Where to Go Middle Fork of the South Platte
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FALL HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 11/17/2025
Current Conditions:
While the window to fish the middle fork is generally closed by now, the recent warm weather has kept things going up here. This is a good option to get away from the crowds. Things can change fast here, and we expect things to start freezing up in the next week.
Hatches:
We are seeing some mayfly and midge activity up here. Terrestrials always do well on the middle fork sections too. But that time is winding down with the cooler weather.
Tactics:
Watch the flows and weather. Cover water!
Weather:
Short Term- After a long period of not having much to talk about regarding the weather, we are finally getting some interesting (and seasonal) weather around here! A quick system made its way through the state last night and brought some colder temps and some snow (for some). The high country was able to get a few inches of snow but not much happened in this area. We saw a brief dusting of snow but it did not amount to much. Today will be chilly but not super cold overall. Temps will stay in the 40's today and we could see a good amount of wind. On Tuesday and Wednesday, temps will rebound nicely and it will be quite nice. Highs will be in the 50's and the wind looks to be calm. On Thursday night and into Friday, some more changes will again be coming to the area. While this storm doesnt look all that impactful, it could mean the first real snowfall for our area. Right now precipitation chances are in the 50% range, so not a guarantee at all but we could see an inch or two of snow. Temps will be cold and feel more like they should with highs in the 30's and lows quite cold in the teens.
Long Term- Going into the weekend, we will warm up a bit again and conditions will be very pleasant. Temps will be right around averages with high temps in the mid 40's. As we head towards Thanksgiving, longer range forecasts are pointing at another system moving through the area. The jury is still out on exact details, but there will be a lot of moisture in this system. Depending on where this storm tracks will determine how much, or little snow we will see. As nice as it is to have had really nice weather this time of year, we desperately need the moisture and snow. Statewide snowpack is dismal right now and it will be great to finally get some chances at getting some snow.
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Spanish bullet, size 16-18
- Walts worm, size 16-18
- Foamback emerger, brown, size 20
- Beadhead hares ear, sizes 16-18
- Warrior perdigon, sizes 16-18
- Beadhead soft hackle pheasant tail, size 18
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Hippie Stomper, black/red/yellow, size 14-16
- Stubby chubby, any color, sizes 14-16
- Elk Hair caddis, sizes 16-18
- TL hopper, royal, size 14-16
- Chubby, royal, size 14-16
Standard nymph rig set up for the South Platte:
Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
About Alma SWA
Middle Fork of the South Platte River finds its headwaters above Hoosier Pass. Water is diverted from the Breckenridge area and passed through a tunnel under Hoosier Pass into Montgomery Reservoir. This augments the flow particularly in the early summer.
About Tomahawk
Tomahawk is the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. This stretch of the river is a great place to find solitude from the crowds. Summer and fall are a great time of the year to throw big hoppers to eager brown trout. In the summer, bring insect repellent because the mosquitos can get bad. In the fall, bring heavy leaders because large browns come out of their typical hiding spaces and move up river from Spinney to spawn.
This is an area we specialize and are permitted to guide, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis-Endorsed guides show you how best to conquer Middle Fork of the South Platte.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
Directions to Alma - 88.9 miles - 1 Hour 42 Minutes
- From Angler's Covey head west on US 24 W/Cimarron St, go 63.2 miles
- Turn right at CO-9 N towards Fairplay, go 16.1 miles
- Turn right at US-285 N, go 1.0 mile
- Turn left at CO-9 N/ Main Street, Fairplay and through Alma, 8.1 miles
- Watch your speed, this area is famous for speed tickets.
- Turn left at Co Rd 4, Park along stream in desinated areas.
Directions to Tomahawk - 70.5 miles - 1 Hour 19 Minutes
- Head West on US-24, go 63.2 miles
- Turn right on Co-9, go 7.2 miles