Deckers South Platte 2/1/26

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. Cold clear water, consistent flows, and trout that see pressure year round mean success here comes from precision, not shortcuts.

If you are looking for fly fishing near Denver with year round opportunity and reliable winter trout behavior, Deckers continues to deliver when conditions line up.

Updated: February 2, 2026

Deckers is fishing like Deckers does in winter. Clear water, visible structure, and trout that reward discipline and punish noise. The river looks generous right now, but the bite is selective and tightly tied to timing. When the sun hits the canyon and water temperatures creep upward, fish slide into predictable lanes and actually eat.

This is not the stretch to rush or experiment. Pick defined seams, set your depth early, and stay in productive water longer than feels comfortable. Ignore the urge to hop runs. The midday window is real here, and when you hit it right, Deckers remains the most reliable winter option on the South Platte.

 

Listen to the Audio Overview

Stalking_Trout_in_Low_Water_at_Deckers

4:42

 

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Conditions Summary

Flow: 80 CFS. Flows below Cheesman Lake remain steady and cold, concentrating fish in deeper runs and tailouts.

Water Temperature: No Data °F

Air Temperature: 54 °F

Wind: 8 to 14 mph

Clarity: Clear

Crowds: High

Primary Hatch: Midges, Baetis

Best Window: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Overall Rating: Most consistent winter fishing on the South Platte when timed correctly

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Weather

DECKERS WEATHER

 

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Top Flies in Your Box This Week

Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges

Zebra Midge 18 to 22
Fish deep through walking-speed seams.

Black Beauty 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom in tailouts.

RS2 gray 18 to 22
Fish slightly above the midge dropper.

Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Use when trout refuse darker patterns.

Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift slow along inside edges.

Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Fish mid-column late morning.

Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dead drift through deeper seams.

Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Use during calm, mild afternoons.

Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12
Slow strip along deeper banks.

Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
Short swings through softer runs.

Pro Rig of the Week: Deckers Winter Seam Rig

Indicator: Small yarn indicator or tight-line presentation
Lead Fly: Barr’s Emerger 18
Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
Weight: Moderate, adjusted to maintain bottom contact without dragging
Target Water: Long glides, deep winter seams, and slow tailouts

 

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South Platte River Hatch Chart – February

Bug Type	Size	Notes
Midges	18 to 26	Primary winter food source
Baetis nymphs	18 to 22	Secondary on mild afternoons
Winter stoneflies	14 to 18	Occasional near banks midday

 

 

Access Points

Trumbull Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Classic Deckers structure with year-round holding water.

Deckers Bridge Crossing | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Deep tailouts and consistent winter seams.

Lower Deckers Runs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Long seams ideal for slow winter nymphing.

Pine Creek Confluence | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined seams where mixed flows hold trout.

Upper Deckers Pull-Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure, fewer prime winter holding lanes.

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

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy & Behavior Guide

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.