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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.
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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
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 130 CFS. Stable winter tailwater releases create consistent seams and tailouts.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 43 °F
Wind: 5 to 9 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: High
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Consistent winter fishing with heavy pressure
Weather
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
Use when fish suspend slightly off bottom. - Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Effective in clear, pressured water. - Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift through softer inside edges.
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Fish mid column late morning. - Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Use during calm, mild afternoons. - Flashback Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
Dead drift through deeper seams.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech olive or black 10 to 12
Slow strip along deeper banks. - Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
Short swings through slower water.
Indicator: Small yarn indicator or tight-line presentationPro Rig of the Week: Deckers Winter Seam Rig
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
Deckers Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Secondary on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Present in slower tailwater water |
Download the 2026 South Platte River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Trumbull Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Premier winter access with consistent seams.
Bridge to Bridge | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Reliable structure with constant pressure.
Upper Pull Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure but fewer prime lanes.
Lower Bend Runs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined seams that fish well midday.
Cheesman Canyon Road Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Limited space with technical water.
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 onlyWatch 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
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
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.
