South Platte River: Deckers

Weekly Report

Not much has changed on the South Platte at Deckers since last week. Flows remain in the mid 100 cfs range and we’re still eagerly waiting for a material increase in flow once Cheesman Reservoir reaches capacity (currently at 98%). Trout are regularly spreading out depending on the time of day and hatch schedules. Softer water (pools, slow runs, banks, tailouts) are holding trout during the early hours. These sections are where most surface feeding fish will hang out. Trout will seek faster moving water such as riffles, transitions, pockets and runs as air/water temps rise or to feast on emerging bugs. Nymphing or fishing hopper droppers through this water has been deadly and a lot of fun. Most of the hatch and surface activity is occurring between 8 am and 2 pm, so be prepared to fish midge, mayfly, caddis and stonefly dries during this time. Water temps are surprisingly cool right now, so if you’re looking for more consistent hatch activity, fish downstream of Trumbull. Caddis and stoneflies will be more abundant in the lower sections as well. Griffiths Gnats, Parachute Tricos/trico spinners, Sparkle Duns, Elk Hair Caddis and Chubby Chernobyls are good patterns to have on hand. Sub-surface, a variety of large and small offerings are getting attention. You can’t go wrong leading with a stonefly nymph, worm, leech, caddis larva or searcher/attractor. Heavy and moderate rain in the immediate forecast will make San Juan Worms and Squirmy Worms particularly productive. For your trailer, midge pupa and baetis emergers are the most consistent. Think Zebra Midges, Mercury Black Beauties, Mercury Midges, black/olive RS2s, JuJu PMDs and Blue Poison Tungs. If you see caddis flying around, Sparkle Pupas and Graphic Caddis should have a place on your setup. Water clarity is high right now but if the forecast holds true, the water will receive some color below the Horse Creek confluence (located at Deckers bridge) and clarity will decrease. Worms and patterns with flash will be ideal in this scenario.

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