River: North Park Streams include
the North Platte, the Michigan River, Roaring Fork and many other small streams.
The N. Platte begins at the confluence of Grizzly Creek and Little Grizzly Creek
SW of Walden. The Michigan runs north of Walden into the N. Platte. The Roaring
Fork is west of Walden by Delaney Butte Lakes.
Fish:
Most of these streams are inhabited by brown trout in the 12-14 inch range. Fish
to 24 inches will be caught, though, so care in casting, hooking and playing
fish is required. Smaller streams in the area offer lots of brookies and lots of
fun, too. The rainbow fishery is okay, although high summer water temperatures
offer conditions more conducive to brown trout.
Bugs: There are lots of mosquitoes in June an into July – not to be
fished with, but to be avoided with proper care. Bring a head net and plenty of
repellent. There are a multitude of all aquatic insects found throughout the N
Park system. Lots of hay fields mean good hopper fishing in late summer and into
fall. Major mayfly hatches, including BWO, PMD, green drake, trico depending on
the season are found. Summer means caddis hatches, too.
Flies: Streamer patterns are a must for big browns. Zonkers, Platte River
Specials, Woolly buggers and Autumn Splendors are required. Standard attractor
patterns and match the above hatch patterns, depending on the season. Bead head
nymphs work well.
Techniques: fish the banks with streamers and hoppers for the big ones!
In Fall and Spring, bring a six-weight rod with a sink tip for the streamer
fishing. Obviously, other standard techniques are in order for fishing dry and
nymph patterns.
Seasons: The N. Platte streams are not dam controlled, so flows are
dependent on snow pack and draw offs for irrigation during summer months.
Pre-runoff can be very good; post runoff through late fall can be excellent.
Rating: The N. Platte is one of the finest streams in the lower 48
states. Time to go fishing there, eh?
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