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Where to Go South Platte River – South Fork – Weston Pass

Weston Pass is the headwaters of the South Fork of the South Platte River. Named after the scenic break in the Mosquito Range, Weston Pass is an often-bypassed area adjacent to an often-bypassed Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area. It is a small stream and beaver pond delight with plenty of small brookies ready to take your dry fly. When you think about high mountain fishing you usually have to included a hiking trip that involves fishing, but in this case you can drive up for a day or car camp for a night.  This trip is all about easy access... to an extent.

This section of stream runs along Weston Pass Road and is located several miles south of Fairplay on Hwy 285 and then west about 16 miles. The first two thirds of the drive is through an area of private land. You have reached the general area when you reach the well marked Rich Creek Trail Head.

Let me be clear: I don't believe there is any chance of catching a big fish. And, you won't actually be fishing the creek for the most part, but a series of beaver ponds. There is no real trail so bushwhacking is the only route and sometimes it can be a struggle to get through some of the beaver pond mud. Plan to wet wade and make sure your shoes are tied tight. (Yes, I experienced the boot-sucking mud firsthand.)

These small ponds hold bunches of fish that can be hard to catch in some of the ponds and easy in others. We found that the fish were less skittish in the moving water. Try fishing on top with a hopper or ant patterns but bring along some yellow humpies, parachute adams.

Directions - 90.7 Miles - 1 Hour 56 Minutes

  1. Head south on S 21st St toward US-24 W
  2. Follow US-24 W/W Hwy 24 and CO-9 N to Co Rd 5 in Park County
  3. Drive to Breakneck Pass Rd