Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime Runs: February 15- November 15)

South Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 41°

Temp:

41°

Water Temp:

40

Royal Gorge Anglers's Tip of the Week

Its been a pretty productive last several weeks on the Dream Stream. Absolutely focus on the midge lifecycle.

Directions open in app

Map of South Platte River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 3/25/24

The Dream Stream is still low, and probably will be through the winter season. Water temps will remain high with the reduction of flow coming out of Spinney. Focus on fishing during the morning hours and give the fish a break.The very low flows will limit how many fish come up from Elevenmile Reservoir to spawn. Please leave spawning fish alone!

Techniques & Tips as of 3/25/24

Tactical and Western nymphing systems, dry fly presentations.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime Runs: February 15- November 15)

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    Brown Trout

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Cutthroat Trout

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    Kokanee Salmon (seasonal)

Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
RS2 Black 20,22
Bead Head Brassie™ olive 20
Yellow Sally yellow 16
Shaggy Wire Caddis tan 16
Ice Queen Black 20, 22
Juan's Slim Shady BWO 22
Bead Head Caddis Pupa green 16
Rojo Midge black 22
Caddis larva tan 16
Split Back Shady black 22

RS2

A must have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Platte River

The South Platte River below Spinney Mountain Reservoir in the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area is one of the most famed tailwater fisheries in the state of Colorado. Located about 2 hours southwest of Denver in the area known as South Park, this relatively short meadow stretch of the Platte is a year-round fishery and produces some of the largest trout in the state during annual spring (Rainbow and Cutthroat trout) and fall (Brown trout and Kokanee Salmon) spawning runs out of Elevenmile Reservoir. The resident fish are no joke either, consistently reaching sizes over 18 inches. This is an amazing stretch to fish when the action is good, but it is also fairly technical water and can be a real challenge at times even for a fairly experienced angler.

Nearest Airport:

Colorado Springs Airport

Hatches:

Tricos, lingering Caddis, Midges

Best Time to Fish:

11 to 3

Best Stretch:

Gauging Station....Upriver

Best Access:

Park at the Park Co Rd. 59 crossing parking lot and work downstream or upstream from there.