North Fork South Platte (Grant to South Platte)
North Fork South Platte (Grant to South Platte) — Fishing Report for April 27, 2026
Quick Stats
Flow: 123 CFS | Trend: Stable | Fishability: Fair | Weather: Slight chance of snow showers early, then afternoon thunderstorms likely; high 52°F
The Bite
Today's weather is the story on the North Fork. Overcast skies with on-and-off precipitation are exactly the kind of conditions that coax BWOs off the water — but afternoon thunderstorm potential means your fishing window is compressed. Plan to be on the water by late morning and wrap up before early afternoon if storms develop. That 10 AM–1 PM stretch could be genuinely productive.
At 123 CFS, flows are running roughly double the ideal range and about 8 CFS above the 10-day average, but they're stable — no recent spike to worry about. Water clarity is likely still reasonable given the stable trend, though it may be slightly off-color. Fish have pushed out of the faster runs and are holding in softer water: the inside bends, behind mid-channel boulders, and in the slower tailouts where they don't have to fight current. Pocket water remains worth fishing, but focus your time on the cushion water and eddies.
With a very dry water year in the South Platte basin — snowpack sitting well below normal — runoff this spring is expected to be mild and short-lived. That's actually good news: the blowout window should be brief, and the North Fork may return to fishable conditions earlier than usual. For now, enjoy the pre-runoff clarity while it holds.
What to Fish
- Pheasant Tail #18-20 — anchor nymph, natural drift through slower seams and tailouts
- Rainbow Warrior #18-20 — strong attractor nymph when fish are active; trail 12–16" behind the Pheasant Tail
- RS-2 #20-22 — excellent BWO emerger; fish it as a dropper below a buoyant dry if surface activity develops
- Parachute BWO #18-20 — watch for rising fish as cloud cover thickens; switch to dries if you see consistent sipping
- Mercury Black Beauty #18-20 — midge nymph option for slower, deeper slots during the midday window
- Caddis Pupa (olive) #14-16 — early Mother's Day Caddis scouts are possible; worth having one in the box
Tactics & Rigging
Start with a double-nymph setup: a Pheasant Tail on point with a Rainbow Warrior trailing 14" above it on a 6X fluorocarbon tippet. Add enough split shot to get down quickly in the elevated flows — fish aren't going to chase. Target the soft water on the inside of bends and directly behind larger rocks where current breaks. Keep your drifts short and controlled; at 123 CFS there's enough push to drag a sloppy rig off course fast.
If you start seeing subtle rises in the tailouts as cloud cover builds, switch to a dry-dropper: a Parachute BWO on top with an RS-2 dropped 18" below on 6X. Let it ride the slower current drag-free — don't rush the pickup. Given the thunderstorm forecast, stay flexible and watch the sky. If you hear thunder, get off the water immediately.
Access & Logistics
The North Fork corridor along US-285 between Grant and South Platte offers straightforward roadside access. Parking pullouts are generally in good shape for late April. Trail conditions near the river may be soft or muddy given recent precipitation — wading boots with good grip are worth the extra minute to put on. Verify current regulations with CPW before fishing, as rules on specific stretches can vary.
Stop by Deckers Fly Fishing or Flies & Lies for current flies, local intel, and to support the shops that keep these fisheries healthy.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday brings another round of mixed precipitation with a slight chance of thunderstorms, but temps nudge up to 54°F — conditions could mirror today's compressed morning window. Wednesday looks similar at 57°F with rain and snow showers possible. Flows should remain stable through the week given the dry snowpack, which keeps the blowout risk low for now — fish the North Fork while the pre-runoff window holds.