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

  • October 24, 2025

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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 river fly fishing report

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.


Listen to the Podcast

Late_Season_Trout_Tactics__Cracking_the_Code_on_North_Fork_Sout
5:51

 

 


Conditions Summary

rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.

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.

 

BAILEY WEATHER

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

 

Download the South Platte Hatch Chart

 


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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