Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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Report Date: 1/30/2026
Current Conditions:
The flows out of Chessman came up again yesterday. Current flows in Deckers are at 202 cfs. and rather high for this time of year. For perspective, average winter flows in this area are about 80-100 cfs, so this is quite a bit more water. The river is a little off color but these flows have gotten rid of some ice lower in the corridor. We typically dont see the flows come up all that much this time of year. This is in response to increased downstream water demand due to our dry and mild weather. This flow bump should really kick things into a different gear, as long as it lasts a little bit. Looking at our forecast, they should stay well above average flows. The fishing was great yesterday and should continue. Even with the increase in water, still focus on the softer and deeper areas of the river. The river is technical and attention to detail is key to success. Nymphing has and will be the most productive method right now. The dry fly fishing can be good as well in certain areas. Again, look for the slower tailouts for fish eating on the surface. These fish want good, clean drifts! Longer leaders and lighter tippet are a good idea.
Weather:
Short Term- No surprise here, but we have entered another dry and mild stretch of weather in the area. Temps this week will still be cool, but above average high temps for this time of year. Morning lows will be chilly but things should warm up by 10am or so each day. As we head to the weekend, we will actually have some beautiful conditions. Temps will get into the upper 50's and 60's and winds look calm. By all accounts, it should be a beautiful weekend to get outside!
Long Term- At the beginning of next week, it does look like a small storm will pass through the area on Tuesday. Initial forecasts dont predict much happening here and we shouldnt see any snow. Temps will cool into the 40's. As the week progresses, we will slowly warm up each day towards the weekend. Next weekend will be warmer than average as well. We will see dry and mild conditions until around February 10th. Then we may finally have something to talk about... After MONTHS of dry weather and record low snowpack, the overall storm pattern looks to be shifting around 2/10. This forecast is still way too far away to predict anything, but the atmospheric signs of change are there. We can only hope that this comes to fruition and we can start getting some consistent storms. February and March are historically our biggest snow months, so we are running out of time to catch up. Keep your fingers crossed, and yes...continue to do those snow dances.
This is an area we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in the USFS section of Deckers. There is not better way to learn an area like this 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:
- Money Midge, tan, size 22
- No mercy midge, brown, size 20
- Slapshot scud, orange, size 16
- Scud bomb, rainbow or orange, sizes 14-16
- Pale ale midge, tan, size 22-24
- Bling midge, tan, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown, sizes 20-22
- Parachute Adams, sizes 22-24
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
Keep them small and slow down your retrieve!
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