Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Around Bailey, the North Fork of the South Platte runs along US-285 with pocket water, short canyons and wild browns, about an hour from Denver.
Looking for the latest North Fork South Platte Bailey river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the North Fork South Platte River โ Bailey.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Bailey fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge at Bailey shows about 110 cfs, a good fall flow, and the water is clear.
Fish pocket water with a small nymph under a dry or indicator. Zebra Midges and Pheasant Tails in 18 to 20 are the go-to, and BWOs can show on cloudy afternoons.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Bailey, bring: Zebra Midge #18-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20, RS2 Emerger #20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #18-20, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Bailey river details
| Access | National forest and county pullouts along US-285 and County Road 68. Some private water. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,700 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 49 miles, roughly 1 hour 8 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring, summer and fall |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | Pike National Forest campgrounds nearby |
| Kids | Yes at the easy pullouts. |
| Good to know | Watch for private property signs. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold. Midges on warm days.
Spring
BWOs before runoff.
Summer
Caddis and PMDs.
Fall
BWOs and browns.
How to get there
Take US-285 southwest from Denver to Bailey.