Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/21/2026
Conditions:
Flows are back up! Up until now, Deckers has been tough. Even though 184 cfs is still fairly low for Deckers overall, it is better than where we were a few days ago, when flows were sub-150 cfs. Fish will still be wary but have the chance to move back into their feeding lanes. With summertime heat and lower flows, we have seen plenty of algae build up. With the rain coming this weekend, conditions should only improve.
Guide Reports:
Slow, Pats Rubber Legs and Top Secret Midges produced for us.
The fishing was good in the early morning before the sun came out. It turned off once the sun hit the water. The fish just got very spooky and on high alert. We kind of had to sneak up on them and fish from the bank. The deep runs with some structure held a few feeding fish. For flies, we did well with the tried and true buckskin! We also did have A chubby eat. I wouldn’t say the hopper bite is on yet, but it’s coming! With that being said, make sure you are tossing around your favorite hoppers at least once during the day.
Weather:
Short Term -
A fresh rain system has moved into the Deckers/Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River. Expect cloudy and potentially wet weather for today. It will remain warm with temperatures set to hit 84 degrees.
Long Term -
The rest of the week has more of the same from today in store. All week, they are calling for rain starting in the early afternoon hours and remaining until later in the day. With Colorado coming off a record drought, rain is just what the doctor ordered! As we enter next week, the temps begin to cool slightly and should sit comfortably in the mid 70's throughout.
Hatches:
The bugs have been really sporadic at Deckers as of late. There hasn't been the consistent bug life we have been used to in years past. Talking with some of our guides, there is a belief that the mudslide that hit Cheesman Canyon in 2023 has now flushed a bunch of the fine sediment into the lower reaches and down into Deckers. Possibly negatively affecting the macro invertebrates.
Tactics:
Cover water and look for happy fish. You will see fish thanks to the clarity. Watch them before you fish to them. If they are not actively feeding and seem to be resting or seeking cover, move along; those fish are not going to play nice. Running and gunning with a hopper dropper rig is an excellent approach right now.
Tips:
Be flexible. Make changes regularly if you are not finding success. Covering water will help you put more fish in the net. Fishing downstream a bit from Deckers proper can offer some more solitude compared to the upper section and S Y camp road.
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. There is no better way to learn an area like the Deckers than hiring one of our Orvis-endorsed professional guides!
Recommended Fly Patterns:
Dry Fly Patterns
- Mole Fly, brown, sizes 20-22
- Parachute Adams, sizes 20-24
- Elk Hair Caddis, sizes 16-18
- Parachute PMD, sizes 18-20
- Corn fed caddis, size 16
Nymph Patterns
- RS2, grey, size 20
- Kryptonite caddis, green, sizes 16-18
- Caddis Candy, size 16
- Barrs graphic caddis, tan, sizes 16-18
- Buckskin, size 18-20
- Splitback PMD 18-22
Streamer Patterns
- Baby Gonga, Black
- Flatliner, White
- Slump Buster, Olive
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Details:
The South Platte River at Deckers was devastated by debris in 2002 from Colorado's largest fire in its recorded history followed by two huge floods. Since then, Deckers has been making great progress toward recovery and the debris left over from the fire and floods is being used by caddis for making their cases. The caddis have taken over the river the last few springs. Caddis hatches that rival the famed Arkansas River's "Mother's Day hatch" have happened in Deckers the last four years. It's showing no sign of slowing down.
When the fish aren't coming up to caddis, a tandem nymph rig with typical fare can still be deadly. The summer months can be a lot of fun for anglers that are into throwing streamers and big dry flies. Elk hair caddis, Amy's Ants, stimulators, and foam hoppers such as the streambank hopper are great dry flies to have. Good nymph patterns to carry are: Mercury Pheasant Tails, South Platte Brassies, San Juan Worms, Pat's Rubber Leg Stonefly, RS-2's, Murphy's Bubbleback Midge, Blindside Midges, Buckskins, Top Secret Midges, Medallion Midges, and Black Beauties.
We are so pleased to see this fishery come back strong after the Hayman fire. Deckers has been producing some of the area's strongest, most beautiful trout in the last couple of years. While the area may get crowded, there is a ton of water along the corridor and it's always fun to go seek out new water. As with anywhere on the South Platte, be sure to check the flows before you go. Sudden bumps or drops in the flow will negatively affect the fishing on this river.
Anglers Covey
Deckers is also a great winter fishing destination because it is a tailwater. A tailwater fishery is where a river comes out below a dam; consequently, during the winter months the water temps are just warm enough to stay relatively ice-free all year. Sections where the sun hits the water is where you can find feeding fish. This time of year can be the most productive for solitude-seeking anglers who aren't afraid of using light tippets and very small flies.
This is an area we specialize and are permitted in, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you're interested in allowing one of our Orvis-Endorsed guides show you how best to fish the Deckers area.
South Platte River – Deckers.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
Directions - 40 miles - 49 Minutes
- From Angler's Covey head west on US 24 W/Cimarron St, go 16.7 miles
- Turn right at CO-67 towards Deckers, go 23.1 miles