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The tailwater is running low and stable, clarity is exceptional, and trout are holding deep in slow technical slots. Expect short but meaningful midday feeding windows, especially when sunlight finally hits the canyon edges. This is pure Waterton Canyon winter fly fishing: precise, rewarding, challenging.
Updated: December 15, 2025
The South Platte River at Waterton Canyon is holding steady in its classic early-winter pattern. Cold, ultra-clear water, light flows, and trout that behave like they are interviewing you for a job. If you bring small bugs, quiet feet, and realistic expectations, this stretch will reward you. If you bring loud presentations or heavy steps, it will not.
This week’s update centers on Waterton Canyon fly fishing, where the best fishing is still built around the midday warming period and a steady diet of midges. Focus on soft edges, inside bends, and slow lanes. Keep it subtle, keep it clean, and do not waste your best drifts on the first obvious run by the parking lot.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter flow, approximately 21 CFS reported for the Waterton gauge sources
Water Temperature: Cold, roughly low 30s (around 33°F reported)
Air Temperature: Warming trend this week with highs in the 50s to upper 60s near Littleton
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Moderate near the entrance, lighter beyond mile 2 (winter hikers still count)
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing with tiny midges and one slightly larger anchor fly
Weather
Littleton Weather
This week is a gift for winter anglers: mostly sunny and unusually warm for mid-December, with a windy push mid-week. That means better midday water temps, more consistent midge activity, and a longer window before the canyon shadows shut things down. Prioritize afternoons on the calmest days.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Juju Baetis 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Olive Scud 16 to 18
- Mini Leech 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Waterton Quiet-Feet Midge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20 or Olive Scud 16 to 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 22
- Weight: One small BB, 10 to 12 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Inside bends, slow canyon edges, winter troughs, and walking-speed seams
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source, subsurface is the program |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Best on warmer, cloudier afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Strong as an anchor fly in softer deeper runs |
Download the South Platte Hatch Chart
Access Points
Charlie Meyers SWA – Upper Parking Area
Easy access to excellent winter holding water; deeper bends and mid-channel cuts.
⭐ 5.0
Bridges Area
Classic Dream Stream troughs and soft edges with the least foot traffic.
⭐ 4.7
Lower Meadows
Wind-exposed but exceptional sight-nymphing during bright midday hours.
⭐ 4.4
Cattle Guard Stretch
Consistent winter bucket water and subtle depth transitions.
⭐ 4.6
Downstream Fence Line
Low flows make stealth essential; great micro-structure.
⭐ 4.3
Stop Here After The River
Highline Cafe and Saloon, Hartsel
A true South Park stop. Ranch hands, locals, tired anglers, strong coffee, and the kind of green chile you swear you’ve had before but never quite this good. Order the buffalo burger or the chicken fried steak and shake off the wind before heading home.
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies only
- Watch for redds in shallow gravel zones
- Ice shelves can form overnight near undercut banks
- Afternoons offer the only consistent fish movement
FAQ
Q: Is the Dream Stream worth fishing in December?
A: Yes, but expect extremely technical, small-bug winter fishing with limited feeding windows.
Q: What rig works best here right now?
A: A two-midge nymph rig with long tippet and minimal weight is the most productive.
Q: Do trout rise in winter?
A: Rarely. Look for isolated midge clusters on windless afternoons.
Q: How far should I walk for less pressure?
A: Past the bridges section the traffic drops significantly.
Q: Can streamers work here in winter?
A: Very low odds unless cloud cover and warmth align perfectly.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make?
A: Fishing too fast and with too much weight. Winter here is all about micro-adjustments.
Q: How technical is the Dream Stream in winter?
A: Extremely. Clear water, shallow depth, and educated trout require patience and precision.
Q: Is it worth fishing on cold days?
A: Yes, if conditions are calm. Sunny days produce consistent midday feeding windows.
Q: Are dry flies ever an option?
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns are the primary winter program.
Q: How long should my leader be?
A: Nine to twelve feet is common, with 6X to your smallest flies.
Q: Does wind ruin the fishing?
A: It can. Strong wind makes drift control difficult and shortens the feeding window.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Usually once shadows stretch across the meadow, often shortly after 2:30 p.m.
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
