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Deckers remains the most well known stretch of the South Platte River near Denver, and winter pushes this tailwater into a predictable, technical fishery that still produces quality fish when approached correctly.
Updated: June 16 2026
One of the biggest factors influencing Deckers this month remains the ongoing Antero Reservoir drawdown.
Additional releases moving through the South Platte system have improved flows, increased available habitat, and spread trout throughout more productive feeding water. The river feels healthier than it did earlier this spring.
Caddis activity is becoming increasingly important while PMDs continue gaining momentum. The result is a river that fishes well from late morning through evening and offers legitimate dry-fly opportunities for the first time this season.
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Conditions Summary
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| Category | Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | Elevated and Stable | Improved fish distribution and feeding lanes |
| Water Temp | 48-58°F | Prime feeding temperatures |
| Air Temp | 65-85°F | Strong afternoon insect activity |
| Clarity | Clear | Technical presentations still matter |
| Wind | 5-15 mph | Generally manageable |
| Wading | Moderate | More productive water available than spring |
| Crowds | High | One of Colorado's busiest fisheries |
| Access | Excellent | Strong public access throughout the corridor |
| Vibe | Prime summer transition fishing | Trout are feeding aggressively |
| Float | None | Walk and wade only |
| Dry Outlook | High | Best dry-fly opportunities so far this year |
| Streamer | Medium | Productive during low light and clouds |
| Nymphing | High | Most consistent producer |
Weather
Top Flies and Rig Strategy This Week
Deckers Summer Caddis Rig
- Indicator: Small New Zealand yarn indicator
- Lead Fly: Graphic Caddis #14
- Dropper: Foam Wing RS2 #18
- Weight: One split shot 10 inches above lead fly
- Spacing: 12 inches between flies
- Target Water: Feeding seams, riffle transitions, shelves, current edges, and walking-speed runs
Top Flies and Rig Strategy
| Fly | Size | Why Fish It |
| Graphic Caddis | #14-16 | Most consistent June producer |
| Foam Wing RS2 | #18-20 | Deadly trailing fly |
| PMD Split Case | #16-18 | Strong mayfly match |
Complete June Fly Box
| Priority | Fly | Size | Purpose |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Graphic Caddis | #14-16 | Primary producer |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Foam Wing RS2 | #18-20 | Emerger |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PMD Split Case | #16-18 | Hatch match |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Elk Hair Caddis | #14-16 | Dry fly |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Parachute PMD | #16-18 | Surface hatch |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Soft Hackle PMD | #16-18 | Transition fly |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Two Bit Hooker | #18 | Confidence nymph |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Juju Baetis | #18 | Backup producer |
| ⭐⭐ | Black Beauty | #20-22 | Technical fallback |
| ⭐⭐ | Mini Leech | #10-12 | Low-light option |
Deckers Hatch Chart – May
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 24 | Primary winter driver |
| Baetis | 18 to 20 | Increasing influence on cloudy days |
| Small Stoneflies | 14 to 16 | Structure-related feeding possible |
Access Points
Trumbull Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Premier winter access with consistent seams.
Upper Pull Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure but fewer prime lanes.
Lower Bend Runs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined seams that fish well midday.
Cheesman Canyon Road Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Limited space with technical water.
Deckers Bridge Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Defined seams and classic tailwater structure.
Upper Deckers Pull Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Less pressure, solid winter depth lanes.
Chesebro Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Consistent walking speed seams.
Badger Basin Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Good winter tailouts and transitions.
Downstream Tailouts | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Broader water requiring careful depth control.
Stop Here After the River
Bud’s Bar — Sedalia
Old-school, cash-only, unapologetic Colorado.
This is the place guides hit when they want something simple and perfect after a long day on the South Platte. Order the single cheeseburger with onions, grab a side of chips, and take in the atmosphere that hasn’t changed in decades. It’s loud, it’s honest, and it hits the spot after hiking in and out of canyon water all day.
Local Regulations & Notes
Artificial flies and lures only
Watch for ice shelves near shaded banks
Respect redds in shallow gravel runs
Deckers gets heavy pressure; stealth and quiet wading matter
Adjust weight often to maintain drift control in low flows
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
FAQ
Is Deckers Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. Deckers fly fishing in winter is consistently productive due to stable tailwater flows and predictable trout behavior during short midday feeding windows.
How Far Is Deckers from Denver?
Deckers is approximately one hour southwest of Denver, making it one of the most popular destinations for fly fishing near Denver year round.
Q: What’s the best technique at Deckers in December?
A: Deep, slow nymphing with small midges and long tippet.
Q: Are there any dry-fly opportunities?
A: Only rare midge clusters on warm, still afternoons.
Q: Where should I start if I only have a few hours?
A: Deckers Bridge and Trumbull offer the most consistent winter water.
Q: Do streamers produce in winter?
A: Occasionally, but use micro leeches and slow swings in deeper water.
Q: How pressured is Deckers right now?
A: Moderate; cold days thin crowds, but weekends remain busy.
Q: What weight tippet do I need?
A: 5X for attractors and 6X for midge droppers.
Q: Is Deckers good in winter?
A: Yes. It is one of the most reliable winter fisheries in Colorado due to stable tailwater flows.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make here in winter?
A: Fishing too heavy and moving too fast. Depth control and patience matter more than fly choice.
Q: Can you catch fish all day?
A: Rarely. The best fishing is typically late morning through early afternoon.
Q: Are streamers worth throwing right now?
A: Occasionally, but small nymphs outproduce streamers most days in winter flows.
Q: How crowded does Deckers get in winter?
A: Weekends can be busy near town, but walking a short distance improves solitude.
Q: What tippet size works best?
A: 5X to your lead fly and 6X to your midge dropper is the standard winter setup.