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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 5, 2026
The North Fork in winter is not about volume or numbers. Cold freestone flows and clear water shrink the river into a series of short, fishable lanes where trout sit tight and move very little. It looks empty until you slow down enough to see the structure doing the work.
This is water that punishes fast wading and rewards patience. Skip long riffles entirely and focus on short pockets, inside bends, and any depth created by boulders or woody structure. When the sun reaches the canyon late morning, trout feed briefly and predictably before sliding back into cover.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 28 CFS. Typical winter freestone flows concentrate trout into short pockets and deeper bends.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 40 °F
Wind: 4 to 8 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Overall Rating: Technical but rewarding winter fishing for patient anglers
Weather
Bailey Colorado Weather
Cold mornings give way to mild afternoon warming, especially on sunny days. Light cloud cover can extend feeding windows, while storms can temporarily reduce clarity but often improve the bite once flows settle.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge 20 to 24
Fish deep through short pocket water. - Black Beauty 22 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom behind structure. - Thread Frenchie 18 to 20
Subtle profile for pressured freestone trout. - RS2 gray 20 to 22
Use when fish suspend slightly above bottom. - Miracle Nymph 20 to 22
Effective in ultra-clear winter water.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Small Pat’s Rubber Legs black 14 to 16
Drift tight to banks and boulders. - Stonefly Nymph brown or black 14 to 16
Fish slow near structure and seams. - Flashback Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
Use when trout respond to a little movement.
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 South Platte Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Winter stoneflies | 14 to 18 | Present near banks midday |
| Blue wing olives | 18 to 22 | Occasional during warm spells |
Access Points
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.
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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