Meridia

Hartsel Ranch

New on MeridiaHartsel, CO
  • Guided trips

Historic Colorado ranch on the South Platte River offering year-round fly and wade fishing for brown trout, rainbows, and pike across three miles of private Gold Medal water plus access to nearby reservoirs. Founded in 1862, Hartsel Ranch combines lodging in the original lodge and cabins with guided trips on some of Colorado's most productive stillwater and river fisheries.

Why book

Historic Colorado ranch with three miles of private Gold Medal water and year-round access to trophy-trout reservoirs in the high country.

Overview

Hartsel Ranch sits in South Park, Colorado, on the South Platte River at 9,000 feet elevation, offering 14 rooms across a historic main lodge and cabins for up to 28 guests. The property controls three miles of private Gold Medal water on the South Platte, plus guided access to Spinney Mountain Reservoir (rainbows and cutthroats averaging 17–20 inches), Eleven Mile Reservoir (17-inch average with kokanee and carp), and the Dream Stream section between the two reservoirs, famed for

At a glance

Type
Ranch
Fishiness
4/5
Location
Hartsel, CO
Best for
Fly Fishing, Freshwater, Trophy Fish, All Inclusive

What you'll catch

Amenities & features

Amenities

  • Tackle Shop / Fly Shop
  • Gear Rental
  • Breakfast Included
  • Fire Pit

Fishing styles

  • Fly Fishing
  • Wade Fishing
  • Lake Fishing

Techniques

  • Bottom Fishing

Water types

  • Freshwater

Seasons

  • Year-Round

Skill level

  • Beginner
  • Advanced

Best for

  • Big Groups
  • Private Buyouts

Themes

  • Historic
  • Riverside

Climate

  • Mountains
  • Alpine

Lodging style

  • Ranch

What's included

Included

  • Lodging in historic lodge or cabins
  • Continental breakfast for lodge guests
  • Access to private water on South Platte River
  • Access to nearby public waters and reservoirs
  • Access to ranch amenities (fireplace room, great room, outdoor fire pit)

Not included

  • Flights
  • Alcohol
  • Gratuities
  • Colorado fishing license

Rooms

Seasons

Hartsel Ranch offers a year-round fly fishing experience on the South Platte River, with distinct opportunities throughout the seasons. The spring and fall are particularly noted for their excellent trout fishing, with hatches becoming more active and the fish feeding aggressively. Summer provides pleasant weather for fishing, though the high country can experience afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers a unique, serene experience with fewer anglers and the possibility of catching large trout in clear, cold water, provided conditions are safe. The ranch provides access to three miles of private water on the South Platte River, renowned for its Gold Medal status. Additionally, guests have access to nearby Antero, Spinney Mountain, and Eleven Mile reservoirs, which offer diverse stillwater fishing opportunities. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is highlighted for its exceptional trout fishing, with rainbows, cutthroat, browns, and pike, and an average trout size of 17-20 inches. Eleven Mile Reservoir also boasts a robust population of trout, with an average of 17 inches and many larger specimens, along with kokanee salmon and carp. Antero Reservoir is noted for its brown and rainbow trout, though it was closed for 2026 at the time of this writing. The 'Dream Stream' section of the South Platte, between Spinney and Eleven Mile, is famed for trophy-sized trout.

Open year-round

Lodge open
Peak — go nowIn seasonOff-season

Trip planning

Sleeps
Up to 28 guests
Rooms
14 rooms

Gear

Gear provided.

High-quality Simms and Patagonia waders, top-tier rods and reels available.

Where you are

Nearby destinations

Towns, regions, and wild places worth exploring around the lodge.

Frequently asked

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