.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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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.
The North Fork near Bailey is running 200 CFS, clear, and delivering classic fall fishing conditions. Trout are keyed in on Tricos in the morning, with BWOs sliding in on cloudy afternoons. Midges and small baetis nymphs keep rods bent through the middle of the day.
Flows are in a sweet spot — wadeable, with enough water to spread anglers out. Medium pressure is the norm, but you can find space by walking away from road pull-offs.
Listen to the Podcast
Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – North Fork Dispatch
We cover why the Trico hatch is still running strong, how to pair it with tiny nymph droppers, and when to switch gears to BWOs or leeches.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 200 CFS — steady, wadeable, and fishable
- Water Temp: Mid-40s°F — cool and safe for trout
- Air Temp: 40s°F mornings, 70s°F afternoons
- Clarity: Clear — trout easily spooked in shallow runs
- Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinners; 4–7 PM BWOs if clouds appear
- Fishing Pressure: Medium — roadside access draws anglers
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — steady fishing, but technical
Hatch Chart – September (Bailey Stretch)
| Insect Group | Presence |
|---|---|
| Tricos | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BWOs | ⭐⭐ |
| Midges | ⭐⭐ |
| Caddis | ⭐ |
| PMDs | ⭐ |
Notes: Morning Tricos are still the top ticket. BWOs are more consistent on overcast days. Midges are constant subsurface producers.
Flies to Tie On
Nymphs / Emergers
- WD-40 (#20)
- RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
- JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
- Zebra Midge (#22-24)
Dries / Terrestrials
- Blue Wing Olive (#20)
- Trico Spinner (#22-24)
- Parachute Adams (#20-22)
- Micro Hopper (#16, fading but still an option)
Streamers
- Mini Leech (#12, olive/black)
- Slumpbuster (#12-14)
- Sparkle Minnow (#10-12)
Tactical Playbook
- Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinner fall is prime; fish small spinners with RS2 droppers.
- Midday: Double-nymph rigs with WD-40s, baetis, and midges. Trout are subtle, so watch your indicator.
- Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in shaded slots.
- Rig Note: Long leaders (12–14 ft) and light tippet (6X/7X) are required in clear water.
Access & Flow Zones
- Bailey Section: Roadside access, classic riffle/run water.
- Downstream toward Shawnee: Less traffic, deeper pools, and pocket water.
- Above Bailey: Smaller water, stealth essential, but great Trico sight-fishing.
FAQs – North Fork (Bailey)
Q: Is the North Fork too crowded right now?
A: Medium pressure. Roadside spots fill up, but walking upstream/downstream finds room.
Q: What’s the best bug?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and JuJu Baetis under a dry are reliable.
Q: Are streamers worth it?
A: Yes, in shaded banks or deeper runs. Keep them small.
Q: Can I wade safely at 200 CFS?
A: Yes — flows are excellent for wading.
Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4-5 wt with 12–14 ft leaders and 6X tippet.
River Whisper: Colorado Fly Fishing Edge
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Tired of outdated fishing reports? As a modern fly fisherman, you need fresh insights that actually help you reel in more fish. River Whisper brings you honest, up-to-date fly fishing reports for Colorado—no gimmicks, just the real deal. Elevate your fishing game with us—because your success on the river matters!
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