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The river is cold, lightly stained to clear, and moving slower than the main stem, with trout set up in soft winter lanes and deep inside bends. Feeding windows are short but forgiving compared to Cheesman or Deckers, especially during calm afternoons. This is classic North Fork South Platte winter fly fishing: quieter water, fewer anglers, and steady opportunity if you slow down.
Updated: February 16, 2026
The North Fork in February is a different game than the tailwaters. This is freestone pocket water with lower winter flows and fish tucked into slower slots behind structure. It is smaller water, but it is not easier water.
This stretch rewards anglers who fish deliberately and methodically. Midday warming helps, but depth and seam reading matter more than timing. Short drifts in the right lanes are outperforming long blind casts. Fish every soft pocket. Skip the fast riffles.
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Conditions Summary
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Flow: 105 CFS. Winter freestone flow compressing trout into deeper pocket water and inside seams.
Water Temperature: 36 °F
Air Temperature: 40 °F
Wind: 4 to 10 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Underrated winter freestone option with focused pocket fishing
Weather
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge black 18 to 22: Fish deep behind boulders and in soft pockets.
- Black Beauty 18 to 22: Drift tight to bottom in walking speed slots.
- Thread Frenchie 16 to 18: Fish slightly above bottom in transition seams.
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22: Productive in slower deeper runs.
- RS2 gray 18 to 22: Fish clean drifts in softer inside bends.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Pat’s Rubber Legs black 12 to 14: Fish tight to structure in deeper slots.
- Small Stonefly Nymph brown 14 to 16: Drift through pocket water lanes.
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18: Fish transition seams between pockets.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech black 12
Short strips through deeper pockets. - Sculpzilla olive 10
Swing slowly through tailouts.
Pro Rig of the Week: North Fork Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Scud 14 to 16 or Small Pheasant Tail 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Light to moderate, adjusted for slower depth
North Fork Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Small stoneflies | 12 to 16 | Present in pocket water |
| Baetis | 18 to 20 | Occasional mild afternoon activity |
Access Points – North Fork South Platte
Bridge Crossing Pull Off | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Pocket water with consistent winter holds.
Lower Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined inside seams and depth changes.
Boulder Pocket Section | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Short drifts with technical approaches.
Upper Roadside Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Light pressure with limited winter structure.
Lower Confluence Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Deeper water holding trout consistently.
Bailey Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Consistent pocket water and depth.
Pine Valley Ranch Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined seams and soft winter lanes.
Shawnee Bridge Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Reliable winter pocket structure.
Grant Area Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Low pressure with solid depth transitions.
Downstream Canyon Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
More technical drifts and tighter lanes.
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
Stop Here After The River
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.
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
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.
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