Where to Go Middle Fork of the South Platte
Current Reports
Angler's Covey Bug of the Month:
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/11/2026
Current Conditions:
The Middle Fork has held consistent for the start of the summer. After the water from Antero had been moved, the river has reached its regular low flow. Expect this to hold depending on the moisture we see through the summer.
Tomahawk SWA - This is going to be your better option of the two sections right now. Getting out early in the day will help to maximize your chances. Cover water with a Hopper Dropper rig and keep an eye on the temps.
Badger Basin (Above Spinney) - At 9 cfs currently, the water here is very skinny. If you decide to head up there, get up early (Sunrise) and look for the deepest, fastest-moving water. This will be a refuge for any resident fish.
Hatches:
Summer bugs are here. PMD’s are taking over, but the Blue Wings are still around at this high-elevation stream. 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.
Tactics:
Cover water and look for trout. Running and gunning with a large hopper or beetle with a beaded soft hackle can be a great way to keep things simple while finding success.
Weather:
Short Term- Sun today. Hartsel doesn't have any rain in the forecast for today, but there is no sign of wind either. It should be pleasant, but the fish will be wary.
Long Term- This week is more of the same from today. Warm and sunny. The temps will hold in the mid 70s, and the sun will be out. Tuesday and Thursday are forecasted for some but little cloud cover.
Tips:
Lower flows mean a stealthy approach is key. These fish will be hyper aware. Walk softly and crawl into your casting position. Sight fishing opportunities exist!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Blowtorch, sizes 16-18
- Thread Frenchie, sizes 16-18
- Jig pheasant tail, sizes 16-18
- Copper John, copper, sizes 16-18
- Bead head prince nymph, size 16
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Chubbies, all colors, sizes 12-14
- Stubby chubbies, tan, sizes 16-18
- Hippie stomper, red, size 16
- Amy's Ant, green, size 16
- Big boned Caddis, tan, size 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