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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 – August 18, 2025

The North Fork of the South Platte is one of Colorado’s most popular private-access fisheries, and for good reason—big fish, controlled flows, and often heavy hatches. But it’s no secret anymore. If you’re heading here, expect competition and fish that have seen it all. The good news: if you adjust your tactics, the rewards can be massive.

Flows are stable and clear below Roberts Tunnel, water temps are holding steady, and PMDs plus tricos are making for technical but exciting dry fly opportunities. Add in hopper-dropper rigs along the edges, and you’ve got one of the best late-summer mixes in the state right now.

Listen to the Podcast

🎧 Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – North Fork Update

Hear our on-river breakdown of flows, bugs, and tactics for fooling educated trout.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: ~160 CFS (controlled release from Roberts Tunnel)
• Water Temp: ~56°F mid-morning
• Air Temp: High 70s°F afternoons
• Clarity: Clear, excellent visibility
• Best Times: 7 AM–11 AM for tricos and PMDs; 5–8 PM for evening caddis
• Fishing Pressure: Heavy on popular stretches; lighter if you’ve booked private water beats
• Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️

North Fork Hatch Chart

Flies to Try – North Fork

Nymphs

• TDJ Sunken Trico – 20–22
• Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray/olive) – 20–24
• Juju Baetis (gray) – 18–22
• Pat’s Rubber Legs (coffee/black) – 10–14
• Barr’s Emerger (PMD) – 18–22
• UV Midge (black) – 20–22

Dries

• CDC Biot Trico Spinner – 20–22
• Matthews Sparkle Dun (PMD) – 18–22
• Amy’s Ant – 14
• Parachute Adams – 18–22
• Elk Hair Caddis – 16

Streamers

• Mini Dungeon (natural/olive)
• Thin Mint Bugger – 8–10
• Baby Gonga (brown or rainbow)
• Slump Buster – 8–10
  
  

Tips for Fishing the North Fork

• Seasonal Tip: Match the trico spinner fall in the morning. Small dries (22–24) with perfect drifts will outproduce flashy attractors.
• Nymphing: Use light tippet (6X fluoro) with small, natural nymphs under an indicator or euro-style. Long leaders help.
• Dry Fly: Focus on calm tailouts during the trico spinner fall; switch to caddis in the evening.
• Streamer Fishing: Go small and natural. Strip softly in shadow lines and seams.

Access Notes

• Private Access: North Fork Ranch, Boxwood Gulch, and Long Meadow are the main stretches—booked through outfitters. Expect high pressure.
• Public Access: Sparse and often crowded—Grant and below Geneva Creek offer limited options.

Local Regulations

Private Access Rules Apply – Check with landowners/outfitters for restrictions.

Catch & Release Encouraged – Barbless hooks strongly recommended.

FAQs – North Fork of the South Platte

Q: Is the North Fork public or private?
A: Mostly private beats (Boxwood, Long Meadow, North Fork Ranch). Limited public water near Grant.

Q: What’s the best time to fish it in August?
A: Early mornings for tricos and late evenings for caddis. Midday slows down.

Q: Can I wade fish it?
A: Yes, but be stealthy—these fish see constant pressure.

Q: Do streamers work here?
A: Yes, but subtle patterns outfish big meat. Small dungeons and buggers are best.

Q: What rod setup works best?
A: A 9’ 5-weight with a euro-nymph setup or a 4-weight for technical dry fly work.

Q: Is booking private access worth it?
A: Absolutely—fish density and size are unmatched compared to the limited public stretches.

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