Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The canyon is at a great level for this time of year, and fishing is pretty good. The water temps have been on the colder side in the mornings but perfect in the afternoon. Look for little black stoneflies, BWOs, caddis, and midges Soon we should start to see Salmon Flies. You can drive in and access Routt, Stateline, and at 6-mile gap. We expect the river to stay somewhat low and clear until warmer weather moves in. The fish are starting to move into faster water on warmer days. Nymphing with a stonefly, worm, and various attractor nymphs is the main game this time of year, and bumping a big flashy streamer along the bottom can bring out some large fish as well! On calm afternoons, we’ve ween a few fish up top eating BWOs and caddis as well.

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 5/26/25

The weather is forecasted to be in the mid to upper 60s this week, with lows in the 30s. We expect the flows to rise a bit, but there should still be good fishing conditions.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/26/25

Look for fish in the deeper, slower water early in the day, and starting to spread out as the water warms up. Stoneflies, caddis nymphs, and worms will be the ticket. You might also get a few on BWO nymphs, and if the wind stays down we've been seeing a few fish eating BWOs and caddis in the evenings.

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):
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
Pats Rubberleg Black 8-10

Vernille San Juan Worm

Image Not Found

Item #0290

Buy Now

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:

Salmon Flies, Blue Wings, Black Stoneflies, Caddis, Eggs

Best Time to Fish:

mid day - afternoon

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek