Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

69

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Platte in the canyon is running around 100 cfs and fishing well. Fishing has been best from first light until around 12-1pm. Dry/dropper rigs with Big Chubby terrestrials trailing a Olive Pat's 2-3 feet below, have been best. However, caddis nymphs, PMDs, yellow sallies, and various attractor jig nymphs are also getting it done. Streamers are also working well early in the day or on cloudy days. There have also been good hatches of Caddis, Sallies, Tricos, and PMD mayflies in the morning as well. We expect the flows to continue to drop over the next few weeks. Water temps are getting into the upper 60's and even low 70's in the afternoons, so keep a close eye on the temps as you fish.

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 7/12/26

We expect the river to stay good and fishable for the next few weeks. We are foretasted to have temps in the upper 80's for a few days followed by a few days of rain, which should keep the river at a decent level

Techniques & Tips as of 7/12/26

Running dry/dropper rigs with Big Chubby terrestrials trailing a Olive Pat's 2-3 feet below, have been best. However, caddis nymphs, PMDs, and yellow sally nymphs are also getting it done. Streamers are also working well early in the day.

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):
Tunghead Hare's Ear Grub Balck 18-22
Bead Head Stonefly 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
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 18
Hot Cone Woolly Bugger PMD 16
Soft Hackle PT Pheasant Tail 14-18
Pats Rubberleg Black 8-10

Tunghead Hare's Ear Grub

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Item #154J

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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:

early morning

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek