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Deckers remains the most consistent winter stretch of the South Platte River near Denver, and current conditions continue to reward disciplined anglers. Stable tailwater flows, cold clear water, and predictable trout positioning make this one of the few places where fish can be patterned day to day through winter.
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Updated: December 16, 2025
The South Platte River at Deckers is locked into a classic winter tailwater rhythm. Bottom-release flows keep water temperatures steady, clarity high, and trout behavior consistent. Fish are holding in long walking-speed glides, deep troughs, and inside seams where they can feed efficiently without burning energy.
This week’s Deckers fly fishing report centers on refinement rather than discovery. Midges dominate the menu, baetis nymphs appear briefly on mild afternoons, and depth control matters more than fly changes. When Deckers is fishing well in winter, it is because anglers slow down and execute clean drifts through proven water.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
Flow: Stable winter tailwater release
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s and consistent
Air Temperature: High 20s to mid 30s during the day
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Moderate, heavier on weekends
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Technical tailwater nymphing with precise depth control
Weather
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Deckers Colorado Weather
Cold mornings dominate the canyon with modest midday warming on sunny days. Calm conditions produce the best fishing. Wind through the corridor shortens feeding windows and makes already technical drifts harder to manage.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Mercury Midge 18 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Barrs Emerger 18
- WD-40 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Deckers Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18 or Juju Baetis 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Weight: Moderate split shot adjusted carefully
- Target Water: Long glides, deep troughs, and walking-speed seams
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Short activity on mild cloudy afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Secondary food source in slower seams |
Dowload the South Platte Hatch Chart
Access Points
Deckers Bridge Area
Easy access, consistent winter holding water, and deep lanes.
⭐ 4.7
Trumbull Section
Longer runs with softer edges perfect for winter nymphing.
⭐ 4.6
Oxbow Bend
Slower winter water with dependable mid-depth troughs.
⭐ 4.5
Scraggy View Area
More gradient changes; trout slide into deeper pockets in winter.
⭐ 4.4
Below the Confluence
Cold but surprisingly productive during bright afternoons.
⭐ 4.3
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
FAQ
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.
Companion Article for December
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
