Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
The Middle Fork of the South Platte meanders through South Park meadows near Hartsel. Much of the Santa Maria area is private or leased water, so confirm access before you fish.
Looking for the latest Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria.
Current flows
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Check nearby gauges on the Colorado fishing reports page, or call the shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Santa Maria fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
South Park water is running low and glass clear, about 37 to 45 cfs. Overnight lows are in the teens, so fish do not feed much until the sun hits the water after about 10 am.
Tiny midges are the main hatch at calm midday, with some BWOs on overcast afternoons. Fish a 10 to 12 ft leader to 6X fluorocarbon with a small yarn indicator and light split shot. Stay low and keep your shadow off the water.
Spawning browns are on shallow gravel. Leave them alone.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Santa Maria, bring: Zebra Midge #20-22, Bling Midge #20-22, Sparkle Dun #18-22, Parachute Adams #20-24, San Juan Worm #12-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Santa Maria river details
| Access | A patchwork of state wildlife areas, such as Tomahawk and Knight-Imler, and private ranches. Check posted boundaries and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Atlas. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 9,000 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 106 miles, roughly 2 hours 52 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Brown, rainbow and brook trout |
| Regulations | Special rules apply on several leases. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 10 to 12 ft leaders, 6X tippet |
| Camping | Limited. Eleven Mile and Spinney state parks are the closest campgrounds. |
| Kids | The upper meadows are fine. The lower meadows mean spooky fish and wind. |
| Good to know | Undercut banks hold the big fish. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Mostly iced.
Spring
Midges and BWOs before runoff.
Summer
Caddis, PMDs and hoppers along the meadow banks.
Fall
BWOs and spawning browns.
How to get there
Reach the Middle Fork from US-24 and County Road 439 near Hartsel.