Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/15/2026
Conditions:
Deckers is subject to the decisions made at the Cheesman Canyon dam. While there are other feeder creeks, this is the main source of flows for this section of the South Platte River. Things dipped a little bit and have come down from close to 250 cfs and are now sitting at 143cfs. While this is still good, the fish do need to adjust and will be more picky than when flows were higher. Along with this, we should see the algae blooms begin to become more prevalent.
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 -
Today is scheduled to be wet and rainy. This is just what the doctor ordered! With the cloud cover and the bottom release, expect this section of the South Platte to remain cooler longer than other areas.
Long Term -
This week's weather is a bit spotty. Through the weekend, there are solid chances for the afternoon thunderstorms we have been seeing so far this week. This continues throughout the week with a mild window around Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are set to be in the upper 70's and into the mid 80's.
Hatches:
Hatches have been sparse and far between as of late. Look for the Tricos to be the mainstay as we continue through the dog days of summer. Caddis will continue to be flying around, and PMD activity is also continuing in the system.
Tactics:
Hopper dropper rigs are a great way to fish Deckers during the summer. Especially with lower flows. This allows you to headhunt a little and cast a large bug to otherwise picky fish. Cover water and explore different water types. Hit the banks, riffles, and pool shelves.
Tips:
Find feeding fish! 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:
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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.
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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