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.
North Fork of the South Platte River Fly Fishing Report - November 4, 2024
The North Fork is calling, with its cool November flows and stunning mountain views. The fish are feeling the chill, but don’t let that discourage you—those who brave the cold are often rewarded with great catches. With water clarity at its finest, you’ll want to tread carefully and cast with precision. Midges are the dominant hatch now, so smaller flies are the way to go. Morning frost gives way to an active afternoon bite, with fish feeding more eagerly in the warmer hours.
Timing is key here; with low flows and selective trout, stealth and skill are rewarded. Grab those fine tippets and tiny flies, and get ready to enjoy the peaceful seclusion of the North Fork in late fall.
For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.
| 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 | Blue Wing Olive (#18-20), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) |
| June | Caddis, PMDs | Elk Hair Caddis (#16), PMD Comparadun (#16-18) |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Yellow Sally (#14-16), PMD Emerger (#18-20) |
| August | Tricos, Caddis, Terrestrials | Trico Spinner (#22-24), Parachute Hopper (#10-12) |
| September | BWOs, Midges, Caddis | BWO Parachute (#18-22), Black Ant (#18-20) |
| October | BWOs, Midges | Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
| November | BWOs, Midges | BWO Emerger (#18-22), Black Beauty (#20-24) |
| December - February | Midges | Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24), WD-40 (#18-22) |
Seasonal Tip: With clear, cold water, approach slowly and use finer tippets (6X or 7X) to avoid spooking fish. Patience is key.
Dry Fly: BWOs are your best bet on warmer, sunny afternoons. Cast with a gentle presentation to avoid drag on the clear water surface.
Nymphing: Midges are prolific right now, so pair a Zebra Midge with a small beadhead attractor. Focus on runs and riffles where trout hold in slower currents.
Streamer Fishing: Low flows mean trout may be holding in slower water near structure. Use smaller streamers and retrieve slowly for best results.