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The river is cold, lightly stained to clear, and moving slower than the main stem, with trout set up in soft winter lanes and deep inside bends. Feeding windows are short but forgiving compared to Cheesman or Deckers, especially during calm afternoons. This is classic North Fork South Platte winter fly fishing: quieter water, fewer anglers, and steady opportunity if you slow down.
Updated: February 23, 2026
The North Fork of the South Platte in February is classic small freestone winter water. Flows are low enough to compress trout into defined pocket water and soft seams, but not so low that fish disappear. It is technical in a different way than the canyon tailwaters.
This is short drift fishing right now. Trout are holding tight behind structure and in walking speed lanes. Cover water methodically, adjust depth first, and fish every soft pocket. Midday warming improves consistency, but structure and precision matter more than time.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 102 CFS. Winter freestone flow concentrating fish into deeper pockets and defined seams.
Water Temperature: 36 °F
Air Temperature: 39 °F
Wind: 4 to 10 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Underrated winter freestone option with low pressure
Weather
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge black 18 to 22: Fish deep behind boulders and in soft pockets.
- Black Beauty 18 to 22: Drift tight to bottom in walking speed seams.
- RS2 gray 18 to 20: Fish slightly above bottom in slower lanes.
- Thread Frenchie 16 to 18: Productive in transition pockets.
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22: Effective in deeper winter slots.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Small Stonefly Nymph 14 to 16: Drift through defined pocket seams.
- Pat’s Rubber Legs black 12 to 14: Fish tight to structure.
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18: Fish transitional lanes between pockets.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech olive 10 to 12: Strip slowly through deeper bends.
- Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10: Fish near undercut banks midday.
Pro Rig of the Week: North Fork Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Scud 14 to 16 or Small Pheasant Tail 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Light to moderate, adjusted for slower depth
North Fork Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Small stoneflies | 12 to 16 | Present in pocket water |
| Baetis | 18 to 20 | Occasional mild afternoon activity |
Access Points – North Fork South Platte
Bridge Crossing Pull Off | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Pocket water with consistent winter holds.
Lower Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined inside seams and depth changes.
Boulder Pocket Section | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Short drifts with technical approaches.
Upper Roadside Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Light pressure with limited winter structure.
Lower Confluence Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Deeper water holding trout consistently.
Bailey Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Consistent pocket water and depth.
Pine Valley Ranch Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined seams and soft winter lanes.
Shawnee Bridge Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Reliable winter pocket structure.
Grant Area Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Low pressure with solid depth transitions.
Downstream Canyon Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
More technical drifts and tighter lanes.
Local Regulations And Landowner Notes
- Respect private sections in the Bailey corridor
- Only use designated access points
- Winter flows can fluctuate; check before wading tight slots
Stop Here After The River
A classic warm-up spot after a cold canyon day. Cozy cabin vibe, wood-fired pizzas, good burgers, and the kind of hot coffee that brings your hands back to life. Order the wood-fired pepperoni or the bacon cheeseburger and give yourself a minute to thaw before the drive home.
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
FAQ
Q: What flows fish best this time of year
A: 150 to 250 CFS is ideal and 200 CFS is nearly perfect.
Q: Are dries realistic
A: Only during brief calm windows; otherwise stick to nymphs.
Q: What is the best time of day
A: Midday once the canyon warms and light reaches the river floor.
Q: Is the water crowded right now
A: Medium pressure, more on warm weekends, lighter during colder snaps.
Q: Should I run 6x
A: Yes on your dropper, especially with size 22 to 24 midges.
Q: Are streamers a real option
A: Yes if fished slowly along deep structure, but nymphing is primary.
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