Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
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Report Date: 4/14/2026
Current Conditions:
After several days of flow rates close to 200 cfs. the flows have come back down to about average for this time of the year. Current flows are at 135 cfs. This drop is likely in anticipation of the incoming precipitation on Friday. These are decent flows for the area and have helped spread the fish out a bit. The river is still on the more technical side, so its a good idea to stay small on your terminal tackle. Look for areas that have deeper holding water around. The river is running clear and visibility is great. The fish are transitioning out of "winter mode" and are starting to occupy more places in 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- Today will be one of the coolest days of the week. A system is moving through the state today and we could even see some precipitation here throughout the day. Wednesday and Thursday will rebound and be quite nice. Then on Friday we will see some major changes. A large scale system will move through the state and bring with it a good amount of moisture. In fact, we will even see some snow here Friday. Temps wont be super cold and this could convert into rain. At any rate we will get some much needed moisture. Saturday will remain cool and we will warm back up to almost 70 degrees by Sunday.
Long Term- Next week will start out nice. Temps will be slightly higher than average through about Wednesday. The highs will be in the low 70's and morning lows in the mid 40's. Later on Wednesday (4/22), another large scale system will move through. The jury is still out on this system, but it could potentially be a larger and more impactful storm. Precipitation chances are decent and we could see another shot of some snow or rain. Right now it looks like this storm will last through at least Friday. Could this be our last shot at some measurable snow? We sure hope so but we will have to wait and see.
While March felt like summer, April will feel like spring. We will have a chance to add a little more snow to our dwindling snowpack over the next 2 weeks.
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:
- Blowtorch, sizes 18-20
- WD-40, Olive or brown, ize 20
- Stalcups baetis, olive size 20-22
- Foamback emerger, black, size 22
- Top Secret. brown or purple, size 22
- Buckskin. sizes 18-22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown, sizes 20-22
- Parachute Adams, sizes 22-24
- Neil's BWO, olive, sizes 20-22
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