North Fork of the South Platte Fishing Report November 2025: Flows, Flies, Access, and What’s Working Now

Updated: November 17, 2025
Flow: 200 CFS
Conditions: Clear water, steady winter flows, midges dominating, medium angler pressure

The North Fork is settling into its winter groove with steady 200 CFS releases that fill out seams and keep holding water deep, slow, and very fishable. This is the kind of flow that gives you predictable lanes and enough depth to tuck fish into structure, which makes this section far more forgiving than the ultra skinny weeks earlier in fall. Water is clear, the canyon is cold, and fish are feeding consistently once the sun hits the rock walls.

Expect tight winter windows. The bite ramps once the air temp moves out of the twenties and stabilizes in the mid to upper thirties. Midges rule the menu, though a few baetis still slide around on cloudy afternoons. Think technical nymphing, small bugs, and slow tight streamer routes through the deeper bends. With pressure sitting at moderate levels, pick your spots, take your time, and fish short controlled drifts.

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Conditions Summary

Flow Rate: 200 CFS
Water Temperature: low to mid 40s once the sun reaches the canyon
Air Temperature: 20s early, 40s mid day
Clarity: clear
Crowds: medium
Best Times: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fly Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐

Seasonal Notes

• Stable winter flows concentrate fish in deeper canyon water
• Midges are the dominant hatch with occasional BWO pulses
• Afternoons fish noticeably better than mornings
• Expect low light early and later due to canyon walls

Five-Day Weather Forecast

North Fork Hatch Chart

Current Month: November

Primary Hatch: Midges

• Stages: larva, pupa, emergers
• Colors: black, gray, chocolate
• Sizes: 20 to 24

Secondary Hatch: BWOs

• Present mostly on overcast afternoons
• Sizes: 18 to 22
• Not as reliable as midges but worth having

Tertiary Activity

• Small leeches along the bottom
• Egg drift in softer water pockets
  
  

Pro Guide Rig

(One setup, the rig a North Fork guide uses daily)

Leader: 9 ft 4x fluoro
Tippet: 5x to lead fly, 6x to dropper
Weight: One small shot placed 8 inches above lead fly

Lead Fly: Size 16 red or wine colored worm (North Fork staple)
Dropper Fly: Size 22 black Top Secret Midge

How to fish it: Short controlled drifts tight to structure. Keep your rod high, mend early, and let the flies ride low in the slot. Recast often instead of letting drifts wander.

Need a Guide? Think GuideBanK. Learn More.

Top 10 Flies

1. Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
2. Black Beauty 20 to 22
3. Zebra Midge 20 to 22
4. Olive RS2 20 to 22
5. Juju Baetis 18 to 20
6. Foam Wing Emerger 20 to 22
7. WD40 20 to 22
8. Red San Juan Worm 14 to 16
9. Soft Pink Egg 14 to 16
10. Micro Leech Olive 10 to 12

Tips Fly Fishing The North Fork

Seasonal Tip
Look for winter water: deep, slow, green, and structured. The fish move very little.

Dry Fly Tips

• Only worth trying on calm overcast days
• Single small midges with long leaders

Nymphing Tips

• Hug depth changes and boulder edges
• Eggs, worms, and tiny midges in tandem
• Stay above the lane and fish short

Streamer Tips

• Use small leeches, not articulated stuff
• Slow strips along the bottom of deep bends

Access Points

1. Bailey Canyon Bridges

Why Fish Here: Good depth, consistent winter holding water
Crowds: Medium
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Notes: Perfect place to start at these flows.

2. Shawnee Riffle to Run Sequences

Why Fish Here: Riffle drop offs into deeper green slots
Crowds: Light to medium
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Notes: Best midday midge water.

3. Below the Big Cutbanks

Why Fish Here: Deep slow wintering water
Crowds: Medium
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Notes: Excellent place for the pro rig or small leech swings.

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

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.

Stop Here After The River

Riverbend Eatery, Bailey

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.