Colorado is known for its untamed wilderness. The rugged peaks and untamed rivers of Colorado are a sportsman paradise. One of the major attractions for the sportsman to come to Colorado for is its superb fishing. The South Platte River is one of the premier fishing locations in the state.
Spinney Reservoir
The South Platte is noted for its fly-fishing opportunities. The most abundant area of the South Platte River is just south of the Spinney Reservoir known as the Spinney Mile. There is a plethora of trout that migrate up these waters in the spring and fall. The average trout size caught in the Spinney Reservoir is around 17 inches. It is quite possible to catch a very large trout, averaging between 18 to 24 inches, in these waters. The many deep pools in the area make this an enticing area for the fish. There is also an abundance of mayflies in the area, which the fish are attracted to as a food source. The Spinney Mile is actually three miles long, giving the fisherman plenty of spots to try casting a line. Although trout are the main target fish at Spinney Mile, other fish can be caught. One of the other major fish in the area is pike. The Spinney Reservoir, which offers excellent fishing as well, is open seasonally from April until November.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Another productive area of the South Platte is the Eleven Mile section of the river. It offers a variety of fish, including salmon, pike and trout. If the fisherman prefers regular bait fishing to fly fishing, this is a good spot. Boats may be used in this area of the river. This reservoir has many pools and coves that provide excellent fishing opportunities. This reservoir feeds into Eleven Mile Canyon. This features keeps the wind shear down and the fisherman warmer.
Features of South Platte
The temptation at productive fishing is the South Platte's most enduring feature. This is because the South Platte on average has roughly 5,200 trout per square mile in the river. The South Platte is a true sanctuary for a trout fisherman. It offers prime fishing of brown and rainbow trout. The abundance of insects attracts large fish to the area, and being a prime migratory route for the trout adds to the supremacy of this river as a fishing haven.
Make a Reservation
One important fact to know before planning a fishing trip to the South Platte River is that much of the land on the river is private property. There are not many public places that can be fished. It is a good idea to get a reservation ahead of time. One of the best choices among the multitude of private ranches is the Meadows. This area of the South Platte flows through a multitude of meadows. There are plenty of big trout in the area willing to be caught. The fisherman can experiment with a variety of lures, including nymphs and streamers. As of 2010, the cost for fishing at this ranch is $75 a person, with a two-person minimum. There is lodging nearby, and this area is only an hour from Denver--making it highly accessible.
Items to Bring
The last item to consider is what to bring. The climate can change frequently, so bring a variety of clothes. Keep in mind that the South Platte is on higher elevation than most of the country, so--particularly if the fisherman is from a lower elevation--this may take a little time getting used to. Waders and a good fishing rod are essential. Beyond this, an eagerness to catch the big one is all that is needed for a legendary adventure on the South Platte River.
Member Comments