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Fishing Report:  Deckers

South Platte River 

About Deckers

The mileage below Cheesman Canyon is the renowned Deckers area, a world-class fishery with easy access and lots of opportunity. The best fishing is from Bridge Crossing to the lower boundary of the Tee Pee Club. Like Cheesman Canyon, the fish are challenging to catch, and there is no substitution for a good dead drift. Deckers can offer good dry fly fishing at times but like upstream in the “The Canyon” a good nympher will catch the majority of fish. Anglers can expect to catch assortment of browns and rainbows with some exceeding 20 inches. The river is made up of riffles, runs, shelves and gravel bars, and nice pocket water. The ideal flow for Deckers is between 150 and 400 cfs. The regulations are two trout over 16 inches in length and flies and lures only. Please consider catch and release on all fish caught in the area.

Suggested Flies
Juju Baetis - The Blue Quill Angler
Juju Baetis - The Blue Quill Angler
Juju Baetis - The Blue Quill Angler
Juju Baetis - The Blue Quill Angler

Juju Baetis

$2.25
Hi-Vis Parachute Adams - The Blue Quill Angler
Hi-Vis Parachute Adams - The Blue Quill Angler

Hi-Vis Parachute Adams

$2.25
Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat - The Blue Quill Angler
Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat - The Blue Quill Angler

Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat

$2.25
Latest Report

Updated 2/4/25

With the mild weather this week, bugs and fish are more active. That said, flows are 126 cfs coming out of Cheesman so stealth is still necessary as always during winter fishing. If you're not seeing many fish, keep covering water to find their winter lies where they tend to concentrate this time of year. Fly selection from our last update still applies.

Temps are looking nice the rest of the week, but there are some high winds in the forecast so keep that in mind if you're planning of fishing.

Updated 12/18/24

Winter fishing is in full swing! Outflows have bumped to 192 cfs, which is high for this time of year. Nymph the slow, deep pools where fish tend to hold in the winter.

For rigging, go with two or three flies -- all midges or BWO-midge combos. There are still some BWOs around. An egg-midge combo is also a solid choice right now. When selecting flies for winter, remember to go small! 

Seasonal Tips/Hatches

Given that the South Platte River near Deckers is a tailwater, this stretch makes for one of our go-to winter fishing areas. Winter midging here is the name of the game and can be downright excellant on some days. Most days during this season though, expect to work hard for each and every fish.

Here are some effective fly patterns to consider for wintertime fishing in this area:

Attractors: Eggs or small worms are typical go-to patterns throughout the winter. Try a size 18 Micro Egg. 

Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): Small BWOs hatch from Fall to early Winter, tapering off as temps get colder. Dor dries, carry Hif-Vis Baetis and Parachute Adams in sizes #22 to #24. For nymph, pheasant tails, Jujubaetis, RS2s, and foam wing emergers in the same sizes.

Midges: Midges are prevalent year-round and will be the only main staple throughout winter. Use patterns like Blood Midges, Black Beauties, and Pale Olive Larvas in sizes ranging from #22 to #24.

As always, observe the water conditions, insect activity, and the behavior of the fish to determine the most effective patterns and presentations. Adjust your techniques throughout the day as conditions change.

The shop staff and guides at The Blue Quill Angler are very familiar with the South Platte River near Deckers and can provide specific insights into recent hatches, successful patterns, and techniques tailored for winter fishing in the area. They often have firsthand knowledge that can greatly enhance your fishing experience.

Weather
Recent Pictures
Deckers (3).png__PID:626db466-c50f-460f-83f1-e2db07ae187e
Deckers (4).png__PID:b466c50f-960f-43f1-a2db-07ae187eb8f3
Deckers (5).png__PID:960f83f1-e2db-47ae-987e-b8f3c4441c26

Pictures by @ddrapsflyfishing

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