Middle Fork South Platte - Above Montgomery Res - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res - Water Flow Chart
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res - Weather report & radar
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmest part of the day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty, Top Secret Midge |
| February | Midges | Warmest part of the day | #20-26 | Disco Midge, Top Secret Midge, Manhattan Midge |
| March | Midges | Warmest part of the day | #20-26 | Juju Midge, Midge Emerger, Red Brassie |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Mid-Day | #18-24 | RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare’s Ear |
| May | Blue Winged Olives, Caddis | Mid-Day | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Hare’s Ear |
| June | Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns | Morning to Afternoon | #10-16 | Green Drake Parachute, Pale Morning Dun Parachute, Copper John |
| July | Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, Stoneflies | Morning to Evening | #10-16 | Green Drake Parachute, Pale Morning Dun Parachute, Stimulator |
| August | Caddis, Stoneflies | Afternoon to Evening | #12-16 | Stimulator, Hopper Patterns, San Juan Worm |
| September | Blue Winged Olives, Stoneflies | Morning to Mid-Day | #14-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, Prince Nymph, RS2 |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Morning to Mid-Day | #18-24 | RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Black Beauty |
| November | Midges | Warmest part of the day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge, Disco Midge |
| December | Midges | Warmest part of the day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty, Top Secret Midge |
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res Access Points
The Middle Fork South Platte River, positioned above Montgomery Reservoir, offers various excellent access points perfect for fly fishing delight. Some of the most remarkable places to consider include:
- Fairplay Access: It’s an ideal entry point that offers various trailhead options, leading to productive fishing spots.
- Alma State Wildlife Area: Alma affords good access to the river and is abundant with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
- Beaver Ponds: This place is rarest, offering a peaceful and serene fishing experience.
- Pike National Forest: This space provides numerous access points along the river and is populated with smaller trout which making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: Accessible via Route 9, it provides ample wading and bank casting opportunities.
These points provide diverse fishing conditions and promise pleasant experiences amid the stunning nature
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res Fishing Spots
The Middle Fork South Platte river above Montgomery Reservoir features several prime spots for fly fishing.
- Alma State Wildlife Area: This stretch offers both banks of the river open to the public for fishing. It’s teeming with brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout.
- Horseshoe Curve: Just south of the town of Fairplay, the Horseshoe Curve is popular for its variety of trout species – particularly large rainbow trout.
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: Accessible from County Road 18, its lush willows and deeper runs make for an excellent spot for fly fishing.
- Badger Basin: It offers serene fishing experience with the river flowing gently. Trout are more common which makes it a productive fishing location.
Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout is the most abundant species found in the Middle Fork South Platte. They are popular for their vibrant colors and aggressive feeding habits.
- Brown Trout: Brown trouts, known for their selective feeding habits, provide a good challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Brook Trout: Brook trouts are more abundant in the upper parts of the river, and are sought after for their unique flavor.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: The Greenback Cutthroat can only be found in the high mountain drainages of Colorado, making them an exciting catch in this river.
- Cutbow Trout: A hybrid of the rainbow and cutthroat trout, the cutbow has a voracious appetite making them an appealing catch.
- Mountain Whitefish: Although more elusive, the mountain whitefish can also be caught in these waters.
- Rio Grande Sucker: They are commonly encountered in the lower sections of the river, particularly near bridges and culverts.
- Longnose Sucker: As with other sucker species, longnose suckers are often overlooked by fly anglers but can provide a consistent catch.
About the Middle Fork South Platte – Above Montgomery Res
The Middle Fork South Platte above Montgomery Reservoir is a picturesque river nestled in the mountains of Colorado. This important waterway neck, known for its clear waters and abundant trout, has a rich history that adds charm to its natural beauty.
- The portion above Montgomery Reservoir is particularly sought-after by fly fishermen.
- The South Platte River’s history goes back to indigenous tribes who relied on its waters, and later, gold miners in the mid-1800s.
- The Middle Fork actually begins around Alma, fed by snowmelt and alpine springs, resulting in clean, cool waters ideal for trout.
- Montgomery Reservoir, named after American pioneer Ami Whitney Montgomery, was developed as part of mining activities, providing water needed for hydraulic mining.
- Today, it’s an important natural resource, recreation destination, and habitat for wildlife, particularly the trout population.
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