Landing the Big Ones
North Fork/ South Platte
By Janice OÕShea
The North Fork of the South Platte River begins its journey from the snowmelt and creeks below the continental divide near Kenosha Pass, southwest of Denver. Water from Dillon Reservoir also adds to this river via the Harold D. Roberts Tunnel.
In the early 1900Õs, Denver, anticipating a rapid population growth began to develop a plan for transporting water from west of the continental divide to the thirsty eastern slope. The Denver Water Board in 1927 proposed a plan to build a 23-mile tunnel for water diversion.
Construction for the tunnel began in 1942. Work resumed after WW II in 1946. The first water through the tunnel began in July of 1964.
The Roberts tunnel has played a big role in the uniqueness of this river. With water coming out of Dillon Reservoir, the North Fork is a tailwater, providing year around fishing. Most of the North Fork is private water now, with the exception of a few public pullout areas west of the town of Bailey.
Trout Trips has been fortunate to acquire access to stretches of private water on the North Fork. Our access to the North Fork Ranch has proven to be an outstanding fishery year around and the finest western hospitality of any ranch a client will ever experience. Rich in Colorado history this ranch can be traced back to the early 1900Õs. The original homestead house, built in 1910, still stands and has been re-furbished for use as a summer lodge by the now owners of the North Fork Ranch, Dean and Karen May. In 1984 the ranch was given its current name for the section of river that runs through it. The Mays have run the ranch since 1985. Lodging on the ranch is exquisite, with western dˇcor for all of the rooms. The food is gourmet and above and beyond any food I have ever tasted. What makes this ranch so unique is that it is only 50 minutes from the Denver area, it is nestled among pine trees far away from any road system, it is a true working dude ranch and offers many activities throughout the summer months for visitors. It is open year around for lodging and fishing.
The hospitality, lodging, and gourmet food are five stars, and the fishing is spectacular. Anglers can expect to fish for kamloop rainbows from 16 inches to 6-7 pounds along with steelhead, cuttbows, browns and brook trout.
The river takes on its own personality once it leaves Roberts Tunnel. With riffles, runs, plunge pools and pocket water, the North Fork river provides anglers of all abilities the opportunity to fish in solitude and hook into some awfully healthy, strong trout. We recommend a 5-6 wt. rod with a 7 1Ś2 foot leader and 4x, 5x, 6x tippet. We use more 6x tippet in the winter months. During the spring, summer and fall, tippet sizes need to be stronger for these trout. Hooking them isnÕt so much the problem as landing them. They are as mean of any trout IÕve seen in any river in Colorado.
Another treat for anglers is the fact that you can sight fish to these trout. We have noticed that the North Fork trout like not only the usual places to feed but they also like the fast water. During the winter months, midges in sizes 20/22 are the best bet with 6x tippet. During the spring we are seeing takes on midges, egg patterns, copper johns, and san juan worms. Tippet size needs to be 4x and 5x in the spring, summer and fall. It is here that you have an opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime!
Another treat for anglers in Colorado is to fish the Williams Fork River. The Williams Fork is a public river and located just 22 miles west of Granby. This river accommodates anglers of all abilities. It is a great river for beginners; easily read, and it is not a huge river; only 20 feet wide in some spots. Its pocket water, riffles, runs and pools make this a true mountain trout river. The Williams Fork is a 1-mile tailwater, coming out of Williams Fork Reservoir and empting into the Colorado River. The walk into the river takes about 30 minutes from the Kemp Unit, which is managed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
An angler will want to look up every now and then to spot bald eagles with nests constructed in the elm trees that line the river. Because of the location of the Williams Fork, the Colorado River can be fished the same day.
Springtime brings big Colorado River rainbows and browns into the Williams Fork. Their menu at this time of year calls for midges, beatis, scuds, and streamers.
RSIIÕs, and WD-40Õs in olive or gray #18, black beauties, disco midges, palomino midges, buckskins #20, and #18 pheasant tail. The muddler minnow and olive matuka #10 will work along with olive and tan scuds #16/18.
Just above the confluence to the Colorado, blood midges seem to work very well, along with egg patterns in the spring and fall. Further up on the Williams Fork the trout seem to go for olive colored RSIIÕs, AP nymphs, and caddis larvae.
The flows on the Williams Fork will vary; depending on how much water is needed downstream. Good fishable flows are between 60 CFS and 250 CFS.
The town of Kremmling is about 9 miles west of the Williams Fork. While you are up there, stop in and say hello to Dan and his wife who run the FishinÕ Hole Sporting Goods store in Kremmling. They have some great flies for that area.
About The Author
Janice OÕShea is a native of Colorado and has fished since she was eight years old. She has fly fished more than 20 years. Janice is a veteran teacher with degrees in elementary and secondary education. She has turned her passion and commitment for the outdoors to guiding and teaching Fly Fishing in Colorado. Janice established her company, Trout Trips, LLC, 8 years ago, and is currently the guide service for Flat Iron Fishing Company in the Village at Flatirons. She is anxious to sare her knowledge and provide a memorable flyfishing experience for you. You can contact Janice at 303-518-4337, or www.trouttrips.com.
