Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

49

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Platte in the canyon is open and flowing around 140 cfs.  Fishing is tough in the mornings and better in the afternoon as the day warms. The fish are still sitting in deep, slow wintering holes, and nymphing has been the name of the game. Stoneflies, baetis, caddis, and worms have been best. 

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 4/1/26

We expect the river to stay relatively low and clear for the next week or two. We are forecasted to have temps in the upper 40's to low 50's with some snow and rain mixed in, which should slow the snowmelt and keep the river fishable.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/1/26

Nymphing is the name of the game in the canyon right now. Stoneflies, caddis nymphs, baetis, and worms have been the most productive bugs. Fish are sporadically eating caddis and midges on the surface in the afternoon on calmer days.

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):
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:

afternoons

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek