South Platte River
The South Platte River is one of the most revered and well-known trout streams in the United States. The South Platte begins in earnest when the Middle Fork of the South Platte and the South Fork of the South Platte meet and flow into Spinney Reservoir. Below Spinney Reservoir is a famed stretch of the South Platte known as the “Dream Stream,” a nearly 4 mile stretch flowing into Elevenmile Reservoir. Below Elevenmile Reservoir is a section referred to as Elevenmile Canyon.
Elevenmile Canyon is a famous tailwater section of river, known for great bug life, technical fishing, and big trout. Elevenmile Canyon sees unbelievable hatches of Blue Winged Olives (BWO’s) and Tricos, as well as other Mayflies, Caddisflies, and Stoneflies. However, this section receives immense angling pressure, so the fish here are no slouch; perfect casts and drifts are required to fool these educated trout.
Below Elevenmile Canyon, the South Platte River flows Northeast towards Cheesman Reservoir. Just below Elevenmile Canyon in the town of Lake George, North Fork Ranch Guide Service offers private-water fly fishing access to the Abell River Ranch, a picturesque meadow section of the South Platte that offers phenomenal fly fishing throughout the year. Abell River Ranch benefits from limited angling pressure and extensive stream restoration and habitat improvement work, making it a premier destination for anglers on the South Platte. For experienced anglers hoping to test their dry-fly skills, immense Blue Winged Olive and Trico hatches offer a chance at large Brown and Rainbow Trout on tiny surface patterns. Please see the Abell River Ranch page for more information on fishing this fantastic property!
Past Cheesman Reservoir are two more sections of Colorado fly fishing lore, known as Cheesman Canyon and Deckers. These sections of river offer picturesque angling opportunities and opportunities at nice fish, but experience a crazy amount of fishing pressure thanks to their proximity to the Denver metro area. The South Platte River eventually continues Northeast through several more reservoirs in Denver and out through the eastern plains.
