STREAM FISHING IN SOUTH PARK, COLORADO

Text and Map by Gary E. Nichols, Park County Community Development Director

General

Hundreds of streams drain the South Park basin, presenting many opportunities for different persuasions of fishing. While most of these streams are suitable for either lure or fly-fishing, the later is often more productive because of relatively small stream size, and the fact that aquatic insects represent the most important food source for trout.

As with any area, South Park manifests conditions that are in some respects unique. The waters of South Park tend to have high levels of alkalinity and pH due to limestone deposits and alkaline springs throughout the basin. This situation is favorable to aquatic plant and insect production and, consequently, trout! Due to the presence of eroding soils and decomposing organic matter upstream, the main rivers of South Park are subject to periods of turbidity and discoloration. This is especially common during spring runoff and immediately following summer thunderstorms. Understanding annual cycles and stream attributes will help the occasional angler to read the water and select patterns accordingly. Approaching the stream stealthily and switching patterns frequently are keys to successful river fishing under constantly changing conditions.

Early Spring

The first month after breakup (ice-out) is one of the best times to fish the main rivers of South Park. After remaining torpid (semi-dormant) for several months under the ice, fish activity levels increase dramatically at breakup. This annual event is somewhat akin to bears coming out of hibernation. This period also corresponds to the annual run of spring spawners (rainbows and cutthroats), and to elevated aquatic invertebrate development and activity. However, air temperatures are still cold so there is limited surface feeding except during midge or small mayfly hatches.

During the period before runoff begins (usually in May), South Park