Where to Go Middle Fork of the South Platte
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SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 6/11/2025
Current Conditions:
Although it looks like runoff has peaked, the middle fork is still in full runoff mode right now. We suggest waiting until the flows get down to around 100 cfs. or less. When that happens, the middle fork will be prime!!
Hatches:
Tactics:
Weather:
Short Term- It looks like the rain machine may take a little break this week. Rain chances will still be present, just not to the extent we have seen over the last few weeks. This week will be warm with temps in the 70's. Rain chances are around the 20-40% range through the week and will decrease as we head into next weekend. Temps will continue to warm and we will be in the upper 70's by Sunday.
Long Term- Looking past the weekend, it looks like we will have more of the same. Temps will remain in the 70' and it will be beautiful. We will still have daily rain chances, but any rain should be short lived. Longer range forecasts are hinting at a drier and warmer stretch of weather as we head through June. Its summer and its definitely going to feel like it.
Tips:
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Frenchie, sizes 16-18
- Radiation baetis, size 18-20
- Perdigon, olive, size 16-18
- Spanish Bullet, size 18
- Caddis larva, size 18
- BH Pheasant tail, sizes 18-22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole fly, natural, sizes 20-24
- Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-24
- Neils BWO. size 20
- Stubby Chubby, darker, size 16
- Amys Ant, red, green, size 14
- Elk Hair caddis, sizes 16-18
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
N/A
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