North Fork of the South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Cold water and no crowds.

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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 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

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

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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