North Fork of the South Platte
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches of midges.
Effective Patterns: #18-20 Rainbow Warrior, #20 Red Larva, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg #18 Red and Pink Flossy Worm, #18-20 Manhattan Midge, #18-20 Mercury Black Beauty, #18 Pearl Jams, #18 Blueberry Jams, #18 Periwinkles, and #18 Flashback Pheasant Tails.
Measurements
Stream Conditions, Effective Patterns, & Expert Fly-Fishing Tips from Pat Dorsey
The North Fork of the South Platte River offers yet another opportunity to sample the South Platte River system. The vast majority of this swift, fast flowing stem of the South Platte River is within an hour’s reach of metropolitan Denver, nevertheless, this branch gets over-shadowed by the renowned South Fork. The headwaters of the North Fork, as it is referred to, commence on the eastern side of legendary Kenosha Pass. The North Fork is extremely small and expeditious for the first several miles until it joins forces with diverted water from the bottom of Dillon Reservoir via the Roberts Tunnel. Another tributary—Geneva Creek—further adds a substantial quantity of water to the North Fork near the small town of Grant. This creek is especially influential during run-off as the North Fork swells and becomes high and roily. Several other smaller side-streams also enter the river but are not the magnitude of the two previously mentioned sources of water.
The North Fork is comprised of shallow riffles, runs, and an abundance of pocket water. Deep holes are uncommon throughout this section of river. The water is gin clear, and standard sight nymphing tactics work best on a day-to-day basis. Short-line nymphing is the most effective technique with the heavy brush, small pockets, and quick seams—all of which are key holding areas for the trout. Typically if it looks “fishy”, it generally is, and of course it’s always lucrative to find fish positioned where you think they should be.
Trophy trout await you on many of our leases on the North Fork of the South Platte. To book a day at North Fork Ranch, Shawnee Meadows, or Rawhide (upper and middle) Fly Fisher's call the Blue Quill Angler (303-674-4700) and we'll gladly assist you.
Tips & Other Information:
The North Fork of the South Platte is fishing excellent right now. Egg-midge combos have been the flies of choice as of late. The water temperature has dropped to 38 degrees so its time to start targeting “winter water”. Stay away from the faster riffles and runs and concentrate your efforts in the slower pools and tailouts. Flows are in the 100 cfs range so conditions should remain good unless we get a cold snap. Revised 11/25/25