Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

41

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The North Platte in the canyon is the only option for moving water in the park right now. It's very tough fishing with the water conditions, and with the super cold water temps recently, the fishing has been best on warm days late in the afternoon. Nymphing in the deep, slow holes with various stone nymphs, caddis nymphs, perdigons, and other attractor nymphs has been the main game in the canyon recently. There are still a few fish spawning in the canyon, so keep a close eye out for redds and actively spawning fish and steer clear of them. 

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 10/30/25

The weather is forecasted to be in the mid to upper-40s this week, with lows in the teens into the 20s. We expect the water temperatures and levels to keep dropping over the next few weeks, and the fishing to keep slowing down

Techniques & Tips as of 10/30/25

Look for fish in the deep, slow, wintering holes: Tightline nymphing or indicator nymphing. Fishing will be best on warm days, later in the afternoon.

Local Species Available April 1-November 30

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

North Park Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Indicator Spinner - Trico Balck 18-22
Bead Head Krystal Caddis Larva Caddis 14-16
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
Travis Para Ant Black 18
Pale Morning Dun Thorax PMD 16
Soft Hackle PT Pheasant Tail 14-18
Pats Rubberleg Black 8-10

Indicator Spinner - Trico

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Item #11YK10

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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.

Best Time to Fish:

late afternoon

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek