Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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Report Date: 1/9/2026
Current Conditions:
Winter conditions have settled in the Deckers corridor now. Although the weather didnt feel like winter, it sure does now! The flows in Deckers did come down a bit and are currently at 89 cfs. We will see the flows at or right around this rate through the winter. If we see another sustained warm period, it will be likely that the flows will come up a bit. The fishing has been good and there have been some great midge hatches as well. The fish are in winter mode so the focus should be in areas that do have some deeper and slower holding water. Things are technical as usual, but the persistent angler will find success. Focus not only on the patterns and sizes, but also on your presentation. Thats probably the most important aspect right now. Also be sure to thoroughly fish your water. We have observed some redds in the river. Even if there are not fish occupying these redds, please avoid them at all costs! They are likely holding eggs.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 84% full
Hatches:
Midges are the name of the game, with a few BWOs sprinkled into the mix. This is expected and typical for this time of the year. We have seen some great windows of good dry fly fishing, especially in the afternoons.
Tactics:
Nymphing is always the best way to fish this area, but we have seen some good action on both dry flies and small streamers too.
Tips:
Pay attention to presentation in here. Adjust your presentation before you start changing flies. The fish have seen a lot of people and a lot of flies this year. They are a little more selective on what they are eating. Pay attention to the bug life and their general sizes.
Weather:
Short Term- The weather finally got its act together and remembered its winter. This much anticipated storm made its way through the state yesterday. Up here we saw a good amount of snow overnight. Snow showers will still be possible here throughout today. Temps are cold and feel more normal for January. The storm will exit the state throughout the day and we could even see some clear skies by this evening. Morning lows will be very cold over the next few days. As we head into the weekend we will still be cold but we will gradually warm up each day into next week. Highs will be in the 40's Saturday and the 50's on Sunday. Another high pressure ridge will set up and we will see dry and mild conditions through the week. Not the best scenario for our snowpack, but at least the higher elevations in the basin got a little bit of snow. Snowpack still remains historically low.
Long Term- The longer range forecast is a bit tricky. Initially it looked like another system was going to come into our area late next week. Those chances have greatly diminished and the stubborn ridge of high pressure we will get next week will prevent any storms from entering the area. Temps will cool again next weekend to more seasonal averages, but it doesnt look like we should see any precipitation. All signs are pointing to a quiet and dry remainder of the month. Lets hope February can bring us some resolve to our sad snowpack conditions.
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:
- Daysaver midge, olive, size 22
- No mercy midge, brown, size 20
- Blindside Midge, grey, purple, sizes 20-22
- Pheasant tail.(no flashback) sizes 20-22
- Stalcups baetis, olive size 22
- Bling midge, tan, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Barrs vis a dun, olive, size 22
- Micro CDC cripple, olive, size 22
- Mole Fly, brown, sizes 20-22
- Smokejumper, baetis, sizes 22-24
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
*Wooly buggers, black, brown, sizes 8-12
*Sculpzilla, black or olive, size 8
*Baby Gonga, yellow, size 6
*Poacher, olive, size 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