Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Below Montgomery Reservoir the Middle Fork tumbles toward Alma as a small, cold creek with brook trout and a few browns.
Looking for the latest Below Montgomery Reservoir river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Middle Fork South Platte River โ Below Montgomery Reservoir.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Below Montgomery Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are low, around 6 cfs, and the water is cold. Expect a few brook trout taking midges at midday and slow fishing otherwise.
Use a small midge or Pheasant Tail under a tiny dry and fish the deepest pockets in the warmest part of the day.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Below Montgomery Reservoir, bring: Zebra Midge #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Below Montgomery Reservoir river details
| Access | National forest and county road access between Montgomery Reservoir and Alma. Watch for private property near town. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 10,500 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 104 miles, roughly 2 hours 25 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Summer |
| Fish | Brook trout, with some browns |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 7.5 to 9 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | National forest land near Alma |
| Kids | Yes in summer. Small water close to the road. |
| Good to know | Small water, small fish, big scenery. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Mostly frozen.
Spring
Late runoff.
Summer
Attractor dries and small nymphs.
Fall
Brief window before ice.
How to get there
Follow Highway 9 north of Alma toward Hoosier Pass.