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.
The North Fork of the South Platte is offering anglers a serene and productive late-fall escape. With flows around 75-150 CFS, the water is clear and wadeable, making it an excellent choice for those looking to target wild browns and rainbows. The trout are holding in slower runs and deeper pools, focusing their feeding on midges and Blue Wing Olives. The crisp November air and golden willows along the banks create a stunning backdrop to your fishing adventure.
Midday fishing is the most productive, especially during brief BWO hatches when trout may rise for surface action. Nymphing remains the most consistent approach, with small patterns and precise presentations key to success. Streamers can also bring out the bigger fish lurking near structure, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The North Fork’s accessibility and manageable flows make it an ideal destination for anglers of all experience levels. Right now, though, it's a bit rough out on this stretch, folks.
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| March | Midges, Baetis (BWO) | Zebra Midges (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) |
| April | Midges, Baetis, Caddis | Black Beauty (#18-22), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18) |
| May | Baetis, Caddis, Stoneflies | Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) |
| June | Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies | Elk Hair Caddis (#16), PMD Comparadun (#16-18) |
| July | Yellow Sallies, PMDs, Tricos | Yellow Sally (#14-16), Trico Spinner (#22-24) |
| August | Tricos, Caddis, Terrestrials | Parachute Hopper (#10-12), Ant Patterns (#16-18) |
| September | BWOs, Tricos, Midges | BWO Parachute (#18-22), Black Ant (#18-20) |
| October | BWOs, Midges | Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
| November | BWOs, Midges | Black Beauty (#20-24), BWO Emerger (#18-22) |
Seasonal Tip
Colder temperatures mean trout are holding in slower, deeper water. Use a stealthy approach and longer leaders to avoid spooking fish in clear water.
Dry Fly
Look for Blue Wing Olive hatches during the warmer parts of the day. Present dry flies delicately in calm seams and eddies.
Nymphing
A double-nymph rig with a Black Beauty and Zebra Midge is highly effective. Add weight to get your flies near the bottom where trout are feeding.
Streamer Fishing
Streamers like Olive Woolly Buggers are great for enticing larger trout. Focus on deeper pools and runs, and retrieve slowly near structure.
The North Fork offers ample public access, but some stretches run through private property. Be sure to stick to public access areas and respect landowner rights. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and catch-and-release practices with barbless hooks are strongly recommended to protect the trout population.