Fishing Report
Fishing Report
North Park Anglers Fishing Report
October 18, 2026
Welcome to the North Park Anglers Fishing Report!
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Current Conditions at a Glance
Overall Fishing: Good, Lake Fishing is the Go-To
Best Fishing Window: Late morning through the afternoon
Rivers & Streams: Low and super cold
North Platte: Low Flows, fishing slowing down
Meadow Streams: Too Low to fish
Delaney Buttes, Lake John & Cowdrey: Good — fish are moving shallower with cold flows
High-Country Lakes: Fishing good, Window is rapidly closing
Dry-Fly Fishing: Wrapping up, sporadic BWOs
Best Lake Tactics: Chironomids and leeches under a bobber, crayfish, baitfish, and Boatmen
Best River Tactics: Nymphing in deep slow wintering holes
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Fall has arrived in the park! We’ve been getting some cold nights with lows in the mid teens-low 20s, and the fish have been loving it! Water temps are getting pretty cold on the rivers, so we’ve shifted our fishing to mostly lakes at this point in the season.
The North Platte through the canyon currently has the best flows in the area, but is still very low and cold.
Our lakes continue to be the best option, especially with the low flows and cold temps on the rivers. Fishing 4-10ft with chironomids and leeches has been producing quality fish during the daytime hours. Early and late in the day, trout have been cruising the shallows looking for boatmen, and streamers and crayfish patterns have also been effective.
Despite the Low water conditions, there’s still some excellent fishing to be had if you adjust your location tactics.
For more detailed information on individual fisheries, current conditions, and what’s working, read on below. As always, if you have questions or need some advice before heading out, give the shop a call at 970-723-4215.
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Meadow Streams
The tributaries are still super low. With the cold overnight temps, the water is super cold most of the day, and fishing has been tough. The fish are also spawning on the tributaries currently, so we are leaving them alone for the most part,
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North Platte River
Canyon Section
The North Platte through the canyon is currently running around 50 CFS. That is a super low flow. Water temps are in the upper 30’s most mornings and ticking into the low 40’s in the afternoon, so if you do venture out to the Platte the afternoon is the besr window. Nymphing in the slow, deep wintering holes is the name of the game this time of year. Perdigons, Caddis, and various attractor nymphs such as duracells, pheasant tails, and smaller rs2 and wd-40 patterns have all worked well. Fish are currently spawning in the canyon, so please steer clear of the redds and don’t disturb or fish to the spawning fish.
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Valley Section
The North Platte through the valley is running lower than it is in the canyon. Water temps are in the upper 30’s most mornings and ticking into the low 40’s in the afternoon, so if you do venture out to the Platte the afternoon is the best window.
With the lower flows, dry-dropper rigs have been the most productive in deep slow holes, with leeches, stoneflies, caddis nymphs, and various attractor patterns all putting fish in the net. Slowly fishing a streamer has also been producing a few fish, especially on overcast days.
Fish are currently spawning in the valley, so please steer clear of the redds and don’t disturb or fish to the spawning fish.
Note: The valley section is upstream of where the North Fork of the North Platte, Michigan, and Illinois Rivers enter the Platte. The North Gate gauge we monitor is downstream of these tributaries, so the reported flow at North Gate will generally be higher than what you’ll encounter in the valley section.
North Platte Flow Guide — North Gate Canyon
Routt Access to Pickaroon
0–750 CFS: Good wade-fishing levels
500–4,000 CFS: Good float-fishing levels
4,000+ CFS: Best suited for whitewater
North Platte River Flows: North Platte River Flows at North Gate Canyon
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Delaney Buttes, Lake John & Cowdrey Lake
With the weather cooling off, fish have started moving shallower for the fall! Nymphing has been the most consistent approach, with chironomids, eggs, and leeches producing well in 4–10 feet of water.
Early and late in the day, the fish are pushing up tighter to the bank. Stripping boatmen, crayfish, and leech patterns around first and last light has been producing some nice fish.
CPW finished their spawn operation at the Buttes on 10/10. The Dam is still closed to fishing until November 15th
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High-Country Lakes & Streams
Big Creek, Chambers, Joe Wright, Rainbow Lakes, Lake Agnes, Bighorn, Katherine, Clear, Kelly, and countless other lakes throughout the Zirkel and Rawah mountain ranges are all still fishing well.
The high-country season is relatively short in North Park, and as the temps drop and the snow comes in the window is rapidly closing on these high country gems.
Stripping a leech or small streamer is a good bet this time of year, and hanging chironomids or leeches under an indicator can also be very productive when fish aren’t chasing.
This is one of the best times of year to explore the high country, but keep a close eye on the weather. It can snow at a moments notice this time of year, so make sure to bring plenty of layers!
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North Park Anglers Fly Shop Hours
October-November 2026
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 8 am- 5 pm
Sunday: 8 am- 2 pm
Stop by the shop before heading out for the latest conditions, flies, and local advice, or give us a call at 970-723-4215.
