Middle Fork South Platte - Santa Maria - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria - Water Flow Chart
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria - Weather report & radar
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Black Beauty, Mercury Midge |
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | Pheasant Tail, Baetis Nymph |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Stoneflies | Morning to Afternoon | 12-20 | Sparkle Dun, Pat’s Rubberlegs |
| May | Caddis, Stoneflies | Afternoon to Evening | 8-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Prince Nymph |
| June | Caddis, Stoneflies, Green Drakes | Afternoon to Evening | 8-14 | Parachute Adams, Copper John |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Pale Morning Dun | Morning to Evening | 14-18 | Hopper, PMD Dun |
| August | Tricos, Caddis, Terrestrials | Morning to Evening | 10-20 | Ant patterns, Trico Spinner |
| September | Tricos, BWO, Terrestrials | Morning to Evening | 14-22 | BWO Emerger, Beetles |
| October | BWO, Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | RS2, Brassie |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Top Secret Midge, Rojo Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 20-24 | Mercury Midge, Disco Midge |
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria Access Points
Fly fishing in the Middle Fork South Platte River in Santa Maria offers a magnificent experience. Some of the finest access points include:
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: A top-notch spot offering long stretches of public water, perfect grounds to wade in, and a good trout population.
- Eleven Mile Canyon: Renowned for consistent year-round fishing, productive hatches, and breathtaking scenery.
- Hartsel Spring: This unique spot offers year-round access with abundant trout population. Suited for experienced anglers as the waters can be tricky.
For a gratifying fly fishing experience, also consider:
- Conducting proper research: Dig into topography, water conditions, and fish behavior for your chosen spot.
- Having the right gear: Your hooks, lines, and sinkers can greatly influence your fishing success.
- Observing ethical fishing practices: Respect the regulations in place, only take what you need and always clean up your spot before leaving.
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria Fishing Spots
The Middle Fork South Platte River – Santa Maria section, is a renowned destination for fly fishing. Below are some of the best spots:
- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: Nestled in Park County, it provides an extensive stream section stocked with Brown and Rainbow Trout.
- Badger Basin: Offers peaceful settings and multiple fishing holes. Trout are abundant due to lesser fishing pressure.
- Spinney Mountain Ranch: Known as the “Dream Stream”, it houses large Rainbows and Brown trout during their spawning runs.
- Eleven Mile Canyon: Here, the South Platte River creates a tailwater fishery filled with Brown and Rainbow Trout.
Remember, these spots fluctuate with seasonal changes and weather conditions, consult with local guides or shops for the best success.
Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria Local Fish Species
- Golden Stonefly: An insect that thrives in clean, cold, and well-oxygenated streams, making them the perfect food source for many species of fish in the Middle Fork South Platte of Santa Maria.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their striking patterns and powerful fighting ability, these are a popular target for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Cutthroat Trout: A native species to the waters of Santa Maria. Cutthroat trout are possibly the most elusive, making them a high reward target for anglers in the area.
- Brown Trout: Like the rainbow and cutthroat, the brown trout is a real fighter, and it’s high resistance make it a favored species among seasoned anglers.
- Blue Winged Olive: This is a common insect where hatches can be massive and take place all summer. A lot of fish feed on these insects.
- Mountain Whitefish: A hand sized fish found in abundance within the river system of Santa Maria. It is known for its distinct silvery color and small, round mouth.
- Brook Trout: Another native species that is known for its vibrant colors, brook trout are typically found in colder, clearer waters.
- Cicadas: Another food source for the local fish, their life cycle and presence can be a reason for a fish to strike when your fly lands on the water.
About the Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria offers a stunning panorama of landscapes and a rich historical legacy. The South Platte River, a crucial waterway, was critical to the survival of Native American tribes, such as the Ute and Arapaho.
Later, the gold rush of 1859 transformed the tranquil valley. Santa Maria, fondly known as ‘Mother of Gold Camps’, played a vital role during this period, turning into a bustling hub of prospectors and miners.
- The Middle Fork South Platte’s rich fishing waters are a delight for anglers.
- Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of birds and animals.
- The area offers ample opportunities for rafting, hiking, and camping.
- Santa Maria still retains vestiges of the gold rush era, a step back in time for history buffs.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a history aficionado, the Middle Fork South Platte – Santa Maria will surely captivate you with its unique allure.
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