Weekly Report
Flows at Deckers dropped 25 cfs yesterday, putting flows at 165 cfs. Trout may be a tad more selective over the next day or two but should normalize after that. On the plus side, we should see dry fly action increase a bit with reduced flows and the emergence of blue wings. 60 degree air temps over the weekend should help fuel hatch activity as well. Midges are also active and will encourage trout to feed on or near the surface during a strong hatch. Midges are hatching sporadically after 10 am and BWOs during the early afternoon. If you don’t come across rising trout, nymphing won’t let you down. Mercury Black Beauties, black/chocolate Foam Back Emergers, Manhattan Midges, Blue Poison Tungs, RS2s, Mercury Baetis and Barr’s Emergers are hot trailer patterns. Larger offerings such as Mini Leeches, olive leeches, San Juans, eggs and Pat’s Rubber Legs have been productive lead patterns but will be hit or miss for the next day or two. In the meantime, baetis larva, midge larva and smaller attractors (Rainbow Warriors, Frenchies, Perdigons etc.) will do the trick. Trout are holding in protective water when skies are clear (deep pools, runs, pockets and riffles) but on days with cloud coverage, trout will spread out. When trout are holding in shallow water, rig up a dry dropper for softer presentations.
Recommended Flies
Sub-surface
- Blood Midge (#18-22)
- Bling Midge (#18-22)
- Mercury Midge (#18-22)
- Black Beauty (#18-22)
- Zebra Midge (#18-22)
- Top Secret Midge (#18-22)
- Jujubee Midge (#18-22)
- JuJu Baetis (#18-20)
- RS2 (#18-22)
- Darth Baetis (#18-20)
- Barr's Emerger (#18-20)
- Chocolate Foam Back Emerger (#18-22)
- Pat's Rubber Legs (#12-14)
- pink/green scud
- Mini Leech
- San Juan Worm
- yarn egg
- Mercury Pheasant Tail (#16-20)
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear (#16-18)
- red Copper John (#16-18)
- Rainbow Warrior (#16-20)
- Perdigon (#16-18)
Surface
- Griffiths Gnat (#18-20)
- Parachute Adams (#18-22)
- Parachute BWO (#18-20)
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River Flow
Detailed River Info
Background:
The Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a heavily sought after and highly productive stretch of river located roughly one hour from Denver. It's proximity to Denver and it's wade friendly features makes for a great destination for anglers of all experience levels. According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte contains just over 3,000 trout per mile with Rainbows, Browns and Cutthroats making up this healthy population. This portion of the South Platte is a tail water section, so depending on the will of the angler, productive fishing can be enjoyed year round.
Angling:
Fishing the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is arguably one of the most difficult but rewarding rivers in the state. Aside from the hoards of anglers that flock to this river every weekend, it is one of our favorites to fish. It's close to Denver, incredibly easy to access and can yield trout worth writing home about. Deckers is famous for it's deep holes and runs but can also provide great pocket water fishing. In the summer and fall, anglers can expect some incredible Caddis and Mayfly hatches that result in irresistible dry fly fishing. In the winter and spring, nymphing is the name of the game. Small tail water midges and Baetis patterns that strain your eyes to look at are the ticket for a productive day.
River Access
The Deckers section of the South Platte river is easy accessed from many locations. Anglers can drive along County Road 126, search for an appealing section of river and find a place on the side of the road to park. If you're not interested in searching for your own stretch of river, the intersection of County Road 126 and County Road 67 is a popular place to park and walk to the river.