South Platte River
The South Platte River is a popular fishing spot. It is located in southeast Colorado and travels through the Cheesman Canyon to Deckers.
FLY FISHING
ON THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
The South Platte’s high country is dotted with several different lakes teeming with trout, some of these waters include Spinney, Eleven Mile, and Antero Reservoirs. These lakes all fish fairly similar and are less than 50 miles apart allowing abundant nutrient for giants to grow to impressive sizes. Antero is the first of the three lakes and was recently drained for repair but is already showing flourishing trout populations since its reopening.
Trout are rumored to grow up to two inches a month year-round in this lake. Spinney Reservoir is home to a large broodstock of Colorado’s hybrid genetics and that speaks for itself as to the quality of fish that mature in this reservoir. The last lake to discuss is Eleven Mile which is the reservoir directly downstream of the dream stream, and is typically the stock caught while fishing the legendary section of water.
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FAST FISHING FACTS
- River runs through Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
- 439 miles in length with an average flow of ~175 cubic feet per second.
- Originally called the Niinéniiniicíihéhe (say that ten times fast) by the native Arapahoe people.
- Earned Gold Medal trout fishing status in Colorado.
- Includes the Cheeseman Dam which, when completed, was the world’s tallest dam at 221ft tall.
- Major contributor to the greater Denver area’s drinking water.
- The Clear Creek tributary of this river supplies Coors with the water for its adult beverages, so chances are if you are over 21 you have probably drank out of this river.
- This river eventually flows to the Platte River then Missouri River before finally becoming the mighty Mississippi River.
The South Platte River system is one of the largest in the country, as it flows north through three states before finally meeting the North Platte River in northern Nebraska and creating the Platte River. The South Platte River as a whole flows for 439 miles and eventually meets the mighty Mississippi River. This pristine river is a very precious resource to the state of Colorado, not only because it provides some of the most epic trout fishing possible, but also because it supplies the Denver Metro Area with a substantial amount of its drinking water.
This waterway begins in Colorado’s high country with three separate arms, the longest of which being the south fork which begins at Montgomery Reservoir in Alma. Under Montgomery Reservoir is a brushy creek which is the true start of the river system and great place for beginners to learn how to fly fish as this section is teeming with aggressive little brook trout willing to play the game. The South Fork provides an excellent beginner section right before entering Antero Reservoir although it does occasionally have issues with low flows. The meeting place of the South and Middle Fork is where the world class fly fishing truly begins, though there are a few areas above worth a visit. The two forks meet in Hartsel in a stretch of river referred to as Badger Basin and under pressured section given the fame of those above and below it (Dream Stream and Tomahawk SWA). This area is probably one of the most heavily pressured fisheries in Colorado, but for good reason as you have realistic options at catching several fish over 20 inches and the species list includes Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, CutBow hybrid trout, and Kokanee Salmon.
Latest Conditions
ABOUT THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
FAQ's
We cannot guarantee that you will catch fish. Fly fishing is very technical, and occasionally a first-timer will catch a fish. Sometimes it takes multiple trips to make your first catch. It is all dependent on how quickly you pick up the skills, when you take your trip and the flies you use. We pay close attention to what’s currently biting, the “hot-spots” for the river and the flies that are working in any given season.
You might’ve heard the popular Colorado phrase, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” Colorado’s weather changes frequently, and the fish will be biting regardless! We are unlikely to cancel a trip due to weather, however, we will do our best to make sure that you are prepared for any weather that might come up during your trip.
