“In its natural condition, the North Fork was a tiny creek, more like a string of beaver ponds, with naturally low flows most of the year,” he wrote in a recent letter published in the Fairplay Flume newspaper. The North Fork South Platte River is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 50 miles (80 km) long, in central Colorado in the United States. Aside from the hoards of anglers that flock to this river every weekend, it is one of our favorites to fish. The North Fork South Platte River is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 50 miles (80 km) long, in central Colorado in the United States. Denver Water does make a good faith effort to estimate for anglers and outfitters when the tunnel will operate, but changing weather and snowpack mean those projections can change, as they did in 2019, when heavy March snow pushed the timeframe for opening the tunnel later into the year. The north fork of the south platte suffers from inconsistent flows and lack of bug life due to mining. Typically if it looks “fishy”, it generally is, and of course it’s always lucrative to find fish positioned where you think they should be. 542 cfs. 09. The North Fork of the South Platte River begins modestly, as rivulets near Webster Pass northwest of Bailey in Park County. North Fork South Platte River - Rawhide Ranch - 6/9/20 SOUTH PLATTE BASIN Fishing Report. As it tumbles near the tiny town of Grant, it picks up steam and winds a path as breathtaking as any in the West, through narrow ranches, pine-and-rock canyons and sleepy small towns before joining the main stem of the South Platte southwest of Denver. Scott Dickson. What Denver Water's Roberts Tunnel can — and can't — do to enhance water levels on cherished stretch of river. The vast majority of this swift, fast flowing stem of the South Platte River is within an hour’s reach of metropolitan Denver, nevertheless, this branch gets over-shadowed by the renowned South Fork. “Extended periods of zero flow through Roberts Tunnel occurred in all but three of its 56 years (the tunnel opened with Dillon Reservoir in 1963), and the river runs below 20 cubic feet per second most years,” he added. Ironically, on high water years such as 2014 and 2015, this release may be cancelled because Denver doesn't need the water and legally can't take what it doesn't need. River levels for the South Platte River North Fork updated daily. The North Fork is comprised of shallow riffles, runs, and an abundance of pocket water. By 11 the sun was out but it took all day to warm up. Includes me, and the SUN on August 31, 2010 Part of my nature series Historical River Flow. Full day. Another tributary—Geneva Creek—further adds a substantial quantity of water to the North Fork near the small town of Grant. Current Conditions Clarity: Fair 14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and reliable fishing this winter. Nat. The North Fork of the South Platte River enjoys high flows of water July 1, the result of the big snowpack in 2019. Egg-midge combos have been effective in the past few days. “Natural flows alone cannot sustain the ‘angler’s paradise’ that recreationists and businesspeople have come to depend on.”. Not for size but for tranquility. In short, when the Roberts Tunnel is operating, it adds water from the West Slope to the North Fork, enhancing natural river flows. 48 / windy° GUIDE. East of the Kingsley dam the North Platte River flows nearly parallel to the South Platte River. It has some wonderful dry fly action in the summer. This fishery is growing in popularity. NORTH FORK SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT GRANT: Rating Table Name: WDID: 8002906: Modified: PDF CSV Table; Graph; GAGE.00.01.02.03.04.05.06.07.08.09 DIFF. In a big-water year like this, some in Summit County wondered if Roberts Tunnel might be turned on to pull some water east and alleviate the need for higher water releases from Dillon Reservoir that can contribute to flooding along the Blue River downstream. Several other smaller side-streams also enter the river but are not the magnitude of the two previously mentioned sources of water. Events, food, drinks, and camping are provided for boaters who come to enjoy the increased flows. If Denver Water has enough supply from its South Platte River system — and in this very wet year, water has already spilled over Strontia Springs and Cheesman reservoirs — then it can’t turn the tunnel on to access its West Slope supply. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. All of that said, Denver Water has a strong relationship with Park County. But the North Fork can also be a source of confusion because its flows intersect with Denver Water operations. Sign up to receive Denver Water’s weekly TAP Headlines. The topography of the surrounding … To fish on one of our private leases, contact the Blue Quill Angler for more details (303-674-4700). Eliminando el plomo cuando lo encontramos. … That, combined with a late and slow spring runoff, meant — at least for a time — low flows in the North Fork and frustration for some who wanted to see more water in the river to support fisheries. This is a great opportunity to fish some new water and enjoy a true “private water experience”. While nearby stretches fill the water with up to 12 anglers a day, here you will never have more than one other group sharing the property offering you a true, private water … We drove through snow to fish Rawhide in June. Welcome to the smaller cousin of the Dream Stream. Rating. North Platte River Roaring Fork River Rocky Mtn. Fisherman and tuber sharing the South Platte River around Deckers. TRIP. The North Fork South Platte River originates along the continental divide near Whale Peak (near north edge of figure 2) and flows in a southeast direction to Grant and Estabrook before turning in more of an east direction to flow to Buffalo Creek and then in a northeast and southeast direction to join the north-northeast oriented South Platte River at the town of South Platte. The Middle Fork of the South Platte river is considered a lifeblood to the several reservoir impoundments in Park County. Over the past couple years, this has become hands down the best private water stretch on the famous North Fork of the South Platte. Understandably so. From South Park, it passes through 50 mi (80 km) of the Platte Canyon and its lower section, Waterton Canyon. Both forks rise along the eastern flank of the Mosquito Range, on the western side of South Park, which is drained by the tributaries at the headwaters of the river. How much water does your landscape really need. Buffalo Creek to confluence: The North Fork flows approximately 10 miles east from Buffalo Creek (elevation 6,600 feet) to the confluence. Mark Beardsley, an ecological consultant familiar with the North Fork, noted that very low flows are common in the river, due to the way nature originally built the waterway. Denver Water is constrained by legal decrees as to when it can open the Roberts Tunnel. The water is gin clear, and standard sight nymphing tactics work best on a day-to-day basis. This section of the South Platte River tends to fish well no matter what the flows are and is perfect for any guided fly fishing trip. To fish on one of our private leases, contact the Blue Quill Angler for more details (303-674-4700). Summer and fall are a great time of the year to throw big hoppers to eager brown trout. Effective Patterns: #22-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #20 Mercury Blood Midge, #20 Red Larva, #20 Pale Olive Larva, #22-24 Black Beauty, #22 Mercury Flashback Black Beauty, #22 JujuBaetis, #22-24 Medallion Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-24 Top Secret Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #10 Pine Squirrel Leech and white Crystal Buggers. River Information. The put in is just above the small "town" of Foxton and below the junction with CO Rd 126 (Pine Valley Road). The headwaters of the North Fork, as it is referred to, commence on the eastern side of legendary Kenosha Pass. Its formed from the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork of the South Platte River. Copyright 2021 • Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing • Powered by. If the utility does not have a need for water from Dillon Reservoir, it can’t move it from the Blue River Basin on the West Slope through the tunnel and into the North Fork. The river is located near the headwaters of the South Platte in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver, draining a rugged area of the Front Range just south of the basin of Clear Creek. The North Platte River begins in Jackson County in the North Park basin, and flows north then southeast to combine with the South Platte River, forming the Platte River in Nebraska. The North Fork is extremely small and expeditious for the first several miles until it joins forces with diverted water from the bottom of Dillon Reservoir via the Roberts Tunnel. In many places they are separated by only about 5 mi (8 km) for a stretch of about 50 mi (80 km) before they join to form the Platte River just east of the city of North Platte, Nebraska. Tomahawk is the middle fork of the South Platte River. This makes the north fork a good way to spend a day in solitude, but fishing is hit or miss. All located around an hour from the North Fork Ranch. Photo credit: Denver Water. The river is formed in Park County, Colorado, southwest of Denver in the South Park grassland basin by the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Fork, about 15 mi (24 km) southeast of Fairplay. Here, it is joined by the North Forkbefore emerging from … When you reach the H125/H127 junction, follow the left fork and stay north on 125. DATE . “We certainly understand how all of this can be confusing to people,” Elder said. All data presented on the Colorado Division of Water Resources Current Conditions Web Site are provisional and subject to revision. Park Saint Vrain River South Boulder Creek South Platte River Yampa River : Data updated HOURLY - Everything you need to know before you go... Report Bugs Weather Map River Rating: River Statistics: Longer 5X leaders, 6X tippet (fluoro if possible), and small flies is the key down at Cheesman/Deckers now with the flows at ~80 cfs. The vast majority of this swift, fast flowing stem of the South Platte River is within an hour’s reach of metropolitan Denver, nevertheless, this branch gets over-shadowed by the renowned South Fork. The graph shows both the base rating and the current shift adjusted rating. At the heart of that question — and answer — is the Roberts Tunnel, a 23-mile conveyance that moves water from Dillon Reservoir near Frisco, under the Continental Divide and into the North Fork of the South Platte River. Compare streamflow discharge and gauge stage for 0 locations on the South Platte River North Fork This section of the river also known as “Badger Basin” is the start of the South Platte’ 50-mile journey before entering Spinney Mtn. We are excited about some of the new properties that we are guiding on and you should be too. Not surprisingly, this area is similar to South Park, some 150 miles to the southeast, if you need a point of comparison. The South Platte then travels for 439 miles through seven dams. Tips and Other Information: Flows are currently excellent on the North Fork of the South Platte. Middle Fork of the South Platte River SOUTH PLATTE BASIN Fishing Report Weather @SOUTH PLATTE BASIN - Updated January 20, 2021 - 8:35am by OpenWeather. Egg-midge combos have been effective in the past few days. Fishing the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is arguably one of the most difficult but rewarding rivers in the state. This world famous fishing area ends where the North Fork of the Colorado meets the South Platte at the entrance of the Waterton Canyon. You can drive north from town on CO 67 and then follow North Platte River Road, which runs parallel to the river, instead of taking CO 67 back toward Sedalia. We want to help the public and our customers understand there are reasons, often related to the law, why we operate the way we do.”. Best Places to Fish the North Platte River in Colorado Head out from Walden to the north, following Highway 125. NORTH FORK SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT BAILEY USA-COL. Data is courtesy of Colorado DWR. When conditions and water laws permit, for example, it tries to voluntarily retime Roberts Tunnel operations to enhance North Fork flows for Bailey Fest, an important celebration to Park County and the Bailey area economy. The South Platte River has been dammed about 20 times for water storage, drinking water and irrigation purposes in Colorado as it flows to its confluence with the North Platte River. Short-line nymphing is the most effective technique with the heavy brush, small pockets, and quick seams—all of which are key holding areas for the trout. WEATHER. USGS 06701900 SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BLW BRUSH CRK NEAR TRUMBULL, CO. FLOW. Denver Water has agreed to conditional releases on the North Fork of the South Platte for a weekend in mid August. See recent headlines. Anglers, rafters and Sunday drivers on U.S. Highway 285 and Pine Valley Road adore this pastoral river course. In the summer, bring insect repellent because the mosquitos can get bad. The North Fork of the South Platte River offers yet another opportunity to sample the South Platte River system. To book a day at North Fork Ranch, Shawnee Meadows, or Rawhide (upper and middle) Fly Fisher's call the Blue Quill Angler (303-674-4700) and we'll gladly assist you. “The answer is: we can’t decide, arbitrarily, when we can and can’t do that.”. TRIP SUMMARY. This stretch of the river is a great place to find solitude from the crowds. According to Nathan Elder, manager of water supply for Denver Water, at times of low flows, some river watchers question why the utility won’t adjust the flows to improve some of the North Fork’s cherished fishing spots. From Greeley, the South Platte turns east and flows about 200 miles (320 km) to its confluence with the North Platte River near the city of North Platte, Nebraska. Jun. This creek is especially influential during run-off as the North Fork swells and becomes high and roily. Short line or long line nymphing is the norm but a good caster that likes throwing big flies will fall in love with the streamer fishing. 14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and reliable fishing this winter. The North Platte and tributaries start high and clear in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. It's close to Denver, incredibly easy to access and can yield trout worth writing home about. How to Fish the South Platte River in Waterton Canyon by Ascent Fly Fishing. Foxton is a fun class III stretch on the North Fork of the South Platte. The river holds fish but they don’t get as big and aren’t as plentiful as the south platte middle fork just across the way. The river then bends north for about 17 miles to the confluence with the North Fork of the South Platte (elevation 6,100 feet). The north fork of the South Platte has been fishing great lately, both on public stretches at the confluence near Foxton Road and on our private stretches at Boxwood Gulch.. For those new to fly fishing in Colorado or who are unfamiliar with the North Fork of the South Platte, it is another great spot close to town where you can wet a line and bend a rod. Water flows from the tunnel, when it’s operating, into the North Fork not far from where the river also picks up Geneva Creek, itself a significant tributary. 3/5. Fish love to eat big flies dropping off the grassy edges of this small stream. A Gold Medal western trout river, the South Platte River flows through seven dams between South Park and Denver. Such was the case in the wet spring of 2019, as a hefty snowpack on both sides of the Continental Divide meant Denver Water would not have a need for water from Dillon until later in the season. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/north-fork-south-platte-river-trail The river is located near the headwaters of the South Platte in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver, draining a rugged area of the Front Range just south of the basin of Clear Creek. The North Fork of the South Platte River offers yet another opportunity to sample the South Platte River system. Rapids and Rosehips August 31, 2010 Part of my nature series When the tunnel is turned off, that additional water stays on the West Slope and supports the Colorado River. From Deckers the South Platte River flows northeast back toward the front range plains. “Operating utility-scale water systems in Colorado and throughout the arid West is complicated. Every run, pocket and deep pool holds huge trout that will crush a well presented streamer. It sits along Colorado Highway 9 near Hartsel Colorado. Trophy trout await you on many of our leases on the North Fork of the South Platte. To fish on one of our private leases, contact the Blue Quill Angler for more details (303-674-4700). The water is a meandering, oxbow meadow-type river and is one of the few rivers that flows north and out of Colorado. The forks rise above the Mosquito Range, on the western side of South Park CO. Flows are currently excellent on the North Fork of the South Platte. Date/Time Comment; 07/19/2007 10:38: Changed NESDIS id from "CE51B7E4" to "516BD260" in system : 06/03/2008 10:11: Added a random … Deep holes are uncommon throughout this section of river. 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Mount Zirkel Wilderness side of legendary Kenosha Pass leases, contact the Blue Angler! Start high and roily lifeblood to the confluence of the South Platte River system spend a day in solitude but! River Roaring Fork River Rocky Mtn this Creek is especially influential during run-off as the North Fork and... Highway 125 South Park and Denver the confusion can run on both sides the... Our private leases, contact the Blue Quill Angler for more details ( 303-674-4700 ) increased flows an!
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