Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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SUMMER HOURS: 6AM TO 6PM DAILY
Report Date: 7/23/2024
Current Conditions:
The flows continue to slowly drop down to more seasonal averages. Flows are at 255 this morning and the river has been fishing great. One thing to keep in mind here is that all of the releases from Cheesman reservoir are coming from the bottom valve in the dam. This has kept the water temps really cold in the canyon and downstream. Keep this in mind if you are planning on wet wading. Water temps are in the 40's each morning and only warming into the 50's. These colder temps have tamped down the hatches a bit and its basically back to the standard smaller bugs right now. Things have gotten a lot more technical, but the angler can still mix in some larger food sources. With all downstream water demand coming from Cheesman for the time being, we do expect the flows out of Cheesman to fluctuate pretty good through summer.
Hatch specific bugs should always be a focus here. Dont be afraid to start throwing those 20-24 sized patterns again. It has been extremely busy in the Deckers corridor recently. There has been a lot of regular recreation traffic (tubers) as well.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 100% full
Hatches:
As usual for this time of year, Midges, BWO's, caddis, and PMD's are the staples. The PMD's have really turned on over the last few days and the fish are keying in on them. Anglers will have the opportunity to target all of these both subsurface and on top.
Tactics:
For Nymphing- Depth and weight will be very important right now. This will be more important to get dialed in. Stay persistent and adjust your rig. Focus should be back in the seams, riffles, and runs. This will be more important than what flies you are fishing. This can also be a great time of year to throw some streamers.
Tips:
Be cautious if you are wet wading. The water is COLD. Be mobile and move around for the most success. Fish are spread out more and occupying all parts of the river. Look for fish to occupy the usual places now that the flows have come down a bit. Nymphing will be the most productive method at this time, but your fly location (depth) will be the biggest factor in success.
Weather:
Short Term- We will continue to see some smoke in the area from the wildfires in Canada. The recent rains have definitely helped cool things off up here. We will continue to see about average temps in the upper 70's/ low 80's with some small chances of afternoon precipitation. This week will get warm again and we could see some windier conditions in the afternoons. Severe storm chances increase as we head into the weekend.
Long Term- Looking past this coming weekend, all sign are pointing at some pretty hot and dry weather. In fact, long range forecasts are looking hot and dry for our area through the rest of the summer and into fall. A bad sign for wildfire potential. As always, we will have to keep an eye on things but most long range forecasts do agree on this.
- Something to note here- With the delicate nature of the soils in the canyon, heavy rain can cause sudden flash floods. This can be a scary situation if you are in the canyon when this is happening. Pay attention to the forecast and get out of the canyon if there is heavy rain.
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:
- Foamback emerger, grey. black, sizes 20-22
- Sparkle pupa, tan, size 16
- Splitback shady, PMD, size 18
- Graphic Caddis, tan, sizes 16-18
- Barrs PMD emerger, sixes 16-18
- San Juan worm, brown, sizes 14-16
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown. Size 22
- Vis a dun, black, size 20
- Matt's Midge, black. Size 22
- Sparkle dun PMD, sizes 16-18
- Elk Hair caddis, sizes 14-18
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