To call the South Platte River a fly-fishing legend is something of an understatement. In fly fishing circles, it has achieved heroic myth status as THE fly fishing destination for world-class trout fishing in Colorado.
The beauty of the place alone could carry it to legendary status on its own merits, as the massive granite formations and boulders stand like a testament to the passage of giants in ages past.
Fly fishing enthusiasts looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience should consider the South Platte River in Colorado. The river is a popular destination for fly fishing and offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities.
The South Platte River is known for its abundance of trout, which makes it an ideal location for fly fishing. The river is home to brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, among others. The river’s tailwaters are perfect for trout because the water is cold, and food is easily available. The South Platte River also has large reservoirs that flow throughout it, providing a diverse range of fishing opportunities.
Fly fishing on the South Platte River can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. The river’s diverse range of fishing opportunities and abundance of trout make it an ideal location for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner, the South Platte River is a destination worth exploring.
Contents
- About South Platte River
- South Platte River Map and Fishing Access Sites
- South Platte River Access Points
- Best Places to Fish the South Platte River
- River Flow and Current Conditions
- Best Time to Fish the South Platte River
- Best Flies for South Platte River
- Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques
- Gear Recommendations
- South Platte River Fishing Reports
- South Platte River Fishing Regulations
- South Platte River Regulation in South Park
- South Platte River Regulations Cheesman to Chatfield Reservoir
- Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
About South Platte River
The scenery may be legendary, but it is the fishing that makes the gives the area its status as a location for mighty deeds of anglers that would seem downright mythical if not for the innumerable pictures and trophies taken there.
As many as 7,000 fish freely swim each of the many miles of the South Platte River as it flows from Spinney Mountain Reservoir through the Waterton Canyon, and on a weekend in good weather it can see near almost as many fisherman.
The South Platte River in Colorado is a highly regarded fly fishing destination for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized trout. The river is divided into various segments, each with its own unique characteristics and fishing opportunities.
The Dream Stream, located between Spinney Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir, is one of the most popular sections of the South Platte River, known for its large rainbow and brown trout. Other notable sections include Cheesman Canyon, Deckers, located near Sedalia, and the tailwaters below Chatfield Reservoir.
South Platte River Map and Fishing Access Sites
Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
South Platte River Access Points
When it comes to fly fishing the South Platte River in Colorado, access points are crucial for anglers to know. Fortunately you can get directions to all South Platter River access points using the DIY Fly Fishing Map and mobile app.
The river flows through several canyons and areas, each with its own unique fishing opportunities. Here are some of the most popular access points along the South Platte River:
Dream Stream
Fly Fishing the South Platte River on the Dream Stream Colorado
The Dream Stream is a popular section of the South Platte River located between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir. This section is known for its large trout and is a popular destination for anglers. The access points for the Dream Stream are located at Spinney Mountain State Park and Eleven Mile State Park.
Eleven Mile Canyon
Fly Fishing South Platte River in 11-Mile Canyon
Eleven Mile Canyon is another popular section of the South Platte River. This section is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. The access points for Eleven Mile Canyon are located at Eleven Mile State Park and the Canyon entrance.
Cheesman Canyon
Cheesman Canyon is a remote section of the South Platte River that is known for its challenging fishing conditions. The access points for Cheesman Canyon are located at the Cheesman Canyon Trailhead and the Wigwam Club.
Deckers
Fly Fishing the South Platte River in Deckers, Colorado
Deckers is a popular section of the South Platte River that is known for its excellent fishing conditions. The access points for Deckers are located at the Deckers Bridge, Trumbull, and Scraggy View.
Waterton Canyon
Waterton Canyon is a popular section of the South Platte River that is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. The access points for Waterton Canyon are located at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead and the Strontia Springs Dam.
Overall, the South Platte River offers anglers a variety of access points to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a remote fishing experience or a popular destination, there is something for every angler along the South Platte River in Colorado.
Best Places to Fish the South Platte River
There really isn’t any particular section of the South Platte that doesn’t offer fantastic opportunities to land a trophy Brown, Brook, or Rainbow trout.
These have been considered championship fishing since the mid 19th century when anglers started making trips from back east on the newly constructed railways that made access to the area a matter of a few days travel.
The easiest way to get to the headwaters of the river is from Highway 67, which follows the main course of the South Platte’s flow through Pike National Forest to the edge of Waterton Canyon.
Private property in the area tends to be well marked, so concerns over trespassing are less of an issue than in some other fishing spots in Colorado.
Take care cruising the roads in the area though, as some of the more mountainous routes are narrow, and traffic can be crowded on the weekend during peak season.
This world famous fishing area ends where the North Fork of the Colorado meets the South Platte at the entrance of the Waterton Canyon.
Conifer, Pine Junction, Deckers, and Sedalia are all popular “jumping off” points for anglers looking to land a Gold Medal trout, and all of them offer access to the river via Highway 67. If you do decide to visit during peak season (spring and summer hatches after runoff), be prepared for traffic and crowds.
River Flow and Current Conditions
Best Time to Fish the South Platte River
Thanks to the weather in the high meadows of the South Platte River region, there are hatches of caddis fly almost year round, and though the winter cold can be absolutely brutal, it is a good way to avoid the crowds that pack the river’s edge during the busy season.
Access to the water is somewhat more problematic in the winter, though it has more to do with the ice and snow along Highway 67 than it does other anglers hoping to make the catch of a lifetime. Layer up and dress warm in the winter, and bring plenty of bug spray to deal with the mosquitoes during the warmer months.
Best Flies for South Platte River
The South Platte River is home to a variety of aquatic insects, making it an ideal location for dry fly and nymph fishing. Popular dry flies to use include the Parachute Adams and various caddis patterns. Nymph patterns such as the San Juan Worm and Pheasant Tail are also effective. Streamers can be used to target larger fish, such as brown trout, in the deeper pools and runs.
Here are some additional flies you might consider:
- Parachute Adams
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Loop Wing Emerger
- Barr’s Emerger BWO
- Chartreuse Copper John
- Juju Baetis
- RS2
- Buckskin
- Caddis Larva
- Zebra Midge Black/Silver
- Pure Midge Larva Black or Black/Red
- Disco Midge
- San Juan Worm
- Dave’s Hopper
- Egg patterns
Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques
When fishing the South Platte River, focus on presenting your flies in a natural and realistic manner. In the Dream Stream, fish tend to congregate in the slower moving water, so targeting these areas can be productive. In faster moving water, such as the canyon sections, nymphing with a strike indicator can be effective. When using streamers, try stripping the fly in short, quick movements to imitate a wounded baitfish.
Gear Recommendations
A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the South Platte River. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard.
Waders and boots are recommended for fishing in the colder months, and polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in the water.
South Platte River Fishing Reports
There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish South Platte River fly fishing reports. A few to check out are listed below.
- South Platte River Basin Fishing Report | Trouts Fly Fishing
- South Platte River Fishing Report | Pat Dorsey’s Fly Fishing
- South Platte River Fly Fishing Report & Conditions | Orvis
- South Platte River Fly Fishing Report | Rocky Mountain Anglers
- Dream Stream Fishing Report | South Platte Fly Shop
- South Platte River: Dream Stream | Fly Cast River Report (updated daily)
- South Platte River: Eleven Mile | Fly Cast River Report (updated daily)
- South Platte River: Cheesman Canyon | Fly Cast River Report (updated daily)
- South Platte River: Deckers | Fly Cast River Report (updated daily)
South Platte River Fishing Regulations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department has some region specific rules for fisherman along the South Platte, so get familiar with them before heading out:
- From Cheesman Dam downstream to upper boundary of Wigwam Club – Gold Medal – fishing with artificial flies or lures only; catch and release
- From lower boundary of Wigwam Club to Scraggy View picnic ground – Gold Medal – fishing with artificial flies or lures only; bag and possession is 2 fish, 16″ or longer
- From Strontia Springs dam to 300 yds upstream from DWB diversion structure – fishing with artificial flies or lures only; bag and possession is 2 fish, 16″ or longer
Provided you abide by these rules, you are going to enjoy your visit to the legendary South Platte River, often nicknamed “The Dream Stream.”
South Platte River Regulation in South Park
The Colorado Parks & Wildlife publish several maps that illustrate where special fishing regulations apply to the South Platte River in South Park and from Cheesman to Chatfield reservoirs.
South Platte River Regulations Cheesman to Chatfield Reservoir
Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
When fly fishing the South Platte River in Colorado, there are several nearby attractions and accommodations to consider. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or something to do after a day on the river, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Woodland Park
Located just a short drive from the South Platte River, Woodland Park is a popular destination for those looking for accommodations. There are several hotels and motels in the area, as well as vacation rentals and campgrounds. Additionally, Woodland Park has several restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it a great place to spend some time off the river.
Hartsel
Hartsel is another nearby town that offers accommodations for those fly fishing the South Platte River. There are several hotels and motels in the area, as well as vacation rentals and campgrounds. Additionally, Hartsel has several restaurants and shops, although it is a smaller town than Woodland Park.
Colorado Springs Airport
For those flying into the area, the Colorado Springs Airport is the closest airport to the South Platte River. From the airport, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive to Woodland Park and a 1 hour drive to Hartsel. There are several rental car companies located at the airport, making it easy to rent a car and get to your accommodations.
When choosing accommodations, it’s important to consider proximity to the South Platte River. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the time of year you’ll be visiting, as some accommodations may be closed during certain seasons.
Looking for more places to fish? Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado.
