Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

South Fork South Platte - Below Antero - 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 Mid-day 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Juvenile Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear
February Midges Mid-day 18-22 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Juvenile Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear
March Blue Wing Olives Mid-day 18-22 Blue Wing Olive Emerger, Blue Dun
Midges Late Afternoon 20-24 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
April Blue Wing Olives Mid-day 16-20 BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute
May Caddis Day and Dusk 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
June Pale Morning Duns Mid-day 16-20 PMD Parachute, PMD Spinner
July Pale Morning Duns Mid-day 16-20 PMD Parachute, PMD Spinner
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
August Terrestrials Daytime 10-14 Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns
Blue Wing Olives Mid-day 20-24 BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute
September Blue Wing Olives Mid-day 18-22 BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute
Terrestrials Daytime 10-14 Hopper Patterns, Beetle Patterns
October Blue Wing Olives Mid-day 18-22 BWO CDC Emerger, BWO Parachute
Midges Late Afternoon 20-24 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
November Midges Mid-day 20-24 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Juvenile Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear
December Midges Mid-day 20-24 Zebra Midge, Disco Midge
Juvenile Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear

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 South Fork South Platte – Below Antero is renowned for fly fishing due to its high-density trout population. Here are some amazing spots for the sport:

  • Cheesman Canyon: This is a challenging but rewarding spot, with clear water and large, smart trout that challenge even experienced anglers.
  • Deckers: Deckers is popular due to its easy access and lower fishing pressure. It offers fantastic winter fishing opportunities.
  • Dream Stream: Located between Spinney Mountain and Elevenmile Reservoirs, it’s rich in trophy fish, especially during the fall and spring.
  • Eleven Mile State Park: This is a prime spot with its highly prolific water, famous for large cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout and kokanee salmon.
  • Spinney Mountain Ranch: Known for being a great dry-fly destination, with impressive hatches and eagerly rising trout.

Best Access Points

The South Fork South Platte below Antero offers fantastic opportunities for fly fishing. Here are the best access points:

  • Antero Reservoir Dam: This dam on the South Platte River is often a hub for trout, particularly just below the dam. Fish tend to congregate in fast water and large tailwater discharges.
  • Threemile Creek Confluence: About a mile downstream from the dam, this meeting point provides excellent sight fishing opportunities to large trout in undercut banks and deep pools.
  • Badger Basin: Farther downstream, accessible via County Road 23, a series of smaller streams supply a range of habitats that trout use, perfect for fly fishing.
  • Hartsel Springs Ranch: Offers a beautiful expanse of private property that can be accessed for a fee, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day of fishing.

Ensure you follow local fishing regulations to protect the health of these waters and fish populations.

Local Fish

  • Trout
    • Brook Trout: Esteemed for their beautiful colors and fine eating qualities, Brook Trout are a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts in South Fork South Platte.
    • Brown Trout: Known for their ability to put up a fight, Brown Trout are often targeted for their size and quality of meat.
    • Rainbow Trout: These fish are loved by fly fishers for their distinctive coloring and willingness to take a fly.
    • Cutthroat Trout: The only trout native to Colorado, Cutthroat Trout are aggressive biters and can be quite fun to catch.
  • Grayling: Although less common than Trout, Grayling are targeted for their unique beauty and delicious flavor.
  • Kokanee Salmon: These landlocked salmon are a popular target due to their hard fight and skilful leaps when hooked.
  • Northern Pike: Known for being predatory and aggressive, Northern Pike present an exciting challenge for fly fishing.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Although not as common in the South Fork South Platte River, Smallmouth Bass are prized for their strength and aerobatics.
  • Lake Trout (Mackinaw): A very large species of trout, Lake Trout are sought after for their trophy potential.

About The River

Located in Colorado, the South Fork South Platte River, particularly the area below Antero, holds rich history and natural beauty. This area experienced its first major human impact during the mid-1800s gold rush. Known for the rich deposits, thousands of prospectors flocked to the place seeking fortune.

Interestingly, this stretch of river went through a significant change when the Antero Reservoir was built in 1909 for irrigation and flood control. The reservoir, named after Chief Antero of the Uintah Utes, revolutionized the local agriculture.

  • Popular for its trout fishing, the river’s ecosystem changed with the reservoir’s construction,
  • The dam’s temperature control produced larger trout, making it a major draw for recreational fishing.
Flowing through diverse landscapes from marshy wetlands to rocky canyons, the South Fork South Platte River continues to be a source of water, wildlife, and history to the area below Antero.

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