South Fork South Platte - Below Antero - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero - Water Flow Chart
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero - Weather report & radar
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid-day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| Juvenile Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear | |
| February | Midges | Mid-day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| Juvenile Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear | |
| March | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 18-22 | Blue Wing Olive Emerger, Blue Dun |
| Midges | Late Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge | |
| April | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 16-20 | BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute |
| May | Caddis | Day and Dusk | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| June | Pale Morning Duns | Mid-day | 16-20 | PMD Parachute, PMD Spinner |
| July | Pale Morning Duns | Mid-day | 16-20 | PMD Parachute, PMD Spinner |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| August | Terrestrials | Daytime | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 20-24 | BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute | |
| September | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 18-22 | BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute |
| Terrestrials | Daytime | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns | |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | 18-22 | BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute |
| Midges | Late Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge | |
| November | Midges | Mid-day | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| Juvenile Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear | |
| December | Midges | Mid-day | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| Juvenile Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear |
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero Access Points
The South Fork South Platte below Antero offers fantastic opportunities for fly fishing. Here are the best access points:
- Antero Reservoir Dam: This dam on the South Platte River is often a hub for trout, particularly just below the dam. Fish tend to congregate in fast water and large tailwater discharges.
- Threemile Creek Confluence: About a mile downstream from the dam, this meeting point provides excellent sight fishing opportunities to large trout in undercut banks and deep pools.
- Badger Basin: Farther downstream, accessible via County Road 23, a series of smaller streams supply a range of habitats that trout use, perfect for fly fishing.
- Hartsel Springs Ranch: Offers a beautiful expanse of private property that can be accessed for a fee, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day of fishing.
Ensure you follow local fishing regulations to protect the health of these waters and fish populations.
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero Fishing Spots
The South Fork South Platte – Below Antero is renowned for fly fishing due to its high-density trout population. Here are some amazing spots for the sport:
- Cheesman Canyon: This is a challenging but rewarding spot, with clear water and large, smart trout that challenge even experienced anglers.
- Deckers: Deckers is popular due to its easy access and lower fishing pressure. It offers fantastic winter fishing opportunities.
- Dream Stream: Located between Spinney Mountain and Elevenmile Reservoirs, it’s rich in trophy fish, especially during the fall and spring.
- Eleven Mile State Park: This is a prime spot with its highly prolific water, famous for large cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout and kokanee salmon.
- Spinney Mountain Ranch: Known for being a great dry-fly destination, with impressive hatches and eagerly rising trout.
South Fork South Platte – Below Antero Local Fish Species
- Trout
- Brook Trout: Esteemed for their beautiful colors and fine eating qualities, Brook Trout are a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts in South Fork South Platte.
- Brown Trout: Known for their ability to put up a fight, Brown Trout are often targeted for their size and quality of meat.
- Rainbow Trout: These fish are loved by fly fishers for their distinctive coloring and willingness to take a fly.
- Cutthroat Trout: The only trout native to Colorado, Cutthroat Trout are aggressive biters and can be quite fun to catch.
- Grayling: Although less common than Trout, Grayling are targeted for their unique beauty and delicious flavor.
- Kokanee Salmon: These landlocked salmon are a popular target due to their hard fight and skilful leaps when hooked.
- Northern Pike: Known for being predatory and aggressive, Northern Pike present an exciting challenge for fly fishing.
- Smallmouth Bass: Although not as common in the South Fork South Platte River, Smallmouth Bass are prized for their strength and aerobatics.
- Lake Trout (Mackinaw): A very large species of trout, Lake Trout are sought after for their trophy potential.
About the South Fork South Platte – Below Antero
Located in Colorado, the South Fork South Platte River, particularly the area below Antero, holds rich history and natural beauty. This area experienced its first major human impact during the mid-1800s gold rush. Known for the rich deposits, thousands of prospectors flocked to the place seeking fortune.
Interestingly, this stretch of river went through a significant change when the Antero Reservoir was built in 1909 for irrigation and flood control. The reservoir, named after Chief Antero of the Uintah Utes, revolutionized the local agriculture.
- Popular for its trout fishing, the river’s ecosystem changed with the reservoir’s construction,
- The dam’s temperature control produced larger trout, making it a major draw for recreational fishing.
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