Fishing Report: South Platte River at Tomahawk State Wildlife Area (Middle Fork) 10.28.2024

The Tomahawk State Wildlife Area (SWA) on the Middle Fork of the South Platte River offers a tranquil and scenic fly fishing experience, especially in the fall when flows are low and water clarity is excellent. Surrounded by a picturesque meadow landscape, this section is perfect for sight fishing, particularly for brown and rainbow trout actively feeding on midges, Blue Wing Olives, and small stonefly nymphs. The area’s clear waters require a cautious approach and light tippets, but the reward is a peaceful, uncrowded environment with plenty of fish holding in riffles, deeper pools, and along grassy banks. This remote stretch is ideal for anglers looking to escape more crowded spots while enjoying vibrant fall colors and prime trout conditions.tive engagement rather than a passive "set it and forget it" approach.

Tomahawk State Wildlife Area (Middle Fork of the South Platte) Fishing Report – 10.29.2024

The Tomahawk State Wildlife Area on the Middle Fork of the South Platte is currently offering great fall fishing, especially for anglers seeking a quiet escape from more crowded locations. With clear, low flows around 20 CFS, this area provides prime conditions for sight fishing, though the low water level means stealth is essential. The scenery here is at its peak with autumn colors, making for a beautiful fishing experience amidst a high-altitude meadow setting.

Current Hatches and Fly Recommendations

• Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) and midges are the primary hatches, with trout often feeding on these small insects along riffles and pools.
  • Effective patterns include RS2s and JuJu Baetis (#18-22) for nymphing, while Parachute Adams (#20-22) are recommended for dry fly action during afternoon BWO hatches.
• Scuds and small stonefly nymphs are also productive in this area, especially along grassy banks where trout congregate. Scuds (#16-18) in olive or orange colors and Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) are both excellent choices.

Current Fall Conditions and Flows

• Flow Rate: 20 CFS (low and clear, requiring a stealthy approach)
• Water Temperature: Cool, ideal for fall trout activity
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to early afternoon for best feeding activity

Trout here can be skittish due to the low, clear water, so longer leaders and light tippets (5x or 6x) are recommended. This section of the Middle Fork provides a peaceful and rewarding experience, especially for anglers looking to sightfish in beautiful surroundings without the pressure of crowded waters.

 Source: (Colorado Division of Water Resources)​

Best Flies and Patterns for the Middle Fork

Fishing at the Tomahawk State Wildlife Area in the fall calls for a selection of flies that mimic the primary insect activity on the Middle Fork. Blue Wing Olive (BWO) mayflies and midges are the primary hatches in October, making them top choices for nymphs and dries alike. For midges, Zebra Midges (#20-24) and Black Beauties (#22-24) are highly effective, especially in deeper runs and pools. RS2 Emergers (#18-22) and JuJu Baetis (#20-22) are also productive choices that work well to mimic the BWO nymphs and emergers trout are targeting. For dry fly action during low-light conditions, Parachute Adams and Blue Wing Olive dries (#18-22) bring success when trout rise to the surface. This selection provides anglers with reliable options for imitating small aquatic insects and enticing feeding trout.

Trout Fishing Tips for Tomahawk SWA

The Middle Fork in Tomahawk SWA presents unique fishing conditions that reward a thoughtful approach. With low, clear flows, trout here are often skittish, making stealth and presentation essential. Using a long leader and fine tippet (5x or 6x) improves success with wary fish. Focusing on deeper pools and riffles is often most productive, especially where undercut banks provide trout with natural cover. When fishing nymphs, a two-fly rig can increase your odds by combining a larger attractor fly (such as a Pat’s Rubber Legs) with a smaller BWO or midge imitation. Take advantage of calm mornings and late afternoon hours when trout are most active, as the river’s low flows and smaller pools make trout extra cautious under bright midday light.

Recommended Times

& Seasonal Insights

Fall is one of the best times to fish the Middle Fork, particularly in October when trout are actively feeding on BWOs and midges to prepare for winter. Optimal fishing times are late morning to early afternoon, as trout activity tends to slow in cooler early mornings and picks up as the day warms. The low, clear flows of October also make it easier to spot trout in the water, though it requires careful, quiet movements to avoid spooking them. With the surrounding fall colors and the river’s solitude, October offers a perfect combination of scenery and fishing action, though anglers should be mindful of fluctuating temperatures and adjust their timing based on cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.

Fishing Techniques for Clear, Low Water Conditions

In low and clear water, like the current conditions at Tomahawk SWA, stealth and accuracy are essential to successful trout fishing. To avoid spooking fish, approach the water carefully, wearing neutral or earth-tone clothing to blend with the environment. Using longer leaders (9-12 feet) with fine tippet (5x or 6x) is key to presenting flies naturally and avoiding detection. Small dry flies, like BWOs, benefit from delicate casting, while nymphs can be fished effectively with a Euro nymphing or tight-line approach, minimizing splash. When trout hold in deeper pools, a two-fly nymph rig with a small beadhead and midge pattern can keep your presentation effective yet subtle. Adjusting your presentation and fishing at different depths throughout the day allows you to adapt to changing light and feeding behavior, maximizing your success in clear, low water.