Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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Report Date: 8/12/2025
Current Conditions:
The only good thing with dry conditions in Denver is that water demand increases and so do the flows from Cheesman. Current flows through the Deckers corridor are at 295 cfs. These are just about as perfect flows as you could ask for here. These are ideal flows for the area and in our opinion some of the best fishing in the region right now. Water temps are also cold with all of the water coming from the bottom valve in Cheesman dam. These flows have the fish spread out and they are fat and happy. The nymph game has been the best and these higher flows will slow the dry fly fishing down a bit. We have no idea how long these flows will last, so get in there NOW!
Cheesman reservoir is currently 91% full
Hatches:
There is a wide array of bug activity in the canyon right now. PMD's, caddis, tricos, and midges have all been active. Its getting exciting here in terms of bug variety and anglers will want to expand their fly boxes a bit more right now. With these higher flows scuds, cranefly larva, worms, and stones will also be become a factor.
Tactics:
Nymphing is the ideal tactic right now with these flows. Depth/weight will always be the most important thing with nymphing, but especially now. Focus on seams, shelves, and transition points in the river. Make sure your flies are getting down!
Tips:
Keep your head on a swivel during rainstorms in the canyon. This area can flood very easily with heavy rains. Considering our forecast, it would be wise to plan your day around the weather.
Weather:
Short Term- We had a cold front come into the area on Saturday evening and that cooled things off by almost 20 degrees. We have seen cooler than average temps over the last few days. Things will start to warm up again and will stay in the mid to upper 80's through this week. Unfortunately, rain chances will also be pretty low during this time. A stray thunderstorm is always a possibility though, so be sure to keep an eye on the sky, especially in the afternoons.
Long Term- As we head into this coming weekend, temps will cool slightly and we will have increased chances of rain. In general, we will remain very dry and fire danger is at an all time high. Lows will be in the mid to upper 50's with highs in the 80's. Most areas in the state are now under some sort of fire restrictions. Looking further ahead, this pattern will be persistent as far as we can see. Long range forecasts are pointing at an extended summer season and an extreme danger of wildfires through the fall.
This is an area we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in Cheesman. There is not better way to learn an area like Cheesman Canyon than hiring one of our Orvis endorsed professional guides!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Guides choice hares ear, sizes 18-20
- Barrs PMD emerger, sizes 16-18
- Foamback emerger, black/brown, sizes 20-22
- Barrs cranefly, size 10
- Slapshot scud, orange and green, size 16
- Jedi Master, Olive, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
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- Barrs vis a dun, black, size 22
- Elk Hair caddis, tan, sizes 16-18
- Sparkle dun, PMD, sizes 16-18
- Stubby chubby, dark, sizes 14-16
- Chubby, yellow, green, sizes 12-14
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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