Weekly Report
Deckers flows were on the low end prior to receiving a pre-weekend bump. Sitting just above 150 cfs, flows are back at a productive/ideal level. Trout are less skittish and selective but don’t don’t underestimate the value of stealthy fishing and clean drifts. Bug activity is up with midges, BWOs and caddis all on the menu. Midges are hatching sporadically throughout the day with the most prominent around 9 am and 6 pm. Be on the lookout for caddis between 10 am and 1 pm. BWOs follow quickly behind, hatching during the early afternoon. Trout are motivated to feed on the surface (when the wind isn’t howling), so be prepared to fish dry and dry dropper setups. Parachute Adams, Griffiths Gnats, Parachute BWOs and Elk Hair Caddis are good patterns to have in your box and ready to go. If you observe a hatch but don’t see rising trout, move to a new section with a soft pool, slow run or slack water. Sub-surface, trout are responding to a variety of bugs/patterns. Stonefly nymphs, caddis larva, baetis larva and searcher patterns are productive lead flies. Think Pat’s Rubber Legs, Caddis Candy, Flashback Pheasant Tails and Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears. For your trailer, match the hatch with the appropriate pupa/emerger. Top Secret Midges, Mercury Black Beauties, Cheesman Emergers, RS2s and Sparkle Pupas are some of our go-tos at the moment. Smaller tippet (5x) and yarn indicators are recommended with current water conditions.
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)
- Mercury Cased Caddis (#16-18)
- Sparkle Pupa (#16-18)
- Pat's Rubber Legs (#12-14)
- pink/green scud
- Mini Leech
- San Juan Worm
- 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)
- Last Chance Cripple (#18-20)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18)
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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.