Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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WINTER HOURS: 9AM TO 6PM DAILY
Report Date: 4/19/2024
Current Conditions:
The flows have decreased out of Cheesman to 83 cfs. Flows in Deckers are around 143 cfs. and this signifies some lower elevation rain/snow melt entering the system. We do expect the flows out of Cheesman to fluctuate pretty good through spring. Denver Water will be running ALL downstream water demand through Cheesman. We expect the flows to vary between 100-200 cfs. through at least April.
The fishing has been great in the Deckers corridor. Fish are feeding opportunistically throughout the day, but especially when the midges start hatching. When the river bumps in flows, be sure to augment some larger patterns into your offering. It has been extremely busy in the canyon recently. Keep in mind that there are parts of the trail that can get a little sketchy.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 93% full.
Hatches:
As usual for this time of year, BWO's are becoming more prominent and midges are also still very active. We are seeing some great BWO hatches starting around noon each day. Dont be afraid to add larger food sources into your offering. Scuds, cranefly larva and leaches. Mix these in with your standard small fare.
Tactics:
For Nymphing- Depth and weight will be very important right now. The fish will not move much to feed. Sometimes you will need to get your flies right on their noses. Stay persistent and adjust your rig.This will be more important than what flies you are fishing. Pay attention to your presentation.
The dry fly fishing (BWO's) has been very good on most days. Cloudier days have afforded some of the heaviest early spring BWO's we have seen in quite some time here. Fish are venturing out into more riffle type water when the midges and baetis are hatching. A focus on presentation will remain the most important component of your tactics.
This can also be a great time of year to throw some streamers.
Tips:
Be mobile and move around for the most success. Fish are occupying deeper water but are willing to move around a fair amount when there are good hatches. Focus on areas of the river that see more sun (There are some stretches that do not see any sun for months) These areas will promote more bug activity. Nymphing will be the most successful method at this time, but your fly location (depth) will be the biggest factor in success.
Weather:
Short Term- Today and Saturday we will see some variable weather in the area. There is actually a winter storm warning in this area tonight. Temps will be chilly today and Saturday with highs only in the 40's. Precipitation chances are also around 90%, so you can expect some snow/rain. It does look like we could see sustained precipitation for about a 24 hour period. Starting on Sunday, we will see a good rebound to nice spring temperatures and sunshine. Things will stay nice through the week and we will again have some precipitation chances around 4/23. Temps next week will be in the 60's and 70's.
Long Term- After this next week, it looks like we will largely remain in a typical spring pattern. Some very warm days followed by some precipitation chances. Spring is one of the most difficult times of the year to predict weather, and we will have to take the forecast in shorter periods for the most accuracy. All signs are pointing to a good weather event on or around 4/26. Right now this looks to favor higher elevations east of the continental divide. This area could see a significant amount of moisture. As always, we will have to wait and see how that pans out. The south platte basin is currently sitting at 99% of average with less than a week to go until we peak in snowpack. While there is still some time to add to our snowpack, that time is getting thin.
*Seasonal snowpack update*
Denver Water has informed us that snowpack levels look very good for this season. With most reservoirs already full, they do anticipate filling all of their reservoirs this spring. One thing to add is that soil moisture is also very high. This goes hand in hand with our snowpack and can also help predict how good our water season will be. We should see a bit higher and more consistent flows along the south platte river this season. Of course, the flows are all strictly based on water demand so we will have to see how this pans out. Overall, great news for our season ahead.
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22,
- Annelids, red, sizes 16-22
- WD40, green, grey, size 20
- RS2, grey, sizes 18-24
- Top Secret, brown, sizes 20-22
- Mini leach, black, brown, sizes 14-16
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown. Size 22
- Neil's BWO, green. Sizes 22 & 24
- Matt's Midge, black. Size 22
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
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- Wooly Buggers, black, green, brown, Natural. Sizes 12-8
- Baby Gonga, brown, grey. Size 6
- Slumpbuster, natural, size 6-8
Standard South Platte nymph rig set up:
Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
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.
I'm 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.
Jon Easdon, Guide and Director of Services
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.
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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