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.

Updated 8/22/24

Deckers is at 496 cfs after bumping up earlier this week. The water is cold and slightly off-color.

At these flows, you can size up to 4X and throw some bigger lead patterns, like SJ worms and leeches, but go small with your second and third flies. We've seen some tricos, baetis and PMDs hatching, but overall hatches have been sparse. Cover plenty of water to find willing fish.

Updated 8/8/24

On Monday evening, heavy rain around Deckers turned the river muddy, but clarity is back to normal now. That said, flows coming out of Cheesman are 138 cfs and 243 cfs at Brush Creek. While air temps have cooled off, please continue to monitor for high water temps becuase of the lower flows.

Hatch activity remains mostly unchanged from our last update. Be on the lookout for mayfly munchers on the overcast days with some moisture!

Updated 7/30/24

Flows are 258 cfs here as of Tuesday. Given the heat wave, beware of high water temps as you move down river during hot afternoons. Please handle fish with extra care and cease fishing if water temps exceed 67 degrees.

With the low, clear water, dry fly fishing has been good and we're seeing some trico activity, in addition to some hatches of midges, caddis and PMDs. It can be a lot of fun this time of year if you can find some takers on tiny dry flies.

The South Platte River near Deckers during summer offers anglers the opportunity to catch fish during diverse insect activity while nymphing and dry fly fishing.

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

Stoneflies: Stonefly nymphs become more active as the weather warms up. Carry patterns like Amy's Ants, Pat's Rubber Legs, Hare's Ear Nymphs, or Prince Nymphs in sizes #10 to #14.

Pale Morning Duns: PMD nymph patterns should be on all your rigs in afternoons this time of year. Split-back PMD emergers or Mercury Pheasant Tails make for great imitations.

Tricos: This tiny mayfly can mean loads of fun for the dry fly fisher man or woman. Sunked trico patterns or small RS2s in black are great imitations.

Caddisflies: Caddis activity increases as temperatures rise. Patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Stimulators in sizes #14 to #18 can be effective imitations.

Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): These may hatch sporadically in spring. Carry patterns like Parachute Adams, Sparkle Duns, or Pheasant Tails in sizes #18 to #22 to imitate BWOs.

Midges: Midges are prevalent year-round, but their activity may increase in spring. Use patterns like Zebra Midges, RS2s (Rim's Semblance 2), Mercury Midges, or Disco Midges in sizes ranging from #18 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 spring fishing in the area. They often have firsthand knowledge that can greatly enhance your fishing experience.

Pictures by @ddrapsflyfishing