Where to Go Middle Fork of the South Platte
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/21/2026
Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW
Conditions:
The Middle Fork of the South Platte River has been a bit of a sad scene this season. The extreme drought conditions we are seeing have had a great impact on the upper reaches of this fishery. If you do hit these sections, make sure to get out there early in the morning and consider reeling up by midday. Maybe hit the Canyon on your way home.
Tomahawk SWA -
Tomahawk State Wildlife Area is the better section of the upper South Platte River right now. This offers more water and a variety of water types. From beaver pond-style bogs to fast riffles and undercut banks.
Badger Basin (Above Spinney) -
While flows have remained steady through our hot and dry summer, the fishing here is going to be very tough. Low water and warm temps are creating a very technical, if even possible, fishery. Fish early or look elsewhere for your day on the water.
Weather:
Short Term -
Mild day today for what has been a hot summer. Partly cloudy with temps in the mid 70's.
Long Term -
As we head into the weekend, rain. moves back into the South Park area. There are storms forecasted for every day starting on Saturday and are expected to continue through Monday. These afternoon showers will make a big difference to an otherwise highly exposed river.
Hatches:
Terrestrials are a go-to on the upper sections of the South Platte River. Hopper dropper rigs with big bugs are great all day. If you aren't seeing fish rise to the largest of your dry flies, try a foam ant or beetle, and they just might play. Keep an eye out for the seasonal PMD, Caddis, and Yellow Sallies!
Tactics:
Hopper dropper season is on, and that is a great way to cover water. Keep moving and look for fish. They will be seeking refuge in deeper water, faster currents, and where they can find shelter. Expect them to be spooky.
Tips:
Because the water is low, the temps are hot, and the sun will be high in the sky, a stealthy approach is key. Make sure you see them before they see you. Sneak up slowly and softly from behind, watch how they are feeding, and THEN make a cast.
Recommended Fly Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- Organza Trico Spinner, size 20-24
- Sparkle Dun, PMD, size 16-20
- Parachute Adams, size 20-24
- Micro Chubbies, Cinnamon, size 12-16
Nymph Patterns
- Buckskin Caddis, size 18-20
- Bling Midge, size 20-22
- Split Back PMD, size 18-22
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear, size 14-18
- Massacre Midge Brown, 20-22
- Barrs Graphic Caddis, Tan and Green, size 14-18
Streamer Patterns
- Baby Gonga, Black
- Flatliner, White
- Slump Buster, Olive
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Details
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