North Fork of the South Platte River Fly Fishing Report | Modern Reports for Modern Anglers

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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. 

North Fork of the South Platte Fly Fishing Report (April 2025)

The North Fork is awakening, and the trout are responding to the first whispers of spring. Picture a crisp morning, the air filled with the promise of emerging BWOs and caddis. The river is clear, demanding a stealthy approach, but the rewards are wild, eager trout. This month, you'll need a mix of patience and precision, as the fish adjust to warming waters. Get ready for some classic early-season Colorado freestone action.

Conditions Summary

• Flow: 150 CFS (slightly below average)
• Water Temperature: ~40–45°F
• Water Clarity: Very clear—stealth is key
• Best Times to Fish: 11 AM – 3 PM
• Wind Rating: Variable, light to moderate
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate, with increasing weekend traffic.
• Pro Tip: Check the Colorado Division of Water Resources website for real-time flow data, especially after snowmelt.
• Best Times to Fish: Late morning through mid-afternoon is prime. The warming temperatures trigger the emergence of BWOs and increasing midge activity.

River Flow Chart

North Fork of the South Platte Hatch Chart

Top Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Parachute (Size 18–22), ideal for afternoon hatches.
• Nymph: RS2 (Size 20–22), effective as a BWO emerger imitation.
• Nymph: Zebra Midge (Size 20-24), very effective for the early spring time

Tips for Fly Fishing the North Fork of the South Platte in March

Seasonal Tip

Warmer afternoons mean more active fish, but expect slow mornings until the sun warms things up.

Dry Fly

Watch for Baetis hatches mid-afternoon, but don’t expect consistent topwater action yet.

Nymphing

The most productive approach—go small, go deep, and keep drifts as natural as possible.

Streamer Fishing

Low flows make streamer fishing tough, but a slowly twitched leech or sculpin pattern can still move fish in deeper holes.

Access Points

Boxwood Gulch (Private Access)

• Description: Well-managed private water with huge trout.
• Why Fish Here: Best shot at trophy-sized fish, but requires a rod fee.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rawhide Ranch (Private Access)

• Description: Less pressure, fewer anglers, but expensive to fish.
• Why Fish Here: Some of the biggest fish in the drainage.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pine Valley Ranch (Public Access)

• Description: Great wade fishing, but fish are wary.
• Why Fish Here: One of the best public access areas for those willing to work for their fish.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to Fish on the North Fork of the South Platte

• Eleven Mile Canyon
• Areas around Bailey
• Pine Valley Ranch Park
• Areas around Shawnee.
• Cheesman Canyon

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Much of the North Fork is private—respect property boundaries.
• Catch-and-release recommended on public sections.
• Flows are controlled by releases from reservoirs, so check flow gauges before heading out.
• Watch for ice and unstable banks in shaded areas.

Fishing the North Fork of the South Platte in March is a technical game, but the payoff can be huge. If you can outsmart these pressured fish, you’ll walk away with more than just a great catch—you’ll leave with serious bragging rights.

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