Private property dominates the lower section of the South Fork, while the Flattops Wilderness holds the upper section captive. A fine walking trail follows the fork upstream from the South Fork Campground some 15 miles. The South Fork offers wonderful small stream fishing for beautiful cutthroats, brookies, rainbows and browns up to 14 inches and larger.

Attractor flies combined with caddis patterns in sizes 14-18 are successful here. Elk Hair Caddis, Humpies, Royal Wulff and Adams, supplemented with terrestrials and smaller nymph droppers, will get all the action you want on these willing fish. Stimulator and grasshopper patterns produce later in the summer.

The main river begins to awaken in April with midge action, and by mid-April BWOs bring fish rushing to the surface. The big smorgasbord arrives in May with the incredible annual caddis hatch beginning downstream in Meeker. The caddis hatch moves upstream until runoff blows the river out. Fishing the hatch is similar to other waters. I fish caddis nymphs or soft hackles with a stonefly dropper in the morning until the hatch begins, usually around noon. Just about any dry caddis pattern in sizes 14-18 will attract fish when the fish begin to feed on the surface. Caddis patterns continue to work well throughout the summer during the evening hatches.

Some Pale Morning Dun, Red Quill and Green Drake hatches occur through July and August, and by late August Stimulators and 'hopper patterns will become important terrestrial fly patterns. Marty Bartholomew highly recommends a little black beetle with orange markings on its back on into September as well.

Fall provides the best brown trout fishing of the year. The river is full of large browns feeding heavily during their spawning run. Winter fishing is productive, with plenty of open water available on the lower river. As expected, winter fish will congregate in the deeper holes and be lethargic. Throughout the cold months of winter and early spring, bead head nymphs are the predominant lure for White River trout. Fish size 14-20 Hare's Ears, Princes and Pheasant Tails bouncing along the bottom.

RIVER ACCESS
Public access to the main stem of the White is somewhat limited, but fishing pressure is generally light, leaving lots of open water at access points. Prime fishing exists in Meeker's city park. Following County Road 8 about one mile east of Colorado 13, you will see some green cabins. The road side of the river is open to the public for some two miles upstream to the Nelson-Prather easement. Be sure to stay on the road side of the river to avoid private property.

About 4.5 miles upriver is the Wakara Ranch easement access. The Sleepy Cat access is about 14.5 miles upstream from the road junction. Lake Avery access is some 20 miles to an unmarked gravel road on the left. At Buford, take County Road 17 one mile south to the access road to the Bellaire Unit on the South Fork of the White River. Some 24 miles upriver on County Road 8 is an intersection with County 14. Turn right on 14 and drive about a mile to the county campground. Public fishing exists downstream through the county picnic area.

Farther upstream, you will find three additional access points within the White River National Forest below Trapper's Lake.

OTHER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
Should you tire of wading the heavier waters of the White, there are myriad small tributaries with excellent fishing as well as topnotch lake fishing nearby. Trapper's Lake sits at the edge of the Flattops Wilderness and serves as a great cutthroat fishery. Local resorts and outfitters provide access to Colorado's unmatched backcountry fishing experience amidst the Flattops' wildlife-rich, pristine wilderness.