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Fly Fishing Colorado’s Most Exclusive Waters

Welcome to North Fork Ranch Guide Service — where expert guides, legendary waters, and unforgettable days on the river come together. Located just an hour from Denver, we offer private water access to some of Colorado’s most productive trout fisheries, including our home waters on the North Fork of the South Platte River.

Private Waters

Unmatched Access to Pristine, Private Water

Our private properties offer rare access to some of Colorado’s most productive and prestigious stretches of river. Whether you’re stalking trophy rainbows or casting to rising browns, these waters are reserved for our guests — and guided by those who know them best.

Guided by Experience, Rooted in Wild Water

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About Us

Built on Water. Backed by Legacy.

At North Fork Ranch Guide Service, we’ve spent decades perfecting what it means to deliver a truly unforgettable fly fishing experience. Since 1996, our team has focused on more than just putting anglers on fish — we create personalized, high-quality days on the water that leave a lasting impression.

We’re proud to guide on some of Colorado’s best private water, offering exclusive access to trophy trout fisheries just an hour from Denver. Our expert guides are not only passionate anglers but also dedicated teachers who tailor each trip to your goals, whether you’re casting for the first time or chasing your biggest fish yet.

Based at the renowned North Fork Ranch — a historic property turned premier Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge — we bring together top-tier accommodations, scenic wilderness, and a deep respect for the craft of fly fishing. From arrival to that final fish photo, we aim to deliver a first-class experience every step of the way.

Public Water

Where Local Knowledge Unlocks Untouched Water

While we’re known for exclusive access to private water, our passion for fly fishing extends to the legendary public stretches of the South Platte River. Our team holds the permits — and the local knowledge — to guide you through some of Colorado’s most iconic public fisheries, all within an hour of the ranch.

"Fished by few,
mastered by our guides"

Lodging

Rustic Comfort in the Heart of the Rockies

Unplug and unwind in our hand-built log cabins — each one designed to blend mountain comfort with timeless character. Whether you’re here to fish, relax, or reconnect with nature, our accommodations offer the perfect basecamp for your North Fork experience.

Where Moments Become Memories

See the Story for Yourself

From early morning casts to fireside laughs, every moment at North Fork is one worth remembering. Browse scenes from our river, our cabins, and our guests who’ve made it their tradition.

Corporate Trips

Reconnect, Refocus, and Cast Together

Whether you’re looking to reward your team or create an unforgettable client experience, North Fork offers the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness. Our private waters, cozy cabins, and custom itineraries make for a memorable escape that strengthens bonds and inspires fresh ideas.

Testimonials

Stories Told by the Fire, Memories Made on the Water

From once-in-a-lifetime catches to quiet mornings on the riverbank, our guests leave with stories that last a lifetime. Here’s what they had to say about their time at the ranch.

5.0
Based on 146 reviews
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J Roubaud
13:09 11 Apr 25
Highly recommend North Fork Ranch! I fly fished for the first time with them as part of a company outing. Our guides Tim and Rob were so friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. All 5 of us on the outing caught over a dozen fish each. We all had a great time, and we left as better anglers thanks to everything Tim and Rob taught us.
Michael Narkewicz
01:12 26 Feb 25
2/2024I brought a colleague to NFGR this week for a mid day fishing adventure. We had a phenomenal day with Tim our guide for the day. My colleague was so impressed with the fishing at NFGR and the professionalism of our guide (I knew that would be the case as I have previously fished with Tim) that he is planning on setting up his own adventure for his family. River is in great shape and Tim helped us both be in the right place to get in to a lot of fish. Got to see Ospreys at the upper end of the property.12/2024Another great day now in winter. Ryan was our guide and he was, as usual, great. TNTC fish in the net. My wife's best day on the river. She is not a fan of cold weather fishing but she said that she forgot about the weather (45-50 degrees) because the fishing was so good and Ryan was such a great guide.11/2024We had another great mid day late fall early winter fly fishing trip with Shannah at the North Fork Guest Ranch with NFGR Guide Service. It was a beautiful day and we had some great fishing. Shannah is a great guide and the ranch is one of the best areas to fish in the late fall or winter. I highly recommend NFGR guidesHad a great mid day winter fly fishing trip with Ryan at the North Fork Guest Ranch with the NFGR Guide Service. They provide a high level of professionalism and really help put you on fish. The property is managed for exceptional fly fishing. The facilities are great. I highly recommend NFGR Guide Services.May 2023: We were back at NFGR with the NFGR Guide Service for 2 days for Mother's Day. We had another FANTASTIC 2 days and nights. Fishing with Christian and Tim at Rawhide and NFGR was great. Both are fantastic guides, teachers. We have fished here often and it is always a first class and rate experience. 5 stars plus. The lodge was just named Orvis endorsed Lodge of the Year and it is very deserved. Great customer service, rooms and meals. Hayley and Nick run a great lodge.Nov 2023: Great half day of fishing in the late fall with Rob. As usual great service, beautiful environment. All the little details are taken care of ahead of time so you can just fish and enjoy.
Charlie George
19:58 03 Dec 24
Fished here last week, yes it was cold, and yes it was expensive (even with discounted winter rates), but it was worth every penny. Top notch guide, excellent water flow, caught plenty of great fish. Would recommend this spot to anyone who enjoys being on the water and catching hogs!
John McClellan
22:56 04 Nov 24
Nov 1st - Our group fished at the North Fork Ranch property. What an incredible experience and such a great place to spend the day with good friends and 2 great guides (Tim Neering and Rob ?) and WOW the great fishing!!! Tim Neering was our guide - Tim is such an awesome guide and had us on the big fish all day. Tim is so friendly and so passionate about creating a world-class Fly-Fishing experience for you sharing all of his fly-fishing tips and tricks and his overall fishing wisdom. My buddies had the same experience with Rob as their guide as well. If you're looking for an incredible fishing adventure, I would highly recommend the Northfork Lodge and all their guide services - you will not be disappointed!!!!
Bob Leiter
13:30 15 Oct 24
What a place! The fishing is phenomenal and such a beautiful setting. I have been there twice now and had different guides each time and both were top notch! Jeff and his team of guides are some of the best and you WILL catch fish! Highly recommend! A+++
John Lammers
17:17 23 Sep 24
I just came back from my third visit to the North Fork Ranch in three years. Each visit has been reliably top-notch with wonderful service, accommodations, and great food. And the guide service is just unmatchable. Our guide, Shannah, fit perfectly with our skill levels, and eagerly equipped us to have a great time. I can't recommend North Fork highly enough.
Scott Havlak
17:29 31 Aug 24
I have had the privilege to fish with Jeff and the guides at North Fork Ranch Guide Service on a few planned trips to CO. So, when I traveled to COS for business a few weeks ago I could not pass on an opportunity to fish a couple days with them again.I have fished with Jeff and several different guides in the past. All of those experiences were memorable. This was my first time fishing with Austin, whose passion for fly fishing made our time on the water special. I was most impressed with his enthusiasm for and historical knowledge of bamboo fly rods and his skill at tying flies. Every guide I know ties flies, but not like Austin does.This was my second time fishing the Taryall cattle ranch. It did not disappoint. We caught a fish every 5 minutes on hoppers and Chubby style flies all day long on my bamboo rod. Some fish ever so subtly sipped, some smashed, and it was a lot of fun. This was my fish time fishing Santa Maria ranch. Each one of the properties they guide on is different. The stream improvements on this property from long ago create a fantastic wild fishing experience. We caught fish on dry dropper rigs and a wider variety of flies. The property is also known for migratory large brown trout and we managed to catch one, which was special. Thank you, Austin for making my recent trip a memorable one!
David Gonzales
02:07 27 Jun 24
Traveled from Austin, TX for my first experience with the North Fork Ranch Guide Service. We did a family trip and could not have been more pleased! The guides were exceptional, the location was beautiful, and the fishing was great! Would highly recommend to anyone seeking a great Colorado fishing experience.
Alan Robertson
23:58 11 Jun 24
I just returned from North Fork Lodge. Traveled from CA and first time visiting this exceptional fly fishing location. My expectations were high knowing it is Orvis endorsed. I didn’t bring any of my own equipment, and was given everything needed. Excellent quality and well maintained. Jeff listened to my experience and expectations and hooked me up with Austin. I’ve had many guides over the years, however Austin has now set a very high bar going forward. Austin had a friendly, warm and approachable demeanor and his expertise with the local waters, fishing techniques, fish behaviors along with attention to detail, provided me with exceptional personalized guidance. I caught more fish than I could count at the private Tarryall Ranch, and had a blast. He was my private guide, and his teaching skills (with much patience) were impressive. He adjusted strategies according to water and weather conditions, and is a fly fishing entomology expert. He even pointed out the insects the fish were feeding on and compared/matched them to the selected fly, which he tied. His enthusiasm for all things fishing as well as plants, geology and animal life was shared and welcome, and I came away with more knowledge, improved skills, and great memories. I’ll be back with hopes of getting him again.
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Answer the Call of Quiet Waters