Where to Go South Platte River – Deckers
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/30/2026
Conditions:
The Deckers section of the South Platte River is currently living up to its reputation of being a tough and technical fishery. The flows have stepped down slightly over the last week. When compared to other areas in Colorado, this is a great option. Right now. The water is staying colder longer than other areas of the South Platte River, and the fish are there! Finding the type of holding water they are currently preferring will be the key to success. Find those fish!
Guide Reports:
Had a slow start till we dialed it in. Had a great day with many fish to the net. Split back pmd’s cdc rs2’s and buckskins were the top flies.
Slow! Red zebra got a couple...
Weather:
Short Term -
We have. been loving the rain we have been getting this week. And it is set to continue! Today and tomorrow both hold good chances for rain near Deckers, CO. Midday until about 6 pm offers the greatest chances. Low wind and more mild temps will make for a great day on the water!
Long Term -
The rest of the week is more variable than things have been. We have rain forecasted for the next two days as mentioned above. As we head into the weekend, things look to turn back to full sun and the temps climb back into the 80's. The first part of next week is showing rain right now!
Hatches:
Tricos are the big talk right now. With good potential while the weather stays warm. These tiny little bugs can be so prolific that the trout will key in on them. Otherwise, Caddis will continue to be around through the summer and into the early fall. Keep an eye out for the PMD mayflies and our Yellow Sally stonefly as well!
Tactics:
It is really easy to get cement feet and fish a hole or run at Deckers for many hours. While this can be effective, this time of year, you will increase your chances when covering water. Seek out different types of water throughout the day. Fish will push into riffles and faster-moving water as the day warms.
Tips:
Find feeding fish! Be flexible. Make changes regularly if you are not finding success. Covering water will help you put more fish in the net. Fishing downstream a bit from Deckers proper can offer some more solitude compared to the upper section and S Y camp road.
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. There is no better way to learn an area like the Deckers than hiring one of our Orvis-endorsed professional guides!
Recommended Fly Patterns:
Dry Fly Patterns
- 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
Nymph Patterns
- 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
Streamer Patterns
- Baby Gonga, Black
- Flatliner, White
- Slump Buster, Olive
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Details:
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.
We are 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.
Anglers Covey
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