Members OnlyThe North Platte – Section #1
The North Platte River originates in nearly all of Jackson County (North Park) and is approximately 700 miles long. It travels 500 miles while crossing Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska before pouring into the Missouri River and heading to the Atlantic Ocean.
The North Platte is the crown jewel of North Park Park and our section of this idyllic stream is 10 miles in length and lies at the foot of the Park Range Mountains. As the river meanders through a maze of hayfields along the valley floor below the astonishing peaks, this fabulous fishing never affords the angler a chance to look up at the stunning scenery. The true headwaters of the North Platte lies just 5 miles up stream of our property boundary where Grizzly and little Grizzly creek come together. This river features classic riffle/run formation and offers many opportunities to anglers every month of the season.
The river offers little opportunity to fish during pre run off. On normal snow pack years the river transforms from being covered with ice into run-off immediately. If the weather stays cold for a few days there may be a small window of good fishing in April and May. The river starts to fish consistently in early June and continues to fish good until the end of October.
The Platte through the valley may be the most fertile section of the river in the Park. The biomass in this system is tremendous; Stoneflies, mayflies, caddis, sculpins, scuds, crayfish, dragonflies, craneflies, forage fish, and earthworms, as well as spectacular populations of terrestrials supply a monster-sized buffet for the fish to choose from. Later in the season the Platte turns on to the technical dry fly fisherman. Look for trout to be keyed in on Trico’s in August – September then Blue Winged Olive’s in September -October. Don’t be surprised to see 25 fish with their noses up in ne bend.
The River is full of healthy brown and rainbow trout with average fish in the 14-16 inch range. 20 Inch fish are widely available and fish up to 10 pounds are caught every year.
The Club owns approximately 13 miles of river, which is floatable into August on a normal snow pack year. Only guided trips may float the river. This is a completely private float.
Access to the river is very easy. There are 11 parking areas starting with #1 at the Green Bridge located at the Platte River Ranch at the upstream boundary. Parking spots 1-3 and 7 and 8 are on the west side of the river. Parking areas 4-6 are located on the east side of the river. Parking area 9 is downstream of Cowdrey on the west side of the river.
Access to the river is by designated club parking spots only.
To access Beats 1-6, Take County Road 12W West 4.2 miles to County Road 33. Go North 5 miles and take a left at the top of the hill to access beats 1-3. To access beats 4-6, go right at the top of the hill and left around the old stables. Follow the dirt road north and beats 4-6 are on the west side of the road.
To access beats 7-8, head North on Highway 125 for 9.2 miles to the town of Cowdrey. Turn west onto County Road 6W and follow it for 2 miles.
