South Platte River Colorado Fly Fishing, Camping, Boating

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South Platte River

The South Platte River, running just south and east of Summit County, offers yet another chance at gold medal fly fishing in Colorado.

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  • Gold medal waters on the South Platte River near Fairplay.
  • Rainbows, browns, kokanee and a few cutthroat.
  • Trophy cutbows and browns in spring and fall.
  • Dream Stream, Tomahawk SWA, South Beach are good access points.
  • Small midges, nymphs and dries work best.
  • Fish early in the day or late to avoid crowds.

Gold Medal Option In South Platte

With all the opportunities Summit County has for fly fishermen, you almost forget about the options to the near south. The South Platte River near Fairplay is a definite options with gold medal status.

What You'll Find

The South Platte features numerous access points including the Tomahawk State Wildlife Area, South Park and the famous Dream Stream. The waters vary from a 10- to 15-yard wide meadow-type stream with ranging flows to a predictable tailwater where you'll find plenty of fellow anglers for a day of fishing. The Deckers and Elevenmile Canyon spots are great as well.

Plenty Of Trout

As you might imagine, trout fishing on the South Platte feature mostly rainbows and browns, but a few kokanee show as well. The species aren't the main attraction here though, it's the quality of fish. Both browns and rainbows can reach double-digit sizes. At least a few 10 pounders show every year at the Dream Stream. Fishing is possible year round.

Getting To The South Platte

Driving south from Silverthorne, anglers can reach Fairplay by driving about 40 miles on colorado Highway 9.