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Welcome to the North Fork of the South Platte River—where the fish are feisty, the water's clear, and the only thing more diverse than the insect hatches is the crowd of anglers trying to outsmart them. 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. If you’re tired of playing bumper rods with other anglers and ready to engage in some tactical fly fishing, the North Fork is calling your name.
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The North Fork of the South Platte is currently a tale of two rivers: sections with steady flows below the Roberts Tunnel are holding fish, while stretches without tunnel supplementation are running low and icy. Winter anglers who are patient, stealthy, and willing to hike a bit can still find willing trout tucked into deep pools and slower runs. Just don’t expect the fish to move far for your fly—you’ve got to put it right on their noses.
Flows are low but stable in the tailwater sections, creating ideal nymphing conditions for midges, Baetis, and the occasional stonefly nymph. Dry fly action is rare, but if the afternoon sun works its magic, you might see a midge hatch bring a few trout to the surface. If you’re targeting larger browns, dead-drifting small streamers through deep holes might surprise you. Just bundle up—it’s cold out there!
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Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: 50-75 CFS (below Roberts Tunnel), <30 CFS elsewhere
- Water Temperature: 33-37°F
- Clarity: Clear with some icy edges
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5 – Technical winter fishing, but rewarding for those who work for it)
River Flow Chart
North Fork of the South Platte Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| December (Previous Month) | Midges, Baetis | Black Beauty (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22) |
| January (Current Month) | Midges, Baetis, Small Stones | Zebra Midge (#20-24), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#12-14) |
| February (Next Month) | Midges, Baetis, Scuds | Top Secret Midge (#20-22), Olive Scud (#16-18) |
Top 3 Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Look for slow back eddies on warm afternoons.
- Nymph: Zebra Midge (#20-24) – The bread-and-butter fly for winter fish here.
- Streamer: Mini Leech (#10-12) – Dead-drift through deeper pools for a chance at a bigger brown.
Tips for Fly Fishing the North Fork of the South Platte
Seasonal Tip
Fish are glued to the bottom in slower, deeper runs—add enough weight to get your flies down, but keep your drift natural.
Dry Fly
Surface activity is minimal, but midges might bring a few risers out on calm, sunny afternoons.
Nymphing
Use a two-fly setup: a small stonefly nymph paired with a midge or Baetis pattern is your best bet. Light tippet (6X) and long leaders are a must.
Streamer Fishing
If you’re after larger trout, try dead-drifting a leech or small sculpin pattern through deep holes—slow retrieves work best in cold water.
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Access Points
Foxton Road Access (Near Foxton)
- Description: Accessible stretch with slow winter water and good holding pools.
- Why Fish Here: Consistent flows and minimal angling pressure in winter.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pine Valley Ranch Park
- Description: Well-maintained trails and slower runs ideal for winter nymphing.
- Why Fish Here: Great for beginner-friendly access and solid winter holding water.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roberts Tunnel Outlet (Below Dillon Reservoir)
- Description: Tailwater section with stable flows and year-round fishing.
- Why Fish Here: Consistent winter conditions, better water temps, and healthier fish populations.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only in most stretches—double-check local signage.
- Watch for private property—some areas are heavily posted, so use designated public access points.
- Winter Caution: Shelf ice is common—step carefully and avoid wading near undercut banks.
- Catch-and-release recommended to preserve the wild trout population during their slower metabolic period.
If you’re looking for a peaceful day on the water with the chance at quality fish, the North Fork of the South Platte delivers, especially if you embrace the slow-paced nature of winter fishing. Just layer up, fish slow, and enjoy the solitude.
