Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The canyon has risen slightly over the last week, and the fish have been happy. Look for Tricos, BWOs, and Caddis. The Trico hatch is tapering off, and we're starting to see more bluewings. Long leaders, light tippet, and size 18-24 trico and BWO patterns have been the best in terms of fishing up top. if the fish arent super active on the surface, hopper dropping the pocket water or nymphing deep holes has been producing some solid fish as well. With the colder overnight temps, is has been taking a little bit for the fish to wake up in the morning, so there's no rush to get onto the river.

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 9/24/25

The weather is forecasted to be in the mid-60s early this week, with lows in the 30s. We expect the water temps and level to keep slowly dropping over the next few weeks and the fishing to keep picking up through September.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/24/25

Look for fish in the rapids, deep runs, and bouler gardens. Tightline nymphing or smaller dry/ dropper rigs will be the the ticket.

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.

Hatches:

Trico's,BWOs, Caddis, Hoppers

Best Time to Fish:

mid morning - afternoon

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek