Fishing Season: April 1-November 30

North Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

North Park Anglers's Tip of the Week

The river is at a good level for this time of year. Flows are currently running around 60 cfs. At this flow, wade fishing is the only way to approach the river. With colder nights and some rain in the afternoons, river temps are getting to a point where the fish are starting to eat mid morning and feeding the rest of the day. Look for BWO's, Caddis, Rusty Spinners, and Trico's. Use dry/ Dropper rigs while nymphing and double dry fly rigs when fish are looking up.

Directions open in app

Map of North Platte River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Park Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 9/20/24

The weather looks to be bringing nice cold mornings and warm afternoons. With lower flows and fall weather, the fishing is picking up a little later in the morning and the fish are starting to stay more active throughout the day. .

Techniques & Tips as of 9/20/24

Dry/ Dropper and double dry fly setups. 9 Foot 3-4X leaders. Look for fish to be holding in the riffles and seams.

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):
Elk Wing Caddis Black 16-20
Indicator Parachute - Trico Trico 18-22
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig PH Tail 18-20
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Tan 16
TH Thin Mint Black 8-10
Jigged Hare's Ear Hare's Ear 10-12
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 14-16
T.H. Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Green 16
Soft Hackle PT Pheasant Tail 14-18
Black RS2 Black 18-22

Elk Wing Caddis

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Item #0378

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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:

Tricos, BWO's, Rusty Spinners, Golden Stoneflies, Caddis, Dragonflies

Best Time to Fish:

all day

Best Stretch:

North Gate Canyon

Best Access:

Routt, Six Mile Gap, Prospect Creek, Douglas Creek