2010-07-30
Heavy thunderstorms have caused streams to increase dramatically on some leases. Expect wet weather and high water over the next few days on Santa Maria Ranch, DM Ranch, Fourmile Creek Ranch, and Tarryall Creek Ranch near Como. Be aware of lightning by mid day.
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There are NO refunds or "rain checks" due to weather, stream conditions, or change in plans.
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Please contact the program manager at (719) 748-1494 if you would like current conditions or other information about the program.
Several 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 procedure before booking one or more of our leases. If these rules and procedures are NOT acceptable, there are many other public fishing options available at no charge in the South Park area.
A number of general policies MUST be observed on all properties: There are no refunds and switching properties/dates is not permitted after a property is reserved (the property you reserve is yours for the day whether you decide to fish it or not). Check-in time is 8:00 AM or later to obtain a parking pass on the day reserved and all anglers must be off our properties BEFORE dark (before headlights are required to drive). Any vehicle found on our leases without a valid parking pass will be reported to the County Sheriff and may be towed at the owner's expense. Park only in designated areas which are well-signed on each property. All ranch gates must remain closed and locked. Lease boundaries are well-marked along each stream and crossing such boundaries may constitute trespassing. Pets, smoking and building fires are prohibited on all program properties. Fishing is by fly rod and artificial flies only; all fish must be returned immediately to the stream unharmed. Other rules established for each lease should also be reviewed and observed.
To make a reservation, click on "Available Dates" and select one of our eight properties. After the reservation calendar appears, click on any available date during the current month, or select another month. For first time users, please read the information below before proceding. If you have questions about our properties or how the program works, please email us at booking@southparktrout.com, or contact the program manager at (719)748-1494.
Start by looking at the detailed property descriptions under "Our Properties" to determine which stream(s) look appealing. Then look at the "Reservation Calendar" for that property to see if your preferred date is available. You may also want to look at the "Current Conditions" report for that property to see what other anglers have to say about the fishing. Since there are typically more property options available on weekdays, it helps to be flexible and have alternate properties or dates in mind. 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 up to four 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, anglers can split into two groups of 2-3 anglers, then each group can switch leases after lunch.
Established in 2002 by the Park County Tourism Office and local ranchers, the South Park Fly Fishers program re-establishes fishing opportunities that existed here in the 1960s. The goal of this not-for-profit program is to maintain high quality habitat and fishing experiences over time. Over the years we have secured fly-fishing leases on eight different ranches. We have also secured conservation easements and accomplished significant habitat improvements on the properties we lease. The majority of each rod fee goes directly to the participating rancher. The balance is used to closely manage each property contained in the program. Established in 2008, Tarryall Mountain Farms is now using one of our property leases (Lower Allen Creek Ranch) to grow fresh produce and serve as a farmer's market during summer (see www.tarryallmountainfarms.org).
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. Several of these properties are now available for a daily fee through the South Park Fly Fishers program.
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, restored stream and riparian habitat, and preserved numerous historic sites and structures on the properties we lease for fishing. In addition to miles of private trout streams, our property leases also support abundant watchable wildlife. For more information about Park County's heritage resources, please visit www.parkcountyheritage.com.
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. PLEASE do not urinate or deficate near ranch structures or within 30 feet of the stream. The nearest services and facilities are described for each property under "Our Properties." In addtion, there is a link to area lodging options under "Lodging" on the top menu.
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.