.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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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.
Deckers is the graduate-level classroom of Colorado fly fishing—and right now, the fish are handing out pop quizzes every cast. Low, clear flows make stealth as important as fly choice, but those who can nail their drifts are being rewarded with rising fish in the mornings and technical eats throughout the day.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 – excellent but technical)
Flow (CFS): ~245
Water Temp: 58–62°F mid-day
Air Temp: High 70s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 6:30–11 AM (Tricos & PMDs), evening caddis
Fishing Pressure: High on weekends, moderate midweek
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22–24 | RS2 #20–22 | Chubby Chernobyl #12
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Deckers Fall Playbook – Tricos, Hoppers & Tight-Line Nymphs
We break down Deckers’ September bite: trico mornings, mid-day refusals, and what rigs keep you in the game when the crowds or bright sun push fish deep.
Weather Snapshot
Source: OpenWeather / NOAA
Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Aug | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sept | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | — | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Flies for Decker Section of the South Platte River
- Dry Fly Setup: CDC Trico Spinner #22, 12–14’ 6X leader.
- Nymph Setup: RS2 #20 below a Juju Baetis #20, 18” apart, 6X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Thin Mint Bugger #10, swung deep in runs.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper – Chubby Chernobyl #12 with RS2 #20 dropper.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Crossing | Consistent riffles, accessible | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lone Rock Area | Longer runs, potential for larger trout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Above Deckers | Quieter, technical sight fishing | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Extended FAQ – Deckers
Q: When’s the best time to fish Deckers in September?
A: Early mornings (6–11 AM) during trico spinner falls; evenings for caddis.
Q: What flies are working best right now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2 emergers, Juju Baetis, and terrestrials like Chubby Chernobyls.
Q: Where can I park for Deckers access?
A: Public parking near Bridge Crossing and Lone Rock are most reliable.
Q: Is Deckers crowded on weekends?
A: Yes—expect heavy pressure. Midweek fishing or hiking further upstream helps.
Q: Any regs or closures?
A: Artificial flies/lures only. Catch-and-release recommended. Keep fish wet when water temps rise.
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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.
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