to fish this stretch
Late morning through early afternoon. - What flies are producing right now
Parachute Adams Two Bit Hooker Olive Mini Leech. - Can I wade or should I float
Wading only ideal for small water and precise casting. - What species can I expect here
Wild browns and rainbows. - Any local shops or guides nearby
Local guides in Bailey and Grant offer day access and private water trips.
Stop Here After the River
After fishing the North Fork head into Bailey and grab a seat at Kenosha Pass Brewery. It is a small town taproom with wood floors mountain views and friendly regulars. Order the Elk Burger with green chile and a pint of their High Altitude IPA. It is the perfect warm up before the drive home.
https://kenoshapassbrewery.com
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