Hartsel Ranch
- 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
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
Guest reviews
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