Fly Fishing the South Platte River Colorado

The South Platte River is one of Colorado's most popular and finest trout streams. It is formed in Park County, Colorado by the confluence of the freestone Middle Fork and the tailwater South Fork.  The South Platte flows some 50 miles through several more lakes and reservoirs created by seven dams, before it reaches Denver. With all these dams, the South Platte is classified as a tailwater fishery and since the dams are predominately bottom releases, the water remains fairly constant through the entire year.

The South Platte consists of four major sections including the Spinney Mile, Eleven Mile Canyon, Cheeseman Canyon, Deckers and Waterton Canyon. With all these great sections for fly fishing and due to it proximity to Denver, it does see a great deal of anglers.

From the Spinney Mountain Reservoir to the Eleven Mile Reservoir is a five and one half mile section that provides some excellent fly fishing because of the abundant aquatic life. This tailwater section is known for its large rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout that migrate upstream from Eleven Mile Reservoir to spawn. But don’t minimize the resident browns and the fall run of browns. Trout in this section will average about sixteen inches in length with some on rare occasions toping thirty inches in length. The river in this section averages seventy feet in width with deep runs and excellent pools. Little wonder why it is often referred to as the “Dream Stream”.

Below the Eleven Mile Dam, and prior to Lake George, the South Platte flows through the spectacular Elevenmile canyon; a fishery with riffles, runs and pocket water. Most of the trout taken in this area are rainbows that will average 14 to 16 inches in length. The steep canyon provides shelter from the winds and also provides a good deal of shade in the summer. There's yet another short section between Lake George and Cheesman Reservoir including the section of Happy Meadows. This section will also provide good fishing opportunities.

Downstream of Cheesman Reservoir you will find the most popular and the most challenging section of the South Platte River. This three mile section consists of massive boulders, wild currents, and very heavy fishing pressure. The trout have become “educated” as a result of the fishing pressure. Despite the challenges, the hard working anglers will be rewarded with trout that average about sixteen inches in length as well as some spectacular scenery.

The area around Deckers consists mostly of riffles with occasions of pocket water and it provides some prime trout fishing contributing to some heavy pressure. The closest tailwater section to Denver is the Waterton Canyon five mile stretch of the South Platte. This section contains rainbows, browns and occasionally a cutthroat and it can be easily reached from Denver even after a work day. However, there is no automobile can access the canyon so you need to walk or take a bicycle. The best trout fishing is in the uppermost two miles. 

Fly Fishing the South Platte River:

The methods and strategies for fly fishing vary from section to section. One strategy does not fit all. Indeed it is probably the most diversified trout fisheries in the USA. Most of the South Platte, and especially the tailwater sections, require longer, and more accurate casts. Anglers need to get a good drift in order to catch those wiley trout. Also due to the diversity, there are several different special regulations that apply so be sure to check those out before planning the trip. Use the fly rods and fly lines of your choice including from 4 wt. up to 6 wt. The leaders for dry flies should be 5X or 6X and be about 9 foot in length. For nymphs, I would use 3X or 4X and for streamers I would recommend 0 to 2X.

We recommend the Perfect Fly line of flies that are available at Troutprostore as they are the best imitations of the actual aquatic insects that we have found anywhere.

Spring:

Spring can offer some excellent fishing if the flows are suitable. The Blue Winged Olives will start to hatch in March and continue through May. Little Black Caddis will hatch around the first of May time frame followed by the more plentiful Spotted Sedges which will continue through September. The Little Sister Caddis hatch takes place in late June and July. Also the Green Sedges larva called Rock worms will be hatching from May through June. Of course midges are always a good choice through the year.

Summer:

The Pale Morning dun will be the first hatch in June and will continue into August. In August the little mayfly Tricos will be hatching in the slower or moderate waters and the hatch continues into October. The Golden Stonefly, the Giant Black Stonefly and the Yellow Sallies will be abundant through the summer. Also, the sculpin, minnow or mysis shrimp imitations will be effective streamers especially during the times that the water is slightly off color. Ants, beetles and grasshopper imitations will work well especially in the meadow sections.

Fall and Winter:

The second hatch of the Blue winged Olives will be occurring from late August well into November depending on weather conditions. Minnows, Sculpins Mysis Shrimp and sculpins will be good year around as well. Midges wiull continue to hatch all winter. It is considered best to fish a tandem Midge rig under a small strike indicator with the larva at the bottom and the pupa as the top fly. The adult midge can be fished on the surface if you see the trout taking them.