Middle Fork South Platte - Prince - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince - Water Flow Chart
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince - Weather report & radar
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Throughout the day | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Midday | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail, RSII | |
| February | Midges | Throughout day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Disco Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Late Afternoon | 18-20 | Mercury Baetis, FB Pheasant Tail | |
| March | Midges | Throughout day | 18-22 | Ghost Midge, Palomino Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Parachute | |
| April | Midges | Throughout day | 18-22 | Copper Ribbed RS2, Mercury Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Irrisitable Adams, BWO Cripple | |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| May | Midges | Throughout day | 18-22 | Brassie, Crystal Midge Pupa |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Afternoon | 16-20 | Henryville Special, BWO Sparkle Dun | |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Easy Body Caddis, Partridge Caddis | |
| Stoneflies | Nighttime | 8-12 | Stimulator, Gypsy King | |
| June | Green Drake | Afternoon | 10-14 | PMD Sparkle Dun, Green Drake Cripple |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Trude, LaFontaine’s Sparkle Pupa | |
| Stoneflies | Nighttime | 8-12 | Bitch Creek Stone, Golden Stone | |
| July | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Flasback Hares Ear, Peacock Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Nighttime | 8-12 | Salmonfly, Yellow Sally | |
| Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner, PMD Thorax | |
| August | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Kingrey’s Better Foam Caddis, Grillos Hi-Vis Caddis |
| Hoppers/Beetles/Ants | Throughout day | 10-16 | Chubby Chernobyl, Hippie Stomper | |
| Trico | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, CDC Trico Dun | |
| September | Blue-Winged Olive | Afternoon | 18-22 | Comparadun BWO, Juju Baetis |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Mathews’ X Caddis, Mother’s Day Caddis | |
| Hoppers/Beetles/Ants | Throughout day | 10-16 | Chernobyl Hopper, Foam Beetle | |
| October | Blue-Winged Olive | Late Afternoon | 18-22 | RV Baetis, Split Case BWO |
| Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | H&L Variant, Hemingway Caddis | |
| November | Midges | Midday | 18-24 | Miracle Midge, Jujubee Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Midday | 18-22 | Parks’ Fly, Blue Dun | |
| December | Midges | Midday | 18-22 | Blood Midge Larva, Mercury Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mornings | 18-22 | Spent Partridge May, Spent Wing BWO |
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince Access Points
The Middle Fork South Platte – Prince offers some of the finest fly-fishing in Colorado with a variety of access points:
- South Platte River Bridge: An excellent starting point due to the quantity of trout. Land on the right bank is private property, but the left bank is open for fishing.
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: Provides public access for almost two miles, one of the longest public stretches on the river.
- Badger Basin: Another public space spanning a few miles. It’s a great spot for catching larger fish.
- Hartsel: This area offers both tailwater and freestone fishing with easy access. The fishing here has improved considerably in recent years.
Remember to keep updated fishing regulations and permits at all times on these waters for mandated catch and release policies or specific fly/lure restrictions.
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince Fishing Spots
Fly fishing enthusiasts will find Middle Fork South Platte – Prince a haven with several great spots for indulging their passion. Here are some of the top fishing spots:
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: A serene place with plenty of Brown and Rainbow Trout.
- Hartsel Springs Ranch: Known for its large Rainbow Trout, also offers comfortable accommodations for anglers.
- Badger Basin: Provides a great wilderness experience along with plenty of Trout.
- Spinney Mountain State Park: Ideal for fly fishing; boasts a rich aquatic-life, including the trophy-sized Trout.
- Eleven Mile Reservoir: Known for its big fish, particularly Cutbows and Browns.
These spots provide not just abundant trout, but also some of the most scenic settings to immerse in fishing. Always check local regulations before you head out.
Middle Fork South Platte – Prince Local Fish Species
- Trout
- Brown Trout – Known for its ability to survive in various conditions, and is a popular target for fly fishers.
- Rainbow Trout – Noted for their vibrant color and tendency to jump when hooked, making them a thrilling catch.
- Brook Trout – Although smaller in size, they are valued for their beauty and the challenge they present to fly fishers.
- Cutthroat Trout – Named for the bright red slash on its throat, they are natives of cold-water habitats like the Middle Fork South Platte River.
- Whitefish – Predominantly a bottom feeder, fly fishers often encounter them when targeting trout.
- Salmon
- Kokanee Salmon – They are landlocked sockeye salmon and can be found in the waters of Colorado during certain seasons.
- Pike – A predatory fish that can provide a challenge due to its power and aggressive behavior.
About the Middle Fork South Platte – Prince
The Middle Fork South Platte – Prince is a beautiful and renowned river located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Its history is rich and fascinating. The river begins at Montgomery Reservoir near Hoosier Pass, flowing through the lush, narrowing canyons and broadening valleys.
Esteemed as a key source of water for the region, the Middle Fork South Platte plays a significant role in Colorado’s ecology and industry. Here are some key highlights:
- This river top-notch gold-medal waters, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts thanks to its abundant and diverse fish population.
- Standing as the legacy of the state’s mining heritage, it was heavily panned during the Gold Rush era.
- It’s a favored spot for various recreational activities like rafting, kayaking, and hiking that spans over scenic trails.
In all its glory, it’s not just a river; it’s a chronicle of Colorado’s vibrant past and shining present!
Community Contributions
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