Fishing Report: North Fork of the South Platte River

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September Fishing Report: Northfork of the South Platte River

Current River Conditions

With flows holding steady around 150 cfs, the North Fork is in prime shape for anglers looking to test their skills. The cooler water temperatures and clear conditions make this section of the river ideal for sight fishing and technical nymphing. Be prepared for a mix of rainbows, browns, and even the occasional brookie or cutthroat, particularly in the less pressured sections.

What's Bitting? 

Right now, the fish are showing a preference for both subsurface nymphs and surface dries, depending on the time of day and hatch activity:

• Nymphs: If you’re planning to nymph (and you should be), small patterns like the Zebra Midge (#20-24), Rainbow Warrior (#20), and Barr’s Copper John (#18-20) are proving very effective. Pat’s Rubber Legs and the ever-popular Smethhurst’s Stonebomb are also working well as lead flies in deeper runs and riffles.

• Dry Flies: For those moments when fish start looking up, caddis and hopper patterns are making a splash—literally. Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18), Amy’s Ants, and Charlie Boy Hoppers (#10-16) are all performing well. During the morning hatches, Trico spinners in sizes #20-24 are a must-have. You’ll want to focus on the slower water and seams where trout are likely to be sipping on these tiny bugs.

• Streamers: Streamers like Woolly Buggers and Mini Dungeons are your ticket for targeting bigger trout lurking in the deeper pools. Cast these into shadowy pockets or along undercut banks, and be ready for aggressive strikes.

River Water Flow Chart

For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Hatches and Fly Patterns

Nymphs:

• Zebra Midge (Black, Olive, Red)
  Sizes: #20-24
  When to Use: Midges are a primary food source throughout the year, especially during colder months and in clear, cold water like the North Fork. Zebra Midges are particularly effective in slower runs and pools where trout are feeding just below the surface.

• Pat’s Rubber Legs
  Sizes: #8-12
  When to Use: This pattern mimics a stonefly nymph and is great as a lead fly in a nymph rig. It works well in faster water and deeper runs where larger fish are holding. It's especially effective during higher flows or when fishing deep pockets.

• Barr’s Copper John
  Sizes: #18-20
  When to Use: A versatile nymph pattern that imitates a variety of aquatic insects. It works well in faster water and riffles, where the additional weight helps get the fly down quickly to where the trout are feeding.

• Rainbow Warrior
  Sizes: #18-20
  When to Use: An attractor nymph that's great for clear water. It’s especially effective in the winter and early spring months but can produce year-round. Use it in tandem with a smaller dropper fly like a midge or BWO nymph.

• Smethhurst’s Stonebomb
  Sizes: #8-10
  When to Use: This heavier stonefly pattern is perfect for getting down deep in faster currents and deeper pools. It’s a go-to fly when targeting larger fish that are hugging the bottom.

Dry Flies:

• Elk Hair Caddis
  Sizes: #14-18
  When to Use: This is a great all-around dry fly, especially during caddis hatches, which are common in the late spring through early fall. Fish it during the late morning to afternoon when adult caddisflies are active.

• Amy’s Ant
  Sizes: #10-14
  When to Use: A terrestrial pattern that works well during the summer and early fall months. This fly is excellent for fishing along the banks and overhanging vegetation where trout may be waiting for terrestrial insects to fall into the water.

• Charlie Boy Hopper
  Sizes: #10-16
  When to Use: Ideal for late summer and fall fishing, especially on warm days when grasshoppers are active. Use this fly near the banks or in slower water where trout are looking for an easy meal.

• Trico Spinner
  Sizes: #20-24
  When to Use: Effective during early morning hatch periods. Trico hatches can produce significant feeding activity, making this fly a must-have for summer fishing when these insects are present.

Streamers:

• Woolly Bugger
  Sizes: #6-10
  When to Use: A versatile streamer that imitates baitfish, leeches, or large aquatic insects. It is effective in deeper pools and around structure, where larger fish may be hiding. Woolly Buggers can be stripped or swung to provoke aggressive strikes, especially from bigger trout.

• Mini Dungeon
  Sizes: #6-8
  When to Use: This articulated streamer pattern is great for targeting larger, more aggressive fish in the North Fork. Use it in deeper water or during lower light conditions, such as early morning or late evening.

Fishing Tactics

Nymphing Techniques

Nymphing is the most consistent and productive method on the North Fork, particularly given the cold, clear water and the trout's feeding habits. The goal is to get your flies down to the fish, which are often holding near the bottom in deeper runs and riffles.

• Two-Fly Nymph Rig: Use a two-fly nymph rig to cover different depths and food sources. Start with a heavier attractor pattern like Pat’s Rubber Legs or Smethurst’s Stonebomb as your point fly. Follow this with a smaller, more natural fly like a Zebra Midge, Barr’s Copper John, or Rainbow Warrior as a dropper. This setup mimics both large and small insects, appealing to trout feeding at various levels​

• Adjust for Depth and Current: Pay close attention to the river’s flow and adjust the depth of your flies accordingly. Use enough weight to get your flies down quickly, especially in faster-moving water. Strike indicators can help detect subtle takes and ensure you maintain the correct depth.

• Target Specific Water Types: Focus on seams, riffles, and pockets of slower-moving water behind rocks or along undercut banks. These areas are prime feeding spots where trout can hold in slower water while waiting for food to drift by.

Dry Fly and Dry-Dropper Fishing

Dry fly fishing can be very effective during hatches or when fish feed on the surface. Given the clear water, presentation and fly selection are key.

• Dry-Dropper Setup: A dry-dropper rig combines the best of both worlds by allowing you to fish a dry fly on the surface with a nymph or emerger pattern suspended below. Use a buoyant dry fly like a Chubby Chernobyl or Amy’s Ant to float a small nymph or emerger such as a Zebra Midge or Trico Spinner. This setup is particularly effective in pocket water and around structure where trout might rise to the surface or feed just below​

• Presenting the Dry Fly: During hatches, especially in the early morning or late evening, target slower pools and seams where trout are more likely to feed on the surface. Use a drag-free drift to present dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis or Trico Spinners. Watch for subtle rises or bubbles on the water’s surface that indicate feeding fish.

Streamer Fishing

Streamer fishing can be particularly effective for targeting larger, more aggressive trout in the North Fork, especially during low-light conditions or when the water is slightly off-color.

• Streamers for Big Trout: Use larger streamers like Woolly Buggers or Mini Dungeons in sizes #6-10 to mimic baitfish or leeches. Cast these patterns into deeper pools, along undercut banks, or around structure where larger trout might be hiding. Strip or swing the streamers at varying speeds to trigger predatory strikes.

• Swinging and Stripping: For streamer fishing, focus on swinging or stripping the flies through deep water and near rocks or logs where big fish are likely to hold. Try different retrieval speeds to find what triggers the most aggressive strikes. Short, quick strips can mimic a fleeing baitfish, while slower, steady pulls can imitate a wounded fish.

Sight Fishing and Stealth Tactics

The clear waters of the North Fork make it an ideal location for sight fishing but also demand a stealthy approach.

• Polarized Sunglasses: These are essential for reducing glare and spotting trout holding in deeper pools or behind structures. You can tailor your approach and presentation to target specific fish by spotting fish before casting.

• Long Leaders and Light Tippets: Use longer leaders (9-12 feet) and light tippets (5x-6x) to reduce visibility and avoid spooking fish. Approach the water cautiously and keep a low profile to avoid being seen by the trout.

• Read the Water: Pay attention to the river’s flow and structure. Look for bubbles, foam lines, or slight changes in watercolor, which can indicate seams or feeding lanes. Fish these areas thoroughly before moving on.

Adapt to Changing Conditions

Conditions on the North Fork can rapidly change due to weather or water releases from the Roberts Tunnel, which affects flow and clarity.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to switch daily tactics based on the fish’s behavior and current conditions. If nymphing isn’t producing, try switching to a dry-dropper rig or streamer. Keep a variety of flies and adjust your approach as needed.

• Time Your Outing: Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times for fishing, as trout are more active and feeding. Midday can be slower, especially in bright sunlight, so use this time to target deeper pools or shaded areas.

Best Spots

Popular access points include:

• Cheesman Canyon Trailhead: Provides easy access to prime fishing spots with deep pools and riffles.
• Gill Trail: Offers access to various sections of the canyon, known for holding large trout.
• Bridge Crossing: Ideal for anglers seeking a mix of calm and fast waters​ 

For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Previous River Report

• August Cheeseman Canyon Fishing Report
• July Cheeseman Canyon Fishing Report

Safety Tips

Given the current flows and temperatures, wading can be hazardous. Always inform someone of your plans and avoid crossing the river at unsafe points. Use proper gear, such as a wading staff and boots, to maintain stability in the water. The swift currents can be dangerous, so exercise extreme caution​