Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
Current Reports
Angler's Covey Bug of the Month:
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/11/2026
Current Conditions:
Deckers is one of the most prime spots along the South Platte River currently. With 259 cfs moving through the system (primarily from the Cheesman tailwater), the fish have settled into their summer lies. While the water is still
flowing, the fish can be picky. Especially as the day grows long. Expect to find feeding fish in the riffles and posted up on shelves next to deeper, faster water. This helps to narrow down their area and forces the substrate to flow right past their mouths. Fish early when the water is cold, and the bugs are active. Keep an eye on those water temps. It is a good idea to give the fish a break when the water temps hit the mid 60's.
Guide Reports -
Kenny Romero 7/8/2026 -
Slow. Cold water. Fish weren’t feeding. Worms and scuds.
Hopper Juan Ramirez 7/9/2026 -
260cfs. Water temps 47° in the early am. No hatches but some caddis out. Very few fish rising. Ran an adult caddis and an emergent caddis pupa and got fish on both. Not a lot but enough to keep us happy.
Weather:
Short Term - Warm and Sunny. Today's high is forecasted to be 85 degrees near Deckers. The sun will be out and in full force. This only heightens the need to fish early and during low light periods.
Long Term - This week is offering consistency. Warm and sunny. The only day that is forecasted to offer some cloud cover in the coming week is Thursday. Otherwise, expect the fish to be put off by the high sun and potentially warm water. Keep an eye on those temps!
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in Cheesman. There is no 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:
- 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
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- 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
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.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
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