Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Middle Fork South Platte - Below 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 Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Scuds All Day #16-20 Olive, Orange Scud
February Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Scuds All Day #16-20 Olive, Orange Scud
March Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Blue Wing Olive
April Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Blue Wing Olive
Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Caddis Evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Blue Wing Olive
Caddis Evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Stoneflies All Day #6-10 Hares Ear, Prince Nymph
June Caddis Evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Stoneflies All Day #6-10 Hares Ear, Prince Nymph
Green Drakes Afternoon and Evening #12-14 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Cripple
July Stoneflies All Day #6-10 Hares Ear, Prince Nymph
Tricos Morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
August Tricos Morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Terrestrials All Day #10-14 Dave's Hopper, Ant Patterns
September Tricos Morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Dun
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Blue Wing Olive
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Blue Wing Olive
Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
November Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Scuds All Day #16-20 Olive, Orange Scud
December Midges Mornings and Afternoon #20-22 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Scuds All Day #16-20 Olive, Orange Scud

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 below Montgomery Reservoir is one of the top spots for fly fishing in Colorado. Known for its scenic beauty and abundance of trout, it offers several prime spots for anglers.

  • Alma State Wildlife Area: This area is easy to access and the waters are abundant with Rainbow and Brown trout.
  • Horseshoe Park: With a challenging, rocky terrain surrounding this section of the river, it sure tests your skills and rewards with large Brown trout.
  • Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: Here, the river is slower and wider providing a great place for beginners to perfect their casting and potentially land a Cutthroat trout.
  • Fairplay Beach: Despite the fact it is more of a sandy riverbank than a beach, this area is an excellent spot for wading and fly fishing for Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout.

Best Access Points

The Middle Fork South Platte river, located below the Montgomery Reservoir, is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here is a list of the best access points to enjoy this activity:

  • Alma State Wildlife Area: This region is easily accessible and offers numerous spots teeming with a variety of fish.
  • Tomahawk State Wildlife Area: this fishing hotspot provides ample opportunities to catch the indigenous fish species to the fullest.
  • Hartsel: This area is recognized for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for enthusiastic fly fishers.
  • Eleven Mile State Park: A well-known fishing location with convenient facilities to make your fishing trip successful and enjoyable.

Remember, always respect local fishing regulations and protect the environment by practicing catch and release.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout – Known for their aggressive behavior, Brown Trout are a popular target for fly fishers in the Middle Fork South Platte area.
  • Rainbow Trout – Rainbow Trout are abundant in the region, though they tend to be more elusive in the clear, cold waters of the Middle Fork South Platte.
  • Brook Trout – Brook Trout thrive in the colder flows of the Middle Fork South Platte and are known for their beautiful coloration.
  • Cutthroat Trout – These native fish are a unique thrill for fly fishers to catch in the Middle Fork South Platte River.
  • Mountain Whitefish – With their subtle strikes and strong fights, Mountain Whitefish offer a unique challenge for fly fishers.
  • Arctic Grayling – These beautiful, rare fish are a prized catch for fly-fishermen on the Middle Fork South Platte River.
  • Greenback Cutthroat Trout – A local prize, catching a Greenback Cutthroat often takes a bit of local knowledge and a light touch with the line.
  • Golden Trout – A rare and thrilling catch in the Middle Fork South Platte River, Golden Trout are known for their striking coloration and active fight.

About The River

Flowing through breathtaking mountain valleys, the Middle Fork South Platte River – Below Montgomery Reservoir boasts an illustrious past. This stretch of river in Colorado has an important role in the state’s mining history. In the late 1850s, it was a hotspot for miners seeking gold and silver. Its gushing waters provided a rich source for placer mining.

Enthusiastic anglers find this river for some of the best fly fishing experiences in the country! Its cool, clear waters are home to Large Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. This section of the river is also a paradise for nature lovers with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and ample outdoor recreational activities.

  • 1850s: Became focal point in Colorado’s gold and silver mining history
  • Today: Popular for exceptional fly fishing and its unparalleled scenic beauty

Fun fact, Montgomery Reservoir was constructed to provide water for placer mining, and now adds to the river’s charm and biodiversity. The history and allure of the Middle Fork South Platte never fail to captivate visitors!

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