Current Conditions
Recent Reports
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 steveparrottDeckers 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
Flow: 324 cfs, Trumbull
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Upper 50’s to low 60’s
Hatches: Midges, blue-winged olives, yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, and caddis
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent river levels and hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, PMD’s, yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, and caddis
Tips and Other Information: Heavy rainfall above Cheesman Reservoir and in South Park has the South Platte River on the rise. Currently Cheesman Reservoir is full pool, with 112 cfs of water flowing over the spillway. Despite the heavy fishing pressure, the river is fishing well. San Juan Worms, stonefly nymphs, scuds, or caddis larvae are good attractors right now. Dropper flies of choice have been midges in the a.m., followed by Baetis nymphs in the afternoon. Caddis larvae and pupae are a major factor in fly selection right now, especially in the afternoon. Buckskins, hydropyches, and Barr’s Graphic Caddis are must-haves right now. Elk Hair Caddis have been picking up a decent number of fish, especially if you skate them! Golden stoneflies are now hatching in the Deckers area as well. A size 10 Amy’s Ant is a good option, especially if you opt to fish with dry and dropper rigs.
Note: Deckers is getting loved to death right now. Crowds have been super heavy due to it’s easy access. I am seeing wear and tear on the fish, so please make sure you pinch down your barbs, wet your hands before handling them, and release them as fast as you can after catching them.
Effective Patterns: #16-18 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #10 Pat’s Rubber Legs, #14 San Juan Worm, #14 orange or olive UV Scud, #18-20 Buckskin, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #14-16 yellow Stimulator, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #20-22 Jujubaetis, #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20 Top Secret Midge, #20-22 Mercury Flashback RS 2, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #10 Amy’s Ant, #20 Sparkle Dun (BWO) #16 Sparkle Dun (PMD), #16 Cannon’s Snowshoe Dun (PMD), and #24 Parachute Adams.