---
title: "North Fork South Platte Report – Bailey (Sept 23, 2025): Tricos & BWOs in Clear Water"
description: The North Fork near Bailey is flowing 200 CFS and clear. Trout are tuned into Tricos early, BWOs late, and small nymphs all day. Modern Reports for Modern Anglers.
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png
---

[Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-south-platte-report-bailey-sept-23-2025-tricos-bwos-in-clear-water#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 South Platte Report – Bailey (Sept 23, 2025): Tricos & BWOs in Clear Water

- September 30, 2025

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

​​

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. 

## ![North fork of the south platte river fly fishing report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/12.png?width=810&height=810&name=12.png)

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

Bailey\_Secrets\_Revealed\_\_Mastering\_Gin-Clear\_Water\_on\_the\_North

13:51

 

 

**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

![rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)

- **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

[FOXTON WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/39d42n105d24/foxton/?unit=us)

 

---

### 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.

### Download the South Platte Hatch Chart

 

 

---

## ![20240412_112646](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/River%20Only/20240412_112646.jpg?width=800&height=450&name=20240412_112646.jpg)

## 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

[![Fly fishing report banner featuring a close-up of a brown trout being held over the South Platte River. Text overlay reads 'Fish Smarter | Get the Full Report' with a call-to-action button saying 'Read More' to access premium fly fishing insights, hatch forecasts, and flow conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Deckers%20(3).png?width=1200&height=300&name=Deckers%20(3).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper)

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!

 Blog Post

## Related Articles

[![Fly fishing report for North Fork of the South Platte River. Learn about current conditions, fly patterns, and top fishing tactics for trophy-sized trout.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/8.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-river-fly-fishing-report-october-15th-conditions-hatches-top-flies)

[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 River Fly Fishing Report – October 15th Conditions, Hatches & Top Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-river-fly-fishing-report-october-15th-conditions-hatches-top-flies)

 October 15, 2025

 Welcome to the North Fork of the South Platte River. This stretch of river is a hidden gem just outside of Denver, less...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-of-the-south-platte-river-fly-fishing-report-october-15th-conditions-hatches-top-flies)

[![Winter fly fishing on the Upper Arkansas River from Leadville to Buena Vista offers scenic, productive waters with plenty of trout, but prepare for cold conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Arkansas%20River%20-%20The%20Arkansas%20River%20angler%20casting%20in%20fall%20flowing%20through%20a%20rugged%20valley%20of%20buena%20vista.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report-buena-vista-sept-24-2025-tricos-bwos-skinny-flows)

[Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/arkansas-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado), [Fly Fishing Near Buena Vista Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-buena-vista-colorado)

### [Arkansas River Report – Buena Vista (Sept 24, 2025): Tricos, BWOs & Skinny Flows](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report-buena-vista-sept-24-2025-tricos-bwos-skinny-flows)

 September 24, 2025

 The Upper Arkansas River, running from Leadville to Buena Vista, is an angler’s dream, especially during the fall...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report-buena-vista-sept-24-2025-tricos-bwos-skinny-flows)

[![Winter fly fishing on the Upper Arkansas River from Leadville to Buena Vista offers scenic, productive waters with plenty of trout, but prepare for cold conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Arkansas%20River%20-%20The%20Arkansas%20River%20angler%20casting%20in%20fall%20flowing%20through%20a%20rugged%20valley%20of%20buena%20vista.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/upper-arkansas-river-report-near-buena-vista-sep-2-2025)

[Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/arkansas-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado)

### [Upper Arkansas River Report Near Buena Vista (Sep 2, 2025)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/upper-arkansas-river-report-near-buena-vista-sep-2-2025)

 September 2, 2025

 The Upper Arkansas River, running from Leadville to Buena Vista, is an angler’s dream, especially during the fall...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/upper-arkansas-river-report-near-buena-vista-sep-2-2025)

 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/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" : "2025-10-14T13:27:58.621Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-30T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "North Fork South Platte Report – Bailey (Sept 23, 2025): Tricos & BWOs in Clear Water",
  "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/north-fork-south-platte-report-bailey-sept-23-2025-tricos-bwos-in-clear-water",
    "@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"
  }
}
```