This discussion is limited to South Park in general, as opposed to specific streams or sections that may possess unique qualities. One such section is the South Platte River between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, known locally as the "Dream Stream." This six-mile stretch is situated between two highly regulated dams. As a result, water temperatures, stream flows, sediment loads and aquatic productivity are somewhat different than other South Park streams. While this section consistently yields large trout, it is also one of the most highly publicized and heavily fished rivers in Colorado.
The term "main rivers" refers to the three main tributaries of the South Platte River that bisect South Park. Public fishing opportunities along these rivers include the following access points:
· Division of Wildlife fishing easement from Alma south to Alma Junction along Colorado 9
· Fairplay Beach Recreation Area along Platte Drive south of Fairplay
· Tomahawk Ranch State Wildlife Area along Colorado 9, at and below Garo
· Badger Basin State Wildlife Area along County Road 439 and U.S. 24 near Hartsel
· Knight-Imler State Wildlife Area & 63 Ranch along U.S. 285 above Antero Reservoir
· Antero Reservoir State Wildlife Area above and below Antero Reservoir
· Badger Basin State Wildlife Area along U.S. 24 and County Road 59 near Hartsel
· Spinney Mountain Ranch State Wildlife Area above and below Spinney Mountain Reservoir
· National Forest river access (limited) at Ute Creek Trail bridge below Tarryall Reservoir
· National Forest river access below Spruce Grove Campground.
The best general strategy for main river fishing between ice-out and the start of runoff is dead-drift nymphing. During the period before runoff begins (March to May), South Park rivers are at their lowest and clearest levels of the season. Fish tend to be congregated in the deepest pools and under overhanging ice shelves, with virtually no fish in runs or riffles. An exception to this statement occurs above the man-made reservoirs where rainbows and/or cutthroats migrate upstream annually to spawn. Just about any small (#16-22) nymph pattern can be successful mid-day if the river is approached and fished with stealth. Patterns resembling small mayfly larvae often work effectively. Brown stonefly nymphs and small Gammarus scuds can also attract hungry fish. It's not unusual to observe a variety of midge and tiny mayfly hatches throughout the day and after sunset. Although there may an occasional rise for larger (#20) individuals or midge clusters, most feeding seems to occur below the surface. During such hatches, small (#18-24) pupae or emerger patterns will often be productive. Further, large, showy patterns may produce an occasional spawner if presented directly to the fish.
Because water levels are so low and clear, and the fact there are many piscivorous birds (i.e. blue heron) in the area, virtually no movement goes unnoticed by the fish. Once fish are aware of your presence, it's generally a waste of time to continue at that location. Based on years of observation, most fishermen don't realize how obvious they are to the fish or how easily the fish are disturbed.
With the exception of spawners, South Park trout are not particularly aggressive in March and April and will typically only bump the best imitations. As a result, many strikes go undetected or are missed. For these reasons the strike-to-catch ratio is often much higher than during other seasons. To compensate, use short leaders (6-9 feet) and attach a bright strike indicator (or dropper) 4-6 feet above the fly. Cast upstream directly in line with the current, keeping a taught line as the fly drifts downstream. Avoid casting or mending fly lines directly over areas where fish are likely holding or spawning. Focus on the indicator and set quickly but gently at the slightest variation in drift speed or direction.
Under ideal circumstances, river fishing at this time of year can be challenging. Mid-day water temperatures are often colder in June than in late winter as the result of melting snow upstream. Stream temperatures typically become cooler throughout the day as melting snow reaches the main rivers. Consequently, early morning fishing is often best. In contrast, most fishermen arrive mid-morning and quit in the afternoon, a period when the stream is at its highest, coldest and muddiest. Needless to say this is also when the fish are least likely to be actively feeding.
Although main river fishing can be slow at this time of year, prevailing conditions can be advantageous. Unlike other seasons, the water rarely becomes completely clear during this 4-8 week period. Thus, fish are less easily spooked by the movement of fly lines or fishermen. Ideally the main rivers should be fished between 0600 and 0900 on mornings when the air temperature is below freezing. Fishing shallow edges of the main channel will usually produce a few wild browns on such mornings.
As long as the current is not too swift or turbid, fish will continue to feed throughout runoff. Effective patterns include large, colorful flies with silver, gold or flash. Examples include zonkers, bright wooly buggers, Platte River specials, San Juan worms and egg patterns. If these prove ineffective, try larger (#8-16) traditional nymph patterns such as Prince nymph, Zug bug, hares ear, pheasant tail, brassies, or stonefly nymphs. Unlike other times of the year, plopping large flies on the water does not seem to disturb the fish. Nymphs with bead (or cone) heads and soft hackles consistently produce more fish.
Dry fly fishing is usually good throughout the entire month of July when hatches are abundant, fish are distributed throughout the system, water temperatures are cool, and stream flows are still high enough to provide a visual buffer between fish and fishermen. Since trout (and many insects) are crepuscular, they feed most actively around sunup and after sundown during this period. Notable exceptions occur when there is terrestrial insect activity or aquatic insect hatches during the day. Otherwise, trout tend to hold in areas that provide cover from bright sunlight and predators. Optimal dry fly conditions often prevail around dawn and dusk on days when the air is warm and calm in late July. Mid-day fishing can also be productive when the sky is overcast and the air is calm. If fishing is slow mid-day, try presenting a #16-20 elk hair caddis, humpy or Wulff against shady stream banks under willow thickets. Also, stripping weighted streamers under cut banks will often produce fish any time of the day.
When a surface feeding frenzy is in progress, matching insect color and size can be critical. If matching the hatch fails to generate interest, fish may be feeding just below the surface. It is therefore advisable to study the situation carefully on occasions when insects and swirls are both present on the water. In such instances try wet or emerger patterns that represent aquatic forms of whatever is on the surface. If the main rivers aren't producing, try fishing the headwater tributaries around the perimeter of South Park. Suggestions include: Michigan and West Jefferson Creeks northwest of Jefferson; North Tarryall Creek above Como; the Middle Fork above Alma; Beaver Creek and Fourmile Creek near Fairplay; or Rough & Tumbling Creek, Rich Creek, and the South Fork along Weston Pass Road. These small streams rarely produce fish over 12 inches, but the abundance of hungry fish (mainly brookies and browns) can save the day. Check with the Forest Service office in Fairplay (719-836-2031) for current road, snow pack and water conditions before venturing off the highway.
Depending on the year, late summer can be quite variable in terms of stream flow, weather and feeding patterns. During wet years, the main rivers can remain high and roily into August. In dry years they drop to base levels and run relatively warm and clear. Thus, late summer fishing tactics can cover the entire spectrum. While some hatches continue throughout summer, other aquatics first emerge during August. In addition, there is often a greater variety of terrestrials (grasshoppers, beetles, flying ants) during mid-to-late summer. By September, browns and brookies start manifesting spawning behaviors. While spawners may quit feeding altogether, other fish continue to feed as long as the weather is warm.
During fall, large browns will "attack" bright or shiny objects as a territorial response. Such objects include egg patterns, zonkers, orange nymphs and salmon streamers. Such patterns often attract large fish when nothing else is working. It should be noted that large browns in the Middle and South Forks are particularly susceptible to stress and disease at this time of year due to low flows, warm water temperatures and the fact that much of their energy is diverted toward spawning. To ensure that wild trout populations are maintained, fish that are actively spawning on their redds should not be disturbed.
Over 50 miles of South Park's streams have been designated Gold Medal Water by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. These areas possess the highest quality aquatic habitat and offer the greatest potential for angling success in Colorado. Special State fishing regulations apply on all Gold Medal Waters in Colorado. Other streams in South Park are equally outstanding but do not have Gold Medal Water status. To maintain the high quality of all fisheries and fishing experiences in South Park, the following practices should be observed:
· To conserve wild trout populations, please practice catch & release or "selective harvest" fishing.
· Unless you plan to keep every fish you catch, all hook barbs should be crimped before starting out.
· Small hooks (#16-24) cause the least damage to fish and are better for releasing them unharmed.
· Heavier leader tippets (3X-5X) allow quicker fish retrieval and release. This, in turn, reduces the probability of playing fish to exhaustion before attempting to release them.
· Fish should be revived and released without removing them from the water whenever possible.
· Landing nets should be constructed of soft, fine-mesh netting material.
· Respect the experience of others by staying at least 50 yards away from the nearest fisherman.
· Avoid pioneering new roads to gain stream-side access in a vehicle.
· Bring a plastic bag to carry out all your trash.
· Purchase a Colorado fishing license and be aware of stream-specific fishing regulations.
