North Platte - North Gate Canyon - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
North Platte – North Gate Canyon - Water Flow Chart
North Platte – North Gate Canyon - Weather report & radar
North Platte – North Gate Canyon - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Black Beauty, Miracle Nymph |
| Winter Stoneflies | All Day | 14-18 | Dark Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Miracle Nymph |
| Winter Stoneflies | All Day | 14-18 | Stonefly Nymph, Rubber Legs | |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Emerging Midge, Palomino Midge |
| Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive Dry, Emerger | |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Smoke Jumper, Midge Cluster |
| Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Parachute, Sparkle Dun | |
| May | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Midges, RS2 |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Soft Hackle | |
| June | Yellow Sally | All Day | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stone |
| PMD | Morning | 14-18 | PMD Winger, Emerger | |
| July | Yellow Sally | All Day | 14-18 | Yellow Stonefly, Stimulator |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Soft Hackle, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Hoppers | Hot, Sunny Days | 8-12 | Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper |
| Midges | Dusk till Dawn | 20-24 | Midges, Zebra Midge | |
| September | Hoppers | Hot, Sunny Days | 8-12 | Dave’s Hopper, Fat Albert |
| Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon, Cloudy Days | 18-20 | BWO Dry, Sparkle Dun | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | 18-22 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Midge Larva | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Black Beauty, Midge Emerger |
| Winter Stoneflies | All Day | 16-20 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stonefly Nymph | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| Winter Stoneflies | All Day | 16-20 | Stonefly Nymph, Rubber Legs |
North Platte – North Gate Canyon Access Points
The North Platte – North Gate Canyon is a treasure trove for fly fishing enthusiasts. Below are some of the best access points available:
- Route County Road 129: Accessible from Walden, this road runs along the river, providing great fly fishing spots.
- North Gate Canyon: An excellent spot for catching rainbow and brown trout. Access is provided by a trail that winds down the canyon.
- Six Mile Gap: This access point offers a boat launch site and areas for camping. Also a popular spot for catching both rainbow and brown trout.
- Bennett Peak: Accessible via Highway 230 then Forest Road 492. This wild and scenic corridor offers excellent fly fishing opportunities.
- Treasure Island Public Access: Found downstream of Saratoga, this access point offers excellent shoreline and boat fishing opportunities.
North Platte – North Gate Canyon Fishing Spots
The North Platte – North Gate Canyon showcases a variety of excellent spots for fly fishing, including:
- Northgate Campground: Located off Highway 230, this campground provides access to superb fishing locations. Fast flowing water with diverse insect life ensures abundant trout.
- Routt Access: The deep pools of this section offer a haven for large Brown and Rainbow trout. An 8 mile stretch of private property should be avoided.
- Six Mile Gap: This location offers 5.5 miles of public fishing. Be prepared for challenging wading due to the canyon terrain.
- Pickaroon Campground: Both the banks and the river at Pickaroon hold decent populations of trout.
- Bennett Peak: The natural structure and slow water fishing here provides a perfect spot to catch large trout.
Remember to follow local regulations and practice catch and release to protect this phenomenal fishery.
North Platte – North Gate Canyon Local Fish Species
- Trout: This is a commonly targeted fish for fly fishing on the North Platte River, with species including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.
- Whitefish: Also known as Mountain Whitefish, they are another popular fish species sought after by anglers in the North Gate Canyon.
- Cutthroat Trout: A true native to the Western US and is one of the most sought-after fish in this region.
- Golden Trout: Present in some high alpine lakes and streams in the North Platte River basin.
- Grayling: A captivating fish species that inhabits some of the cold, high-elevation waters in Wyoming.
- Sucker Fish: Various species of this fish are a common sight while fly fishing in North Platte – North Gate Canyon.
- Pike: Specifically, the Northern Pike is a potential catch for adventurous and lucky anglers.
- Carp: Usually, a less desired catch amongst fly fishers, but nonetheless, can provide a fun challenge.
About the North Platte – North Gate Canyon
Deep in the heart of Colorado rests the captivating North Platte – North Gate Canyon, a hidden treasure with an enthralling history waiting to be discovered. It’s no ordinary canyon, but one of nature’s finest masterpieces carved out by the robust flow of the North Platte River over millions of years.
Known for its stunning landscapes and exhilarating whitewater rafting opportunities, this canyon holds an undeniable charm. Lesser known is its ancient history which dates back to the region’s early inhabitants, the Ute Native American tribe. The tribe reverently referred to the North Platte as the “River of the North“.
- Early European explorers arrived in the late 1800s, enticed by the promise of gold and rich goods.
- The canyon’s challenging terrain initially served as a natural barrier to development, allowing it to remain beautifully untamed.
- It has since grown in popularity for its conservation efforts and unmatched outdoor recreational experiences.
Today, the North Platte – North Gate Canyon stands as a monument to the mingling of natural beauty and rich history, enchanting visitors with its untamed splendor.
Community Contributions
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