--- title: North Fork of the South Platte Fishing Report 11/17/25 description: The North Fork is fishing strong this November with stable 200 CFS flows, clear water, and reliable midge cycles. This report covers the flies, rigs, access. image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png --- [Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-fishing-report-11/17/25#main-content) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![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](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).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")](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/) - [Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [All Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [Real-Time App (Beta)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-fly-fishing-report) - [Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [South Platte at Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon) - [South Platte at Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-15) - [South Platte at Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/whispers-and-wind-late-fall-fly-fishing-in-waterton-canyon) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report) - [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fishing-report) - [Colorado River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling) - [Blue River at Silverthorne](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam) - [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing) - [Fryingpan River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/frying-pan-river-fly-fishing-report-april-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Roaring Fork](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/roaring-fork-river-fly-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [GuideBank](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [Book a Guide](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [How it Works](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/book-a-fly-fishing-guide-colorado) - [Angler Guarantee](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank-deposit-terms) - [For Shops & Outfitters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/join-guidebank) - [Guide Code of Conduct](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/legal/terms-guidebank-suppliers) - [Shop](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) - [Clothing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [T Shirts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Hats](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-hats) - [Hoodies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-sweatshirts) - [Accessories](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Sock, Bags & Mugs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Stickers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-stickers) - Resources - River Access Points - [Colorado River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-fishing-access-points) - [South Platte River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-point) - Hatch Charts - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [South Platte River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Yampa River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - Podcast - [On iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) - [On Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Win Free Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/win-free-flies) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - Search Search Search - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), - [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), - [North Fork of the South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-river), - [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), - [Best Fly Fishing Near Denver Today](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/best-fly-fishing-near-denver-today) # North Fork of the South Platte Fishing Report 11/17/25 - November 11, 2025 ![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png) [Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel) Updated: November 17, 2025 Flow: **200 CFS** Conditions: **Clear water**, steady winter flows, midges dominating, medium angler pressure ![South Platte River Fly Fishing Report North Fork Near Bailer Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Spring%20River%20Report%20Banners%20Cards/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20North%20Fork%20Near%20Bailer%20Colorado.png?width=900&height=675&name=South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20North%20Fork%20Near%20Bailer%20Colorado.png) The North Fork is settling into its winter groove with steady 200 CFS releases that fill out seams and keep holding water deep, slow, and very fishable. This is the kind of flow that gives you predictable lanes and enough depth to tuck fish into structure, which makes this section far more forgiving than the ultra skinny weeks earlier in fall. Water is clear, the canyon is cold, and fish are feeding consistently once the sun hits the rock walls. Expect tight winter windows. The bite ramps once the air temp moves out of the twenties and stabilizes in the mid to upper thirties. Midges rule the menu, though a few baetis still slide around on cloudy afternoons. Think technical nymphing, small bugs, and slow tight streamer routes through the deeper bends. With pressure sitting at moderate levels, pick your spots, take your time, and fish short controlled drifts. #### Listen to the Audio Overview Colorado\_Winter\_Fly\_Fishing\_Pro\_Guide\_Rig\_Details 4:38   --- ## Conditions Summary ![Guide Rating (800 x 175 px) (2)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png) **Flow Rate:** 200 CFS **Water Temperature:** low to mid 40s once the sun reaches the canyon **Air Temperature:** 20s early, 40s mid day **Clarity:** clear **Crowds:** medium **Best Times:** 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. **Fly Fishing Type Scores** Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐ Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐ **Seasonal Notes** - Stable winter flows concentrate fish in deeper canyon water - Midges are the dominant hatch with occasional BWO pulses - Afternoons fish noticeably better than mornings - Expect low light early and later due to canyon walls --- ## Five-Day Weather Forecast [BAILEY WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/39d41n105d48/bailey/?unit=us)   --- ## North Fork Hatch Chart Current Month: November **Primary Hatch: Midges** - Stages: larva, pupa, emergers - Colors: black, gray, chocolate - Sizes: 20 to 24 **Secondary Hatch: BWOs** - Present mostly on overcast afternoons - Sizes: 18 to 22 - Not as reliable as midges but worth having **Tertiary Activity** - Small leeches along the bottom - Egg drift in softer water pockets ### Download the South Platte Hatch Chart --- ## Pro Guide Rig (One setup, the rig a North Fork guide uses daily) **Leader:** 9 ft 4x fluoro **Tippet:** 5x to lead fly, 6x to dropper **Weight:** One small shot placed 8 inches above lead fly **Lead Fly:** Size 16 red or wine colored worm (North Fork staple) **Dropper Fly:** Size 22 black Top Secret Midge How to fish it: Short controlled drifts tight to structure. Keep your rod high, mend early, and let the flies ride low in the slot. Recast often instead of letting drifts wander. Need a Guide? Think GuideBanK. [Learn More.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) ![Guide Bank Logo (3000 x 1000 px) (8)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Bank%20Logo%20(3000%20x%201000%20px)%20(8).png?width=600&height=200&name=Guide%20Bank%20Logo%20(3000%20x%201000%20px)%20(8).png) --- ## Top 10 Flies 1. Top Secret Midge 20 to 24 2. Black Beauty 20 to 22 3. Zebra Midge 20 to 22 4. Olive RS2 20 to 22 5. Juju Baetis 18 to 20 6. Foam Wing Emerger 20 to 22 7. WD40 20 to 22 8. Red San Juan Worm 14 to 16 9. Soft Pink Egg 14 to 16 10. Micro Leech Olive 10 to 12     --- ## Tips Fly Fishing The North Fork **Seasonal Tip** Look for winter water: deep, slow, green, and structured. The fish move very little. **Dry Fly Tips** - Only worth trying on calm overcast days - Single small midges with long leaders **Nymphing Tips** - Hug depth changes and boulder edges - Eggs, worms, and tiny midges in tandem - Stay above the lane and fish short **Streamer Tips** - Use small leeches, not articulated stuff - Slow strips along the bottom of deep bends --- ## Access Points ### 1. Bailey Canyon Bridges Why Fish Here: Good depth, consistent winter holding water Crowds: Medium Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Perfect place to start at these flows. ### 2. Shawnee Riffle to Run Sequences Why Fish Here: Riffle drop offs into deeper green slots Crowds: Light to medium Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Best midday midge water. ### 3. Below the Big Cutbanks Why Fish Here: Deep slow wintering water Crowds: Medium Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Excellent place for the pro rig or small leech swings. --- ## Local Regulations And Landowner Notes - Respect private sections in the Bailey corridor - Only use designated access points - Winter flows can fluctuate; check before wading tight slots     --- ## FAQ Q: What flows fish best this time of year A: 150 to 250 CFS is ideal and 200 CFS is nearly perfect. Q: Are dries realistic A: Only during brief calm windows; otherwise stick to nymphs. Q: What is the best time of day A: Midday once the canyon warms and light reaches the river floor. Q: Is the water crowded right now A: Medium pressure, more on warm weekends, lighter during colder snaps. Q: Should I run 6x A: Yes on your dropper, especially with size 22 to 24 midges. Q: Are streamers a real option A: Yes if fished slowly along deep structure, but nymphing is primary.   ## Stop Here After The River [**Riverbend Eatery, Bailey**](https://www.instagram.com/riverbendeatery/) A classic warm-up spot after a cold canyon day. Cozy cabin vibe, wood-fired pizzas, good burgers, and the kind of hot coffee that brings your hands back to life. Order the wood-fired pepperoni or the bacon cheeseburger and give yourself a minute to thaw before the drive home. [![Riverbend Bar and Grill **NOW OPEN**](https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/632194d0-8201-4ee9-872c-8adcec194c75/20250614_Riverbend%20Bar%20and%20Grill%20Grand%20Opening.jpg)](https://riverbendgrill.com/) Blog Post ## Related Articles [![south platte river reports near waterton canyon colorado river conditions. ](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Waterton%20Canyon%20-%20Scenic%20view%20of%20Waterton%20Canyon%20with%20the%20South.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/waterton-canyon), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular), [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), [Best Fly Fishing Near Denver Today](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/best-fly-fishing-near-denver-today), [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) ### [Waterton Canyon Fly Fishing Report 1/5/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) January 5, 2026 Waterton Canyon is one of the most accessible stretches of the South Platte River near Denver, and winter turns it into... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) [![a guide from colorado trout hunters holds up a trout. she describes the conditions as Cheesman Canyon winter fly fishing demands precision. Learn how to navigate low, clear waters and catch wary trout with expert tips and recommended top flies.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cheesman-canyon), [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular), [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) ### [Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report 1/5/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) January 5, 2026 Cheesman Canyon is one of the most technical stretches of the South Platte River near Denver, and winter sharpens that... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/5/25) [![a guide from colorado trout hunters holds up a trout. she describes the conditions as Cheesman Canyon winter fly fishing demands precision. Learn how to navigate low, clear waters and catch wary trout with expert tips and recommended top flies.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-12/27/25) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cheesman-canyon), [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular), [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) ### [Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report 12/27/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-12/27/25) December 27, 2025 Cheesman Canyon is the most technical stretch of the South Platte River, and winter removes any margin for error. Cold,... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-12/27/25) Check all articles Subscribe to Our Blog [![Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png "Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)")](https://www.risebeyondflyfishing.com) #### Wonder | Wander  At Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, our mission is to equip you with the tools and expertise to confidently traverse the beautiful Colorado waters. Tread lightly, pack out your shit, and leave it better than it was without changing how it's supposed to be. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards. Enjoy the Rise.  ### Colorado Fly Fishing Spots & Hatch Charts - [See Today’s River Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [Colorado River Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [South Platte Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fly-box) - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - [Yampa Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) #### Colorado Fishing Reports - [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-at-waterton-canyon-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report) - [Clear Creek](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-clear-creek-colorado) - [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers) - [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [Poudre River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-river-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-green-mountain) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-arkansas-river-middle-basin) ### Company & Resources - [River Report Sign Up](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/the-river-report) - [River Whisper App](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - Terms and Conditions - [Colorado Parks and Wildlife Resources](https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx) - [Spotify Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Audible Podcast](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Rise-Beyond-Colorado-Fly-Fishing-Report/B0DTQZWTB2) - [iHeart Radio Podcast](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) #### Shop Small Batch Flies - [Subscription Fly Boxes](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/fly-box-subscription) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) --- - Terms and Services - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - [Bantam.Digital](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-fishing-report-11/17/Bantam.Digital) Powered by Bantam.Digital [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.pinterest.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tymothe Meskel", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-16T16:20:42.529Z", "datePublished" : "2025-11-11T10:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "North Fork of the South Platte Fishing Report 11/17/25", "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-fishing-report-11/17/25", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png" }, "name" : "Rise Beyond" } } ```