Members OnlyNorth Fork – Section #11
The North Fork (Upper 1-3)
The North Fork of the is a tributary of the North Platte River. Its headwaters originate deep in the Zirkel Wilderness along the southern side of Mount Zirkel. Spectacular views and world-class fishing compete for the angler’s attention. Averaging 25 feet wide, the North Fork is carpeted with gravel and cobblestones and lined with willows. This river features a steeper gradient than most tributaries in North park, which offers more riffles and fast moving water.
The Club has two sections of this magnificent River. The upper section of the North Fork of the North Platte starts to fish in early April. This section is approximately 2 miles. Depending on water temps the river can be fantastic for 3-4 weeks before the melt. Run-off generally comes in mid to late May and will last three to four weeks. Due to the steeper gradient, the upper North Fork is fairly tough to fish until the water recedes to a decent level, which is usually around mid June.
There are brown trout, rainbows, and brook trout in the North Fork. Expect fish from 8 to 22 inches, with 13-16 inch fish being the norm. The North Fork has perfect cobble for spawning brown and brook trout and many fish will move upstream to find these areas to spawn. If fishing this stream in September and October be careful when wading not to disturb the spawning fish.
The North Fork is a very healthy stream. Stoneflies, mayflies, caddis, scuds, craneflies, leeches, crayfish, terrestrials, sculpins, and forage fish are all available as food for the trout, aswell as earthworms coming from irrigation.
Access to this stretch is fairly easy. There are four parking areas. The bottom of the property lies just below the Richards Cabin at the gravel bridge. This bridge is the first of four parking spots headed up stream. The remaining parking spots are all located on the county road and have walk-through gates to get past the fence.
Beware of moose in this area; speak loudly and make noise while walking through the willows.
Access to the North Fork is by designated club parking spots only.
The Lower North Fork #4
The lower North Fork is located approximately 3 miles below our upper section below the North Fork Ranch. Although it’s the same river our lower section is very different. The lower section is a classic meadow stream with fewer gradients. This section meanders through wide-open hay meadows and has few willows along its length.
The Lower club section of the North Fork is approximately 1 mile. It starts to fish in April and provides a very good pre run-off window. This section actually fishes well into the run off period because there is a series of irrigation ditches that pull water out of the river before it reaches this section. During run off the river will be very high and off color but will clear up sooner than the upper section. During high water the fish are being fed a lot of earthworms, leeches, and forage fish. Soon after run-off fishing will be very good. This section is usually tougher to fish in late July and early August due to irrigation but picks up rapidly from September until the end of October.
The Lower section of the North Fork has fewer stoneflies and mayflies but flourishes with crayfish, sculpins, forage fish, and leeches. Hopper/ Dropper fishing can be good but the real ticket here is tossing big streamers or dead drifting large nymphs and leeches.
There are browns and rainbows in this section. 14-16 inch fish are the norm but don’t be surprised if you hook something larger.
There is only one parking lot for this section and it’s located at the top boundary of the property. The lower boundary of this section lies next to the Richards state Wildlife Area, feel free to continue fishing past the fence.
Access to this section of the North Fork is by designated Club parking areas only.
