FISHING in Park County (Bailey Area)

Fishing in the Park By Rick Kursevich

South Park is the name and fishing is the game.

If you are a fisherman there is no doubt that you have heard of South Park. Even back in the old days, South Park fishing and hunting had reached the ears of people in distant lands. They came from as far away as England and Ireland to enjoy the plentiful bounty of the Park.

One of the most elaborate outfits was the 1855 trip of Sir George Gore. He arrived in the Park with the well-known mountain man, Jim Bridger, as his guide. Fifty servants and 30 supply wagons helped make his stay enjoyable.

Early on, several Indian tribes would migrate in and out of the Park for hunting and fishing. At one time, there was a large herd of buffalo that lived and roamed freely throughout the Park. They would migrate up from the plains to get away from the hot summer sun. Antelope, elk, deer and big horn sheep still live here, but the free roaming buffalo are all gone.

Fishing is what draws many people to South Park in the summer. The fishing has improved over the years because of the large reservoirs that have been built to supply water for the cities of Aurora and Denver. The three biggest ones are Antero, Spinney Mountain, and Elevenmile. They are all on the South Fork of the South Platte River. A person can fish all three in one day without a problem, and the best part is they all hold nice fish and are, for the most part, easy to fish.

Spinney Mountain is the only one that is designated Gold Metal waters, which means you must use flies or artificial lures. You can keep one trout over 20 inches. Pike, on the other hand, is another story. If you are a pike fisherman this is the place for you. The request from the Colorado Division of Wildlife is to take them home. Pike are a concern at Spinney Mountain and the DOW wants to reduce their numbers. Pike good eating and it's worth it to take some home.

Between the reservoirs there are miles of stream fishing. It's best to get a map that shows all the places to fish along the banks of the Platte. With nice fish in the reservoirs, this can only mean nice fish in the river as well.

There are plenty of regulations that anglers must follow and the best move is to get the new 2000 Fishing Regulations before you head out. Remember, take only the number of fish you can eat and release the rest. This close to the Front Range, the reservoirs and fish are under a lot of pressure.

North Fork of the South Platte: At the bottom Crow Hill, traveling south on U.S. 285, you see your first glimpse of the North Fork of the South Platte. From here, until Kenosha Pass, you will traveling much of the same route the old narrow gauge trains travelled years ago. Most of river runs through private land, but there are some public access areas open to fishing. Make sure you ask before you start fishing - most areas are not marked.

The river is much bigger now that it was in the past, because now it gets much of its water from Lake Dillon by way of the Roberts Tunnel, located near the town of Grant. Water levels fluctuate during the summer as more water is needed in Denver. But before the tunnel, it would have been little more than a small creek by mid-summer.

The river is stocked with rainbow, brown and some cutthroat trout during the summer. Bait fishing is allowed. Try setting your line up with just a hook. No weight at all. Then use either a salmon egg, worm, or power bait and let it float down stream in the current. Stop it every once and awhile and hold it in the current. This keeps you from getting caught in the bottom and fish like the presentation.
For the fly fishermen, fish will take flies such as Pheasant Tails and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear. Dry flies work well on warm days. Try blue Duns, Elk Hair Caddis, and spinner baits.

Geneva Creek: At the town of Grant take Park County Road 62 north. The road is paved in spots so traveling by car is usually not too much of a problem. Geneva Creek runs along the side of the road. It is fed by runoff from the high mountains that surround the area, and by three other creeks that converge higher up. Just north of the Burning Bear campground, the Burning Bear, Bruno, Kirby, and Duck Creeks all come together with Geneva Creek. Fishing can be good as the creeks are stocked throughout the summer. Keep your eyes open for the beaver ponds on your right before you get to Burning Bear campground. This is also a popular place for campers and hikers. Some of the trails that hikers use take them well above timberline and views are worth the hard climb to get to them. At the very top, you reach Guanella Pass at 11,669 feet above sea level.

Square Tops: A wonderful place to fish that is really not in Park County but in Clear Creek County are the Square Tops. Off to the west from the top at Guanella Pass parking lot and out of sight are two lakes called the Square Tops. These alpine lakes are natural and hold some nice cutthroat trout, and you have to walk about a mile and half to get to them. The trail into the lakes will take you through high-alpine meadows and in the summer, they are covered with flowers. Watch the rocky outcroppings for the marmots.

The trout are sometimes hard to catch and can be moody. Small flies, such as #14 through #18 scuds and nymphs, are good. On warmer days, if you catch a hatch, dry flies will work, too. Spinners, such as Mepps and Panther Martins, will also work. Most of the fish are cutthroats, but don't be surprised if you catch an occasional rainbow.

Jefferson Lake: Jefferson Lake, elevation 10,687 ft, and covering 125 acres, is located north of the town of Jefferson. Take County Road 35 to County Road 37. Go right on County Road 37 and follow it to the lake. This is a popular place for summer camping and fishing.

The lake is stocked regularly throughout the summer with catchable rainbow. Bait fishing is allowed, and although fishing from shore is the most popular, you can use your boat here, too.

This is a very deep and cold lake, as you might imagine because of elevation. Big lake trout, Mackinaw, cruse the shoreline looking for smaller fish, so don't be surprised if you hook one. Large silver spoons retrieved quickly and fished deep work well. Also try Rapalas, Flatfish, and any deep diving plugs. The size limit on lake trout is 15 inches, so make sure you release them quickly and carefully.

The high elevation of the lake keeps it cool even on hot summer days. Summer storms can often produce snow and a rapid fall in temperature, so make sure you bring warm clothing and rain gear.

Jefferson Creek: Jefferson Creek runs south out of Jefferson Lake, and at lower elevations, open areas can be covered with thick undergrowth. There are a lot of beaver ponds that hold brook trout. The creek runs through several miles of National Forest land, but is private for a good bit of its length. There is also some fishing above Jefferson Lake.

Michigan Creek: County Road 35 will also take you to the Michigan Creek campground. The creek holds some brook trout, with an average between 8 to 10 inches. Following Michigan Creek north will take you to French Creek.

Tarryall Reservoir: Tarryall Reservoir, elevation 9,500 ft, and covering 175 acres, is 17 miles south of the town of Jefferson on County Road 77. This lake is a popular fishing and camping site.

During the summer, campgrounds are full. Boats are allowed and fishing with bait is also allowed. Worms, salmon eggs and power bait work well. The lake is stocked throughout the summer with rainbows, and some make it through the winter so some good-sized fish, up to 14 to 16 inches, can be caught.

A popular way to fish the lake is by trolling pop-gear, but if you are fishing from shore, try using #2 and #3 Mepps or Panther Martins. There are also Northern Pike are in the lake. To catch the water-wolf, try using Flatfish and Rapalas close to weed beds. There is some river fishing above the reservoir on land that is leased by the State. Watch for the signs and make sure you are on the right property.

Montgomery Reservoir: To get to Montgomery Reservoir, an 80-acre lake at an elevation of 10,820 feet, take Highway 9 north out of Fairplay. Turn left at County Road 408 and follow that to the lake. Mt. Lincoln, at 14,284 feet, stands behind the lake, and below its surface lies the town of Montgomery, for which the lake is named.

Montgomery was a mining town, and in 1861 it had two hotels and 70 cabins. There were also two sawmills and a population of about 1,000. But like so many mining towns, Montgomery soon became a ghost town. The dam was built in 1954 by the city of Colorado Springs as a source for water.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the best fishing is at the inlet. No boats allowed and fishing season closes in the winter.

Wheeler Lakes: Wheeler Lakes, elevation 12,500 and 12,180 feet, and 4 and 28 acres respectively, both offer good to fair fishing for cutthroat up to 10 inches., with the lower, larger lake being more productive.

Smaller flies, in nymph and scud patterns, and also smaller spinner baits, work well. The lakes can be reached by taking a rugged four-wheel-drive road west from Montgomery Reservoir for 3.5 miles.

Kite and Emma Lakes: At the town of Alma, just six miles north of Fairplay, County Road 8 is off the your left. This will take you to the lakes, in the shadow of Mt. Democrat. Kite Lake, elevation 12,000 feet and covering 6 acres, and Emma Lake, 12,620 feet and 9 acres, are both good to fair for rainbows, but as with all high mountain lakes, they can be moody.

Take plenty of different baits and flies so you can find the lure that best appeals to the fish. Emma Lake has some good-sized cutthroat.

Middle Fork of the South Platte: The Middle Fork of the South Platte starts up by Wheeler Lakes. This year, there is more public access than before. There are some places to fish north of Fairplay up to Montgomery Reservoir and beyond.

Below Fairplay, going south on Highway 9, look for the State Wildlife Area called Tomahawk on your left. The old town of Gargo can still be seen here and, believe it or not, in 1880 this town boosted a population of 80. Here you can fish the river south to Spinney Mountain Reservoir. With all of your fishing outings, make sure you know where you are and that you are on public access property. Many times throughout the summer, people get on private land and wind up with a ticket for trespassing. Don't you be the one.

The river at this point is Gold Medal Water can be fished with flies and lures only. All trout between 12 and 20 inches must be released. There is also a two-trout limit and no more than one fish can be greater than 20 inches.

The river can easily be fished from the bank, but waders will help you get around better. Although you can use either flies or lures, it seems that fly fishermen fare better.

Early spring fishing calls for the smaller imitations such as pheasant tails, hare's ear, and blood worms in sizes #16 to #22. Watch for hatches and match the hatch. Blue duns and blue quills work well for dry flies.

For those of you who spin fish, try working smaller spinner baits through the bigger pools and bends in the river. You won't have any trouble finding a bend in the river, because as with all the rivers and streams in the Park, you can fish a lot of river and not have to walk far.

In the fall big brown trout come up in the river to spawn. Although spawning trout are harder to catch, you stand a good chance of hooking one that is worthy of hanging on the wall. A large brown trout in its spawn colors makes a fine mount.

South Fork of the South Platte: The South Fork of the South Platte starts at Weston Pass, which is south of Fairplay and west on either County Road 5 or a little further south on County Road 22. The South Fork is enhanced along its way by other creeks, such as Sheep, Twelvemile, Cave, Rich, Rough, and Tumbling Creeks.
These other creeks are hard to fish and have only small brook trout. The place where the South Fork crosses U.S. 285 at the Knight-Imler State Wildlife Area can be fished to Antero Reservoir.

There are some changes from last year and this section of river is Gold Medal Waters. Below Antero to Highway 9, fishing is by flies and lures only, with a two-trout limit and both must be over 16 inches.

From Highway 9 to the confluence of the South and Middle Forks of the South Platte to Spinney Mountain Reservoir is Gold Medal Waters. All trout between 12 and 20 inches must be released. The two- trout limit is in place and only one can be over 20 inches.

Included in the recent DOW acquisitions is nearly 3.5 miles of Fourmile Creek that runs north from the point where Fourmile joins the South Fork of the Platte. This section has the same restrictions of flies and lures only and only two fish over 16 inches.

Most of the parking areas are finished now and the area is posted, but as always make sure you know where you are. These new acquisitions will make for some good fishing in the years to come.

Antero Reservoir: Antero Reservoir a 1,000-acre lake at an elevation of 8,000 feet, has been one of the most popular lakes to fish through the years.

Antero has made a wonderful comeback, so much it seems that everyone knows about it. Two- and three-pound fish are not uncommon. The rainbows seem to be running bigger than the snake river cutthroat. You can fish Antero from shore early in the year. Later in the summer it gets harder to fish from shore due to weeds. Bait can be used and a lot of fishermen do, however spinner baits and jigs work well, too.
Fly fishermen in belly boats seem to have some advantage by being able to get around the grassy spots. They often do well on the west shore wading in the shallow water where boats are not able to reach.

There have been some improvements made at the reservoir, such as new boat ramps on the other side of the dam. Sometimes, in bad weather, it was hard to get off the lake. The new ramp should take away some of the congestion.

Make sure you check the regulations on creel limits because the DOW was going to limit the number of fish you can take home. So many fish were leaving the reservoir that it wouldn't be long before the nice ones were all gone.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir: This is one of Colorado's premier fishing spots. The lake, with an elevation of 8,700 feet and covering 2,500 acres, is one of the most popular fishing places throughout the summer.

The size and number of different fish available make it so popular. Rainbow, Snake River cutthroat, and Northern Pike can all be found. Restrictions include flies and lures only and a bag limit of one fish over 20 inches. There is a 10-Pike limit and only one can be larger than 34 inches. The lake can be easily fished from shore, but is a haven for fishermen in belly boats.

There are two boat ramps at the lake and the new repairs at the main ramp allows several boats to be launched at the same time.

To get to Spinney, take Highway 24 east to County Road 23. Travel south to County Road 59 and west to the entrance. A $3 daily pass is needed and can be picked up at the entrance.

Fish at Spinney respond well to most types of fishing, although the best fishing seems to be with flies. Pheasant Tails, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Prince Nymphs and scud patterns work the best.

Pike like the spoons and an assortment of plugs such as the Hot'N Tot, Wee Wart and Thunder Sticks. Floating Rapalas and buzz baits work well in shallower water.
Remember that you need to release any fish, except Pike, under 20 inches. Get them back in the water as quickly as possible and try not to handle them too much. There are some big fish at Spinney, which is why so many people come here.

Gold Medal Water: The stretch of river between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Elevenmile Reservoir offers some spectacular fishing. Restrictions include using flies and lures only, using one single-point barbless hook, and all fishing is catch and release only. Fish in the five- to seven-pound class are common at different times of the year.

When the bigger rainbow from Elevenmile come up to spawn, the river banks are crowded with fishermen trying for the big one. This part of the river will stay open except for the very coldest of days, and so offers fishing when everything else is frozen. This gives the angler who has a bad case of cabin fever a place to work his or her casting arm.

Elevenmile Reservoir: Elevenmile Reservoir, a 3,000-acre lake at an elevation of 8,600 feet, has been producing large fish long before Spinney Mountain Reservoir was ever built. The same holds true today.

Large Kokanee salmon, three to five pounds, are caught regularly trolling from a boat. Pop gear baited with a nightcrawler also works well. Rainbows and Northern Pike are often caught with flies and spinner bait from shore. Big brown trout cruise the shorelines after dark, and anglers sometimes fish all night just to get a chance at one of these monsters.

The trout limit is 8, of which no more than two can be over 16 inches. Northern Pike have the same regulations, with a 10-fish limit. You may keep only one pike over 34 inches.

This is a very popular place to go in the summer months, and people from Colorado Springs and Denver often make the drive. There are a lot of places to camp, but on the big weekends, like Memorial and Labor Day, camp sites go quickly.

A word of warning. Each year there are accidents on the reservoirs in South Park. Summer storms come up quickly and bring along winds that can swamp a boat in a hurry. The water temperatures, depending on the time of year, can render a person helpless in minutes. Boats and equipment must be kept in good repair and ready for use. Watch the weather and don't hesitate to run for cover.

Elevenmile Canyon: Just below Elevenmile Dam is another stretch of the river that offers good fishing. There have been efforts to make this a natural producing area. Since 1993, special regulations have set aside 2.5 miles of the river for growing wild trout. So far it has been a success. Along with fishing being mostly catch-and-release, there is a $3 day-use fee. The special regulations require that fishermen use flies and lures only from Cove Creek Campground to Springer Gulch. The bag limit is two fish over 16 inches.

To get to this section river, take COUNTY ROAD 96 southwest out Lake George. There are signs at various locations to let you know where the different fishing areas are.

Another good fishing spot is just north of Lake George. Take County Road 77 north to either Forest Service Road 210 or County Road 211 to the river. You will have to do some hiking, but this will get you away from the crowds.

Lake George: Lake George downstream from Elevenmile is a privately-owned lake. The river above and below the lake is rated excellent, but the lake itself is only rated fair due to the heavy fishing pressure.

Tributary Creeks: Many smaller creeks feed the forks of the South Platte throughout Park County. These often have amazingly good-sized trout lurking in them for the clever and patient anglers. For those of you who want to get away from the crowd, try the Lost Park Wilderness Area. At the bottom of Kenosha Pass, take Forest Service Road 127 to the campground. Backpack into Craig Park, where Craig Creek runs through it. It is a beautiful place to fish, much like all the other fishing spots in Park County.