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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 fishing like early summer even though the mornings feel like winter. Flows are steady clear and cold with trout holding in slow to moderate seams. The bite starts late morning once the canyon warms up and runs strong until early afternoon.
Light crowds and perfect water clarity make this a technical but rewarding week. Small flies and good drifts are the whole story.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 116 cfs
- Water Temperature: Mid 40s to low 50s °F
- Air Temperature: Highs in the upper 50s °F lows in the 30s °F
- Clarity: Very clear
- Crowds: Moderate on weekends light midweek
- Best Times to Fish: Late morning through early afternoon
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Expect calm sunny days and crisp mornings. Wind remains light in the canyon with clear skies through most of the week.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active in slower water and tailouts |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Sporadic mid day hatch windows |
| Tertiary | Terrestrials #10–14 ants beetles | Rare but possible on sunny afternoons |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Run a 10 foot 5x leader to a #16 Parachute Adams then add 18 inches of 6x to a #20 Zebra Midge. Start with the dry dropper until fish stop rising then clip the dry and drift the midge alone. Short casts and clean drifts win over distance.
Top Flies for the Month
Dry Fly: Parachute Adams #16
Nymph: Two Bit Hooker #18
Streamer: Olive Sculpzilla #6
Tips Fly Fishing on Deckers
- Seasonal Tip: Cold nights slow the early bite so start later and focus on sunny stretches.
- Dry Fly: Target shallow edges and slow flats during BWO windows.
- Nymphing: Stay light and subtle with long leaders and soft mends.
- Streamer Fishing: Low light and shaded bends are best with slow retrieves.
Access Points
- Bridge Crossing near Deckers easy access good runs ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Scraggy View Picnic Area quieter stretch with deep slots ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Tee Pee Club Reach longer walk and fewer anglers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flows are controlled by dam releases and ideal between 150 and 400 cfs. Artificial flies and lures only. Respect posted property boundaries and stay within marked access areas.
FAQ on This Spot
What are the current flows and clarity like
Around 116 cfs and very clear.
When is the best time to fish this stretch
Late morning through early afternoon.
What flies are producing right now
Parachute Adams Two Bit Hooker Olive Sculpzilla.
Can I wade or should I float
Wading is ideal and easy in most areas.
What species can I expect here
Browns and rainbows with occasional cutbows.
Any local shops or guides nearby
Local shops in Deckers and Sedalia provide daily reports and access info.
Stop Here After the River
After a long day on the South Platte pull into The Hangout at Deckers. It is the kind of place where waders blend in with locals and the burgers actually live up to the fishing stories. Order the Green Chile Cheeseburger with hand cut fries and pair it with a mountain IPA on the patio. The air smells like pine and grill smoke and it feels like exactly where you should end the day.
https://www.deckershangout.com
