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LOCAL WATER. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

North Fork South Platte Fishing Report

Bailey · Pine · Colorado

Plan your visit to the North Fork South Platte with fishing conditions, Bailey river flows, suggested flies, and practical advice from Blue Quill Angler.

ON THE WATER

Current fishing report

Report updated

The North Fork of the South Platte near Bailey is carrying more water than the very low Cheesman and Deckers reaches, with recent readings around 133 cfs. That creates a different fishing situation, although Roberts Tunnel operations can change flows quickly. Look for trout in protected bank seams, deeper pockets and runs with comfortable current rather than assuming every riffle holds fish. Midges and small Baetis nymphs are useful in clearer water; a modest attractor can help when the river has some color. Cool nights favor a later start, with the best chance of feeding activity generally from late morning into the afternoon. Check the exact gauge and access rules before leaving home, especially where private property borders public reaches. Avoid actively spawning brown trout and clean gravel even when wading looks easy.

Fishing tips

Start with Pheasant Tail #18–20 and Mercury RS2 #20–22, adding Juju Baetis #20–22 in clear water. Keep rigs short around pocket water and adjust weight to the actual current. Check releases before wading.
Pat Dorsey

FROM OUR HEAD GUIDE

Pat Dorsey's Guide Report

Pat's report revised

Tips & Other Information

The North Fork of the South Platte is fishing excellent right now.  The truth be told, the North Fork of the South Platte is a great option! The flow is currently 133 cfs in Bailey and ice cold which is a huge benefit to fishing on the North Fork. This is good news as the North Fork is providing downstream demand to the metropolitan area and outlying farmland.  Egg patterns, San Juan Worms and flashy nymphs have been effective as of late. Water temps are dropping fast and the water is getting cold.  Currently the water is stained a bit.

14-Day Hatch Outlook

Outlook from Pat's report dated October 30, 2026; not a live weather forecast.

Look for 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, #10 Amy's Ant, #20 Sparkle Dun, #20 Top Secret Baetis, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #10 Chubby Chernobyl, #16 Rainbow Warrior Jig, #16 Blow Torch, #16 Frenchie, #18 Periwinkles, and #18 Purple Rojo Midges.

Looking for flies for this river? Shop BQA's recommended flies ↓

Source: Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing · Read Pat's original report

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

River conditions

Flow readings update separately from the fishing report. Check the reading time shown below.

BUILD YOUR FLY BOX

Recommended flies for North Fork South Platte

Selected by the Blue Quill Angler team for fishing North Fork South Platte. See the fishing reports above for specific patterns, sizes, and techniques.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Fishing North Fork South Platte

The fishery

The North Fork South Platte offers varied fishing around Bailey and downstream toward Pine, with riffles, boulder pockets, deeper slots, and sheltered feeding lanes. Conditions vary with location and Roberts Tunnel deliveries, so check flows before selecting a reach. A short, controlled presentation can be effective in pocket water, while deeper runs require careful depth adjustments. Public access is limited in places; a promising stretch of river is not necessarily open to fishing.

Access & parking

Confirm legal public access or obtain permission before approaching the North Fork. Much of the river corridor includes private property and managed fishing water. Pine Valley Ranch Park provides a public-access option downstream from Bailey; consult the park map and follow posted boundaries and rules. Use designated parking and established trails, and avoid assuming that road frontage or an informal path establishes public access.

Seasons & techniques

Midges and small mayflies provide useful cool-weather options, while warmer periods can bring caddis and terrestrial activity. A dry-dropper can cover healthy pocket water efficiently; a short nymph presentation suits deeper slots and seams. Roberts Tunnel deliveries can change the flow independently of local weather, so check the current gauge and observe conditions on arrival. Avoid thin water, concentrated fish, and spawning areas.

Regulations & river care

Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations and the rules for the specific public property or private fishery you plan to visit. Respect access boundaries, posted closures, and other anglers. We encourage catch and release, minimal handling, and keeping trout in the water while unhooking them. Avoid spawning fish and redds. Changes in flow, slippery rocks, and narrow channels require cautious wading and careful choices about crossings.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Location & access

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Pine Valley Ranch Park is a public-access option on the North Fork downstream from Bailey. This marker identifies the park trailhead, not private fishing properties near Bailey. Use designated parking and follow posted access boundaries.

Use the marked location to plan your visit. Follow current signs, access boundaries, parking rules, and closures on arrival.