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 hatches of midges, PMD’s, and caddis
Tips and Other Information: Flows are low considering the time of year. The South Platte at Deckers is currently running at about 94 cfs, as the tributaries are adding some additional water. Cheesman Reservoir is 18,000 Acre Feet from full pool (75% full), so expect low flows for a while. The good news is Spinney Reservoir is full, Eleven Mile Reservoir is at 103 percent, and Tarryall Creek is dumping in 120 cfs into the South Platte above Cheesman Reservoir. Currently inflows are about 450 cfs, which is great news. In the mean time, anglers can plan on good fishing despite the low water. Look for strong hatches of midges, sporadic BWO’s, PMD’s, and excellent caddis. The caddis fishing has been something to talk about lately. The South Platte trout are feasting on caddis pupae as well as adults in riffled water. Its hard to go wrong with Graphic Caddis and Elk Hair Caddis to match the hatch. Water temps have been in the mid 40’s during the morning, but rising quickly the low 60’s mid afternoon. Please pinch your barbs and release the trout quickly. Keep them in water as much as possible and try to keep your photos (especially grip and grins) to a minimum until the flow improves. It’s important to quit fishing once the water temperature reaches 65 degrees, so start early and finish early to protect this valuable resource.
Effective Patterns:#20-22 Medallion Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22-24 Black Beauty, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #20-24 Top Secret Midge, #22-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #20 JujuBaetis, #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20 Mercury Flashback PT, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #20-22 Griffith Gnat, #20-22 Matt’s Midge, #20-22 Sparkle Dun, #20-22 Blue Dun, #20-22 Blue Quill, and #20-24 Parachute Adams.