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South Platte River

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
70
Species
29

The South Platte River is a legendary fishing destination that flows from Colorado into Nebraska, offering diverse fishing opportunities from pristine mountain sections to prairie waterways. This river has achieved near-mythical status among fly fishing enthusiasts for its abundant trout populations and challenging yet rewarding fishing conditions. Many sections in Colorado boast Gold Medal Water status, with some areas containing as many as 7,000 fish per mile. From high-mountain headwaters through granite canyons to plains waterways, the South Platte provides anglers with varied fishing experiences for trophy-sized trout in Colorado and a mix of warm and cold water species as it continues into Nebraska.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on South Platte River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

O'Brian Gulch Campground

O'Brian Gulch Campground

Access Point
SY Camp Road Access

SY Camp Road Access

Access Point
Forest Road 96 Fishing Access Site

Forest Road 96 Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Pine Creek Access

Pine Creek Access

Access Point
Country Road Fishing Access Site

Country Road Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Idlewild Fishing Access Site

Idlewild Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Northrup Gulch Trail Fishing Access Site

Northrup Gulch Trail Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Forest Road 96 Fishing Access Site

Forest Road 96 Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Dam Outlet Access

Dam Outlet Access

Access Point
Eleven Mile Picnic Area Fishing Access Site

Eleven Mile Picnic Area Fishing Access Site

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on South Platte River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Colorado Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Colorado Fishing License

Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. ​Youth under age 16 fish for free.

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Colorado Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Colorado Parks & Wildlife State Park Pass

Annual passes provide a full 12 months of unlimited access to all state parks across Colorado.​​​ ​

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Colorado Stream Access Laws

With no clear test of navigability, no applicable statutes, and a tendency of courts to categorize all streams in Colorado as non-navigable, waterfront landowners' rights encompass the banks, beds, and waters of rivers. The public has no guaranteed recreation rights in non-navigable waters or their streambeds. CO Fishing Regulations: "It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to 5 years."

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Take South Platte River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around South Platte River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for South Platte River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish South Platte River and check the forecast before you go.

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