Fly Fishing South Platte River - North Fork

Overview

The North Fork South Platte flows through wooded foothills and granite terrain toward the mainstem confluence. Riffles, pools and bank cover give it a different character from the mainstem tailwaters. Roberts Tunnel imports Blue River water upstream, so operations can change the river independently of local snowmelt.

Foothill Runs and Deeper Bends

Brown trout, rainbow trout and hybrids inhabit the river. A meadow-like run can call for a longer, delicate drift, while broken canyon water favors a shorter presentation in a defined pocket. Work cover and seam lines before attempting to cover a whole pool.

Roberts Tunnel operations and local runoff alter depth and clarity. Study the actual current and footing at the selected run. A sheltered edge may fish differently from the faster channel beside it, even within the same bend.

A Versatile Fly Box

Elk hair caddis and stimulators in sizes 14–16 provide dry-dropper options. A Hare’s Ear or Copper John beneath the dry can search a deeper lane. A parachute olive, CDC cripple or size 18 Adams offers another choice when fish are feeding near the surface.

Pheasant Tails and Zebra Midges can cover quieter water beneath an indicator. Olive or black Woolly Buggers offer streamer choices around deeper bends and bank cover. Vary the presentation with the fish’s response and the current, keeping spawning fish and redds undisturbed.

The North Fork’s appeal lies in its varied foothill structure. Read each run on its own and use the presentation that fits its seams, cover and depth.