Lazy River Ranch, Photo by Gary Nichols
Lazy River Ranch - Click for more info
BREAKING NEWS
- 2008-05-12
- Cold weather has delayed spring runoff and stream flows are nearly ideal (60 cfs) on Santa Maria Ranch and our four Tarryall properties. Fourmile Creek Ranch is very low and clear, so stealth and wind are the biggest challenges there.
The following properties are now available for many dates in May: 1) Tarryall L&C Ranch; 2) Ute Creek Ranch; 3) Upper Allen Creek Ranch; 4) Lower Allen Creek Ranch; 5) Santa Maria Ranch; and 6) Lower Fourmile Creek Ranch.
We suggest drifting heavily weighted stonefly nymphs, egg patterns and streamers along the bottom of the deepest pools where fish likely overwinter. Otherwise, there isn't much movement or activity yet.
At least one additional lease will be available to the program before summer. Runoff will likely be starting within the next two weeks in South Park. Please check "Current Stream Flows" for each stream or call 719-748-1494 for more information.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Seven historic ranches have been secured for limited public fly-fishing through our program. These are working cattle ranches and we must respect the wishes of each owner to ensure their continued availability (see "Rules" on this page). Please review the program rules and reservation proceedure before booking one or more of our leases. If these rules and proceedures are NOT acceptable, there are many other public fishing options available at no charge in the South Park area.
RESERVATIONS AND PROGRAM CONTACT
The proceedure for making a reservation on our seven fishing leases is described under "Reservations" in the upper right column of this page. For first time users, please read the information below before proceeding. If you have questions about our properties or how the program works, please email us at gnichols@parkco.us, or contact the program manager at (719)748-1494.
selecting a property
Start by looking at our detailed description of each property lease to determine which stream(s) look appealing. Then look at the reservation calendar to see if that property is available on a preferred date. Be flexible and have an alternate property or date in mind - typically more options are available on weekdays. Each lease is different from the others with regard to stream size, length of stream, habitat structure, and fish holding capacity. Consequently, some leases are limited to two rods per day while others allow three anglers per day. Larger groups (up to 6) can reserve both Upper and Lower Allen Creek Ranch on the same day. Since these are adjacent leases, parties of 4-6 anglers can split into two groups of 2-3 anglers, then each group can switch leases after lunch.
who we are
Established in 2003 by the Park County Tourism Office and local ranchers, the goal of South Park Fly Fishers is to develop and maintain public recreation opportunities on private lands. With a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) we have secured seven fly-fishing leases on private ranches in South Park. The majority of each rod fee goes directly to the participating rancher. The balance is used to maintain and improve this not-for-profit fly fishing program.
about the area - (map)
South Park, Colorado is known internationally for its productive trout waters. Over 50 miles of public streams are designated as Gold Medal trout water by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. These streams possess the highest quality aquatic habitat and offer the greatest potential for angling success in Colorado. At the same time they are some of the most highly publicized and heavily fished streams in the state. Many other waters in South Park are equally productive but have never been open to the public. Seven of these properties are now available to anglers through the South Park Fly Fishers program.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
South Park Fly Fishers is an integral part of Park County's larger Heritage Area Program. Thanks to the efforts of many partners, we have secured conservation easements on 30,000 acres of agricultural land, restored 13 miles of stream and riparian habitat, and preserved numerous historic sites and structures. As of this year, conservation easements and/or stream habitat restoration have been completed on six of our seven fishing properties. Funding for these efforts is largely from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Park County Land & Water Trust Fund. Much of our ranch conservation success is attributable to Colorado Open Lands in Lakewood, Colorado (www.coloradoopenlands.org).
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
There are NO facilities or services available on any of our fishing leases (ranches). The nearest toilets, drinking water, restaurants, and other services are literally miles away. Since most anglers (ourselves included) don't take two hours out of their day to eat, drink and go to the bathroom, you should plan ahead before driving to the selected property. The nearest services and facilities are described under each property page. In addtion, there is a link to area lodging on the right-hand column of this page.
CHANGING CONDITIONS
Please come prepared for intense sun, heavy rain, snow showers, strong winds, cold temperatures, high water, and thunderstorms that develop quickly throughout the summer. Every year livestock are killed by lightning in South Park. Since humans with fly rods are taller than cows, we urge you to watch the weather and head for your car if a thunderstorm is approaching.