The Middle Fork is best accessed from the town of Hartsel to all the way downstream at the inlet of Spinney Reservoir. There are several public access parking lots along CR 59.
Latest Update: 9/25/23
The middle fork is flowing at 23 CFS. The river is flowing low, slow and clear at the moment. Hopper dropper rigs will likely be your best choice in here currently. Don't expect too many eats on the dry, but it does help add an element of stealth to your rig. Using a long 5x tag, drop off to any sort of small, tungsten beadhead nymph such as a pheasant tail, two-bit hooker or splitback BWO in a #16-18. Add a second smaller dropper off the back such as an RS2 or black beauty on 6x and expect to be getting most of your eats on this fly.
The Middle Fork of the South Platte river is considered a lifeblood to the several reservoir impoundments in Park County. The topography of the surrounding area is unique and incredibly picturesque- it is wide open and relatively void of trees. The landscape itself requires the angler to have the upmost attention to their approach & presentation.
Late spring and early summer are easily the best times of year to fish this section. As summer transitions into fall, fishing begins to pick up again. Due to low flows and extremely cold conditions, this section usually becomes choked up with ice during the winter months.
The Middle Fork is best accessed from the town of Hartsel to all the way downstream at the inlet of Spinney Reservoir. There are several public access parking lots along CR 59.