Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Middle Fork South Platte - Above Montgomery Res - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.
These spots on the Middle Fork South Platte offer beautiful scenery, diverse aquatic life and great fly fishing opportunities.

Best 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

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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.
Being able to appreciate the striking beauty of the Middle Fork South Platte while understanding its historical significance, makes every visit a journey through Colorado’s rich past.
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