Deckers Fly Fishing Report - Trico Spinners + BWO Savagery at 165 CFS

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 in its fall groove at 165 CFS with clear water and medium crowds. Tricos still headline the surface game, while BWOs perk up whenever clouds roll over the canyon. The surprise this week: the afternoon bite is stealing the show—shade lines + soft seams + tiny baetis = happy trout. Bring finesse and long leaders; leave the hero casts at home.

Listen to the Podcast

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Deckers: Tiny Bugs, Big Brains
How to milk the afternoon window, when to go spinner vs. cripple, and the two-fly nymph combo that keeps producing.

Conditions Summary

• Flow: 165 CFS — prime wadeable range; easy crossing in many runs
• Water Temp: Cool tailwater temps (dress for chilly starts)
• Air Temp: Around 59–64°F today; trending 40s–70s this week
• Clarity: Clear — stealth mandatory
• Best Times: Afternoon (shade + BWOs); mornings still see Trico spinners in soft water
• Crowds: Medium — classic pull-offs busy, thin out with a short hike
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — steady if you match the micro-hatches

5-Day Weather Snapshot (Deckers)

Hatch Chart – September at Deckers

Notes: Trico spinners and BWO emergers carry the day; midges keep the meter running subsurface.

Flies to Tie On (pattern • color • size)

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 • black/olive • #20–22 — money as a trailer in skinny seams
• RS2 (Sparkle Wing) • gray/olive • #20–22 — afternoon baetis imitation
• JuJu Baetis • olive/black • #20–22 — add life to slower slots
• Perdigon / Duracell Jig • copper/black or brown • #16–18 — tungsten anchor, fast sink
• Zebra Midge • black/silver • #22–24 — picky fish fixer

Dries

• CDC Trico Spinner • black/white wing • #22–24 — slack-line casts in slicks
• BWO Parachute / Film Critic • olive • #20–22 — clouds = go time
• Parachute Adams • gray • #20–22 — insurance when rises get weird

Streamers

• Mini Leech • black/olive • #12 — dead-drift or slow swing along shade lines
• Slumpbuster • natural/black • #12–14 — short strips, long pauses

Tactical Playbook

• Late Morning → Early Afternoon: Start with dry-dropper (Micro Chubby #16 + RS2/WD-40). Work riffle tails and oxygenated seams.
• Peak Afternoon Window: Watch for BWO noses where shade meets chop. Fish a BWO parachute with an RS2 dropper 18–24" below.
• All Day, Everywhere: Two-fly tightline nymph—Duracell/Perdigon anchor + RS2 or WD-40 trailer. Micro split shot, minimal indicator.
• Low-Light Bonus: Mini Leech on a slow swing tight to grassy banks and mid-river buckets.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders, 6X to dries/emerger droppers (bump to 7X on glassy slicks). 5X fluoro for nymph anchors.

Access & Flow Zones

• Trumbull → Deckers: Classic runs; expect people, expect fish.
• Downstream toward Wigwam Creek: More pocket water, fewer eyes on you.
• Upper Meadows: Long, even drifts for spinners; sneaky good for dry-dropper.

FAQs – Deckers

Is it worth fishing afternoons?
Yes—this week’s best grab is after lunch when shade and baetis align.
What’s the “can’t miss” rig?
Perdigon/Duracell anchor + RS2 #20–22 trailer.
Streamer green light?
Selective—go small leech in shadows; keep retrieves slow.

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.