South Fork Below Antero Reservoir
South Fork Below Antero Reservoir — Fishing Report for April 26, 2026
Quick Stats
Flow: 10 CFS | Trend: Rising | Fishability: Fair | Weather: Chance snow showers transitioning to chance thunderstorms, High 48°F
The Bite
This is one of those days where the tailwater advantage really shows. While the freestone water above Antero is still locked in winter mode, the reservoir-buffered reach below the outlet is already waking up — and with a light snow year across the South Platte basin, flows are running lean but fishable. At 10 CFS, the stream is below its typical April range, but it's clear, wadeable, and carrying enough water to concentrate fish in predictable lies. The slow upward tick in flows over the past 24 hours is a good sign heading into the week.
Weather today is the main variable. A mix of snow showers and afternoon thunderstorms will keep surface activity sporadic at best, but that's not necessarily a problem — this water fishes best subsurface in April anyway. Water temps aren't available from the gauge, but given the cold overnight lows and unsettled forecast, expect fish to be sluggish and holding tight to the bottom in the deeper slots. Midges should show some activity during any window of calm between 11 AM and 2 PM, and scuds are always in play along the weedy margins. Don't expect a lot of drama today — but you'll have the entire stretch to yourself, which counts for something.
The Mother's Day caddis is still weeks from its peak, but a few early scouts may be drifting in the afternoon warmth if temperatures push toward the high. Worth keeping an eye on the surface during any calm stretch after noon.
What to Fish
- Zebra Midge (black) #20-22 — Primary midge larva pattern; fish it slow and deep near the outlet on a drag-free drift
- RS2 (gray) #22-24 — Excellent midge emerger; effective in the upper water column during any midday activity window
- Scud (orange/pink) #16 — Fish this along the bottom near visible weed beds; a reliable all-day producer in tailwater
- San Juan Worm (red or wine) #12-14 — With unsettled weather and any surface runoff, this is a confidence fly worth having on point
- Mercury Midge #22-24 — Secondary midge option; the flash can help in low-light or overcast conditions
- Caddis Pupa (green) #14-16 — Low-percentage today, but worth a drift or two in the afternoon if you see any surface interest
Tactics & Rigging
Set up a double-nymph rig with a San Juan Worm or scud on point as your anchor, and trail an RS2 or Zebra Midge 14–16 inches above it on a 6X fluorocarbon dropper. Fish this setup under a small indicator through the deeper runs and slots near the outlet, keeping the presentation slow — these fish aren't chasing anything in cold water. Let the rig settle to the bottom and ride the current seam untouched. Strike detection is everything at these flows and temperatures; watch the indicator closely for subtle pauses.
If you want to go lighter, a single midge larva on 6X or 7X fluorocarbon fished tight-line style through the slower pools can be very effective when fish are finicky. Keep your casts short and your mends clean — at 10 CFS, the water is low enough that presentation errors will cost you.
Access & Logistics
Access in this area involves a patchwork of public BLM and State Land Board parcels mixed with private ranch land. Look carefully for signed public land boundaries before wading, and don't assume open-looking water is accessible. The low flows and cold weather mean parking areas should be uncrowded today. Dress in layers — the forecast swing from snow to potential thunderstorms means conditions can change quickly. Always verify current regulations with CPW before fishing; the tailwater section below Antero may carry additional restrictions beyond standard Colorado rules.
Stop by local fly shops in the Fairplay area for current flies, access tips, and to support the operations that keep tabs on this fishery.
Looking Ahead
Flows are expected to continue their slow rise through the week as snowmelt trickles in, though with snowpack sitting well below normal basin-wide, don't expect a dramatic runoff pulse. Monday and Tuesday bring more snow chances with highs in the low 50s — conditions should remain fishable, and midge activity may improve as temperatures stabilize.