Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

42

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The North Platte through the canyon is currently running around 40 CFS. That is a super low flow. Water temps are in the upper 30’s most mornings and ticking into the low 40’s in the afternoon, so the fishing is pretty much done for the season. Fish are currently wrapping up spawning in the canyon, so please steer clear of the redds and don’t disturb or fish to the spawning 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 11/6/26

We are foretasted to have temps in the 40's for a few days followed by a few days of snow. We expect the water temps and flow to keep dropping.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/6/26

Nymphing in the slow, deep wintering holes is the name of the game this time of year. Perdigons, Caddis, and various attractor nymphs such as duracells, pheasant tails, and smaller rs2 and wd-40 patterns have all worked well.

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):
Higa’s S.O.S. Trico 18-22
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig PH Tail 12-14
Bead Head Hare’s Ear Nymph Hares Ear 16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black 18
Hot Cone Woolly Bugger PMD 16
TH Thin Mint Black 8-10
Parachute Adams Purple 18-20
Elk Hair Caddis Tan 14-18
Trico Dry Black 18-22

Higa’s S.O.S.

You'll appreciate the strike-inducing power of this versatile nymph pattern.

3.99

Item #3R8Y

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:

Midges

Best Time to Fish:

early afternoon through late afternoon

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek