Middle Fork Below Montgomery Reservoir
Middle Fork Below Montgomery — Fishing Report for April 26, 2026
Quick Stats
Flow: 4 CFS | Trend: Stable | Fishability: Poor | Weather: Snow showers, high 37°F
The Bite
Snow showers, a high of 37°F, and flows sitting at 4 CFS — well below even the low end of the April expected range of 15–40 CFS — paint a clear picture for this weekend: the Middle Fork below Montgomery is in deep winter mode. The reservoir hasn't begun meaningful pre-runoff releases yet, and with basin-wide snowpack at just 16% of normal and water-year precipitation running at 65%, there's less snowmelt pressure driving flows than a typical late April. That's a double-edged sword — it means runoff won't blow things out dramatically, but it also means the water is barely moving right now.
Water temps aren't available from this gauge, but with overnight lows forecast in the mid-20s and daytime highs barely cresting freezing, assume they're sitting in the low-to-mid 30s°F range. At those temperatures, trout metabolism slows to a crawl. Fish are present — browns and rainbows hold in the deeper pockets and any structure near the dam outflow — but they're not going to chase much. If there's any window of activity, it'll be the warmest part of the afternoon, roughly 1–3 PM, when air temps peak and the sun has had a chance to work on the water.
The honest assessment: this is a tough trip to justify today. That said, if you're already in the area or just need to be on moving water, the slot immediately below the dam outflow is your best and likely only realistic target.
What to Fish
- San Juan Worm (red or wine), #14–12 — The anchor in any rig here. Dead-weight it along the bottom in the deepest available slot.
- Scud (orange or pink), #16 — Trail 10–14" behind the worm as a dropper. Scuds are year-round forage in tailwaters and don't require active fish to be effective.
- Ray Charles, #16 — A reliable scud/sow bug hybrid that works when fish are lethargic and feeding opportunistically.
- Midge Larva (red or black), #22–24 — Worth having if you find a slow, clear pool with visible fish. Present it on a long, drag-free drift.
Tactics & Rigging
Keep it simple and heavy. Rig a San Juan Worm on point with a small split shot 8–10" above it, and trail a scud or Ray Charles 12" behind on 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippet. You need the flies on the bottom — trout aren't going to rise off the substrate in 33°F water. High-stick nymphing with minimal line on the water will give you the most control in the low, clear flows. Indicator fishing can work, but set it shallow and watch for the subtlest ticks.
Focus your casts on the deepest water you can find near the dam outflow, any undercut banks, and the transition zones where fast water slows into a pool. In flows this low, fish will be stacked in the few spots that offer both depth and some current break.
Access & Logistics
The road to Montgomery Reservoir can be snow-covered or icy in late April — check conditions before heading up. Snowshoes or traction devices may be useful depending on recent accumulation. The area is lightly traveled this time of year, so you'll likely have it to yourself, but that also means no packed trails and no one nearby if something goes wrong. Dress for winter, not spring. Respect private land boundaries on the approach — stay within the high-water mark where the stream crosses private ranch sections. Verify current regulations with CPW before fishing.
Stop by Spinney Mountain Ranch Fly Shop or South Platte Outfitters for current road conditions, flies, and local intel before making the drive.
Looking Ahead
Snow showers are in the forecast through at least Tuesday, with overnight lows in the low-to-mid 20s keeping water temps suppressed. With snowpack running well below normal basin-wide, don't expect a dramatic runoff pulse — flows may tick up gradually as temperatures eventually moderate, but this section is likely to remain in shoulder-season mode through mid-May. Check gauge readings weekly; once flows climb into the 20–30 CFS range and daytime highs consistently clear 45°F, the fishing here will improve quickly.