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Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly fishing enthusiasts. Known for its crystal-clear waters, challenging trout, and stunning scenery, Deckers offers a mix of excitement and tranquility that keeps anglers coming back year-round.
The cottonwoods are glowing and so are the trout. Deckers in October is a mix of patience, precision, and pure magic — the kind of day where every drift feels like a chance at something big.
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Conditions at a Glance
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- Flow: 135 CFS at Trumbull ⬇
- Water Temp: 52°F ⬆
- Air Temp: 38–70°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Pressure: High (brown spawn traffic picking up)
- Best Times: 8–11 AM for Tricos, 12–3 PM for BWOs
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Flows have settled into perfect fall wading levels and the water couldn’t be clearer. Browns are staging, rainbows are feeding, and the Trico-to-BWO shift is defining the day. Expect tight drifts and light tippets to make all the difference.
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricos | #22–24 | 8–11 AM | CDC Spinner, Trico Comparadun, long slick drifts | Pods rising in calm seams, spooky takes |
| BWOs | #20–22 | 12–3 PM (clouds) | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft hackle swing | Midday hatch reliable with overcast skies |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge, WD-40 under indicator | Consistent subsurface bite in slower water |
| Red Quills | #16–18 | Warm afternoons | Parachute Red Quill, PT dropper | Sporadic but worth having |
📥 Download the Full South Platte Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22, CDC Trico Spinner #22–24
- Nymph: Barr’s BWO Emerger #20–22, Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger #20, Zebra Midge #22
- Streamer: Mini Dungeon #10 olive, Thin Mint Bugger #10–12
Tips Fly Fishing on the South Platte at Deckers
- Tricos early, BWOs after lunch — plan accordingly.
- Fish 6X leaders and stay stealthy in clear water.
- Work seams and tailouts where browns are staging.
- Double nymph rigs (baetis + midge) produce all day.
- Swing small streamers through shaded structure late afternoon.
Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deckers Bridge | Central hub | Easy access, consistent action | Good | Moderate | Easy |
| Trumbull | Downstream | Deeper pools, lower pressure | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bridge Crossing | Upstream | Technical riffles, good Trico activity | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
| Oxbow | Downstream bend | Great for streamers and late-day BWOs | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Catch-and-release strongly encouraged.
- Stay out of visible redds during brown trout spawn.
- Respect private property around bridges and ranch areas.
FAQ on this Spot
- What’s the best time to fish Deckers in October?
Morning Tricos from 8–11, BWOs from 12–3. - What’s the best rig for consistent fish?
Baetis emerger up front, small midge trailer, 6X tippet. - How clear is the water right now?
Very clear — stealth and soft presentations matter. - Do streamers work this month?
Yes, smaller olive and black patterns near structure are producing. - How’s the crowding?
High — arrive early or fish weekday afternoons. - Best section for beginners?
Deckers Bridge and Trumbull offer easy wading and consistent runs. - What are trout keying on?
BWOs under clouds and midges all day long. - Any special regulations?
Artificial flies only; watch for spawning redds in gravel beds.
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River Whisper | Best Fly Fishing Right Now
Real-time flows and seasonal context pulled straight from the DWR and USGS — so you can fish smarter, not just harder. Updated daily, decoded weekly.
