If you've spent time chasing big trout in Colorado, you've heard about Antero. But serious stillwater anglers know that just a few miles away, Spinney Mountain Reservoir quietly produces some of the largest trout in the state — and with significantly less pressure on the right days. This is a complete guide to fishing Spinney: when to go, where to stand, and what to throw.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir is fed by the South Platte River and sits in South Park at around 8,700 feet. The cold, clear water and rich food base — dominated by chironomids, damsels, and scuds — creates ideal conditions for growing large trout. The fishery is managed as a trophy water, with special regulations limiting harvest. The result: a consistent population of rainbow and cutbow trout in the 18–26 inch range, with true giants lurking in the deeper water.
Spinney fishes well throughout the open water season, but two windows stand out:
Spinney's most productive areas are the western shoreline flats where depth transitions from 8–15 feet, and the inlet area near the South Platte inflow. The red-bottomed areas around the reservoir are rich in chironomid larvae — find that red bottom and you'll find feeding fish. Wind pushes food against the eastern shore on westerly days, making that bank productive in afternoon sessions.
Chironomids are the dominant food source at Spinney year-round. Start with a Chocolate Gold or Snow Cone in #14 set 2 feet off the bottom. Work depth methodically until you find fish — and "methodically" matters; it's the part most anglers skip. (We wrote a whole post on how to actually dial in chironomid depth because it's that important.) When fish are near the surface during heavy hatches, a Chirono'midge' in #16–18 hung just under a small indicator can be deadly. On stained-water days or during low-light periods, dark patterns like the Burnt Wino excel.
If Antero was your home water in 2025 — heads up that Antero is closed for the 2026 season due to drought-driven drawdown. Spinney is the closest, most direct substitute. Same forage profile, same chironomid program, same trophy potential. Eleven Mile and Carter Lake are the next two pivots most anglers are making this year.
Trout Tricks guides Spinney Mountain Reservoir throughout the season. We know this water intimately — the depths, the hatches, the seasonal patterns — and we'll put you on fish efficiently. Whether it's your first time at Spinney or you're trying to crack a tough bite, a guided day here is one of the best investments you can make as a stillwater angler.
Recommended reading: our South Park fly fishing guide, chironomid fishing on South Park reservoirs, and our trophy trout playbook.
Every fly mentioned in this guide is hand-tied fresh to order by Thomas Frank. Proven on Colorado's best stillwaters — tied on 2x heavy wire hooks with tungsten beads.
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