Recent Reports
Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report:
About Fly Fishing at Deckers on the South Platte River in Colorado
Just below Cheesman Canyon is the world-class Deckers area with outstanding opportunity to catch memorable fish. Located about an hour outside Denver, this area of the South Platte River defines the legendary fly fishing that Colorado is known for across the world. While trout feed throughout the year in this rich fishery, slow runs, riffles, and deep pockets will put your angling skills to the test. This is an ideal area with sensational scenery to fly fish on foot and access is easy so you won’t have to worry about hiking in. However, the opportunity for exceptional fishing is extensive throughout this area, so don’t be afraid to strike out and explore. While you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy the scenery. There’s a good chance that you’ll spot eagles, mule deer, and other Colorado wildlife.
How’s the Fishing at Deckers on the South Platte River?
Simply put, the fishing here is amazing. With its relatively close proximity to Denver, and a reputation that’s hard to beat, don’t expect solitary fishing. Our renowned experts and fly fishing guides at The Blue Quill Angler have found the best fishing between the Bridge Crossing and the lower boundary of the Wigwam Club. Caddis hatches have been phenomenal over the last few years and show no signs of slowing down. What’s more, it’s not uncommon to catch trophy size trout here. Since Deckers is technically a tailwater, you can find good fishing and solitude here during the winter if you aren’t afraid of using light tippets and particularly small flies. Our renowned fly fishing guides, to include Colorado’s only two Simms Ambassadors, know every aspect of Deckers on the South Platte River and we invite you to join us on one of our guided fly fishing trips to Deckers.
Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: Deckers – South Platte River
/in Deckers, Fishing Reports /by 8twhb6fNxqt7w9MDeckers is a world-renowned stretch of the South Platte River. There are miles of public water to fish in and around the hamlet of Deckers.
Current Conditions
Clarity: Excellent
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches of midges
Tips and Other Information:Cheesman Reservoir is currently 45 percent full, so Denver Water is keeping the outflows low all winter long. Currently the lower river is frozen and slush ice is big problem on below Bridge Crossing until mid day. Above Bridge Crossing, the river is open, but the water is very cold. Morning water temps have been 34 degrees, rising up to 36 degrees mid day. Feeder streams (from low-level run-off) are adding an additional 10 cfs of water to the Deckers-area. Anglers should prepare themselves for sporadic hatches of midges. It’s hard to go wrong with an egg-midge combo right now. Top producers have been size 24 Black Beauties, Top Secret Midges, and Bling Midges. The optimum window of opportunity is between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Make sure you target the slow, deep pools where the trout’s concentration is the highest this time of year. Expect heavy crowds in and around the Deckers area.
Effective Patterns:#22-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #20 Mercury Blood Midge, #20 Red Larva, #20 Pale Olive Larva, #22-24 Black Beauty, #22 Mercury Flashback Black Beauty, #22 JujuBaetis, #22-24 Medallion Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-24 Top Secret Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #22-24 Matt’s Midge, #22-24 Griffith Gnat, and #20-26 Parachute Adams.