Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

38

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

This time of year, it's all about the weather. The best conditions occur after a cold snap when the river is low and has good clarity. Warmer days will cause snowmelt, raise water levels, and muddy the water. Try planning your fishing after colder weather.

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 4/16/25

The weather is a little colder this week with lots of wind and some snow in the forecast. We expect the flows to rise, but there should still be good fishing conditions.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/16/25

Look for fish in the deeper, slower water. For the next couple of weeks, they will be concentrated in the slower water until water temperatures rise. Stoneflies and worms will be the ticket. You might also get a few on BWO nymphs.

Local Species Available April 1-November 30

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    Trout

North Park Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Vernille San Juan Worm Pink 10-12
Bead Head Stonefly Black 12-16
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig PH Tail 12-14
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph Hares Ear 16
TH Thin Mint Black 8-10
Jigged Hare's Ear Hare's Ear 10-12
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black/ Olive 6-8
T.H. Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Green 16
Soft Hackle PT Pheasant Tail 14-18
Black RS2 Black 18-22

Vernille San Juan Worm

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North Park Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About North Platte River

North Platte River North Park is home to the true headwaters of the North Platte River. Draining more than a half of a dozen rivers from the surrounding mountain ranges, the North Platte is a tremendous trout fishery with several distinct sections along its length. Through North Park and Walden, the North Platte is a meandering meadow river with wide riffles, slow deep pools, and steep undercut banks. On the rivers northward course it enters the rugged Northgate Canyon near the Colorado/Wyoming state line. This section is designated as Gold Medal Wild Trout water. Pugnacious rainbows and secretive brown trout inhabit these waters. Numerous caddis, stonefly, and mayfly hatches can provide fast-paced fishing action. In summer, thick grasshopper populations inhabit the meadows, and a good hopper pattern cast against a deep bank can result in heart-stopping strikes.

Nearest Airport:

Jackson County in Walden... Hayden near Steamboat Springs, CO.

Hatches:

Midges, Blue Wings, Black Stoneflies

Best Time to Fish:

late afternoon

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek