Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

North Platte - North Gate Canyon - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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.
  1. Grayling: A captivating fish species that inhabits some of the cold, high-elevation waters in Wyoming.
  2. Sucker Fish: Various species of this fish are a common sight while fly fishing in North Platte – North Gate Canyon.
  3. Pike: Specifically, the Northern Pike is a potential catch for adventurous and lucky anglers.
  4. Carp: Usually, a less desired catch amongst fly fishers, but nonetheless, can provide a fun challenge.

About The River

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.

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