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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.
South Platte River – Deckers Fly Fishing Report (September 6, 2025)
The trout at Deckers are in grad school mode—rising to Tricos at sunrise, then vanishing into PhD-level refusals by mid-morning. If you can handle picky fish, skinny flows, and heavy weekend crowds, this is still one of Colorado’s best classrooms for technical anglers.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: If you know where to go and what times to avoid - it's as good as it gets right now
Flow (CFS): ~245
Water Temp: 59–62°F (rising mid-day)
Air Temp: Mid-80s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 6:30–11 AM
Fishing Pressure: High on weekends, moderate midweek
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22–24 | RS2 #20–22 | Chubby Chernobyl #12
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Title: Deckers Deep Dive – Tricos, Hopper-Droppers & Pressure Puzzles
Description: We cover why Tricos are the ticket, how to outsmart picky risers, and what rigs keep you in the game when crowds or bright sun shut trout down.
Weather Snapshot
Source: OpenWeather / NOAA
Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Aug | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sept | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | — | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Flies for Deckers Section of the South Plate
- Dry Fly Setup: CDC Biot Trico Spinner #22, 12–14’ 6X leader.
- Nymph Setup: RS2 Emerger #20 below a Juju Baetis #20, 18” apart, 5X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Thin Mint Bugger #10, swung on 3X in deeper slots.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Chubby Chernobyl #12 + RS2 #20 dropper.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall | Map Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Crossing | Easy access, consistent riffles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Lone Rock Area | Longer runs, big trout potential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Above Deckers | Quieter, technical sight fishing | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
Extended FAQ – South Platte at Deckers
Q: When’s the best time to fish Deckers in September?
A: Early mornings (6–11 AM) during Trico spinner falls, or evenings when caddis pop.
Q: What flies are working best right now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2s, Juju Baetis, and terrestrials like Chubby Chernobyls.
Q: Where can I park for Deckers access?
A: Public parking lots near Bridge Crossing and Lone Rock are the most reliable.
Q: Is Deckers crowded on weekends?
A: Yes—expect heavy pressure. Go midweek or hike further upstream for elbow room.
Q: Any special regs or closures?
A: Artificial flies/lures only, catch-and-release recommended. Keep fish wet as temps rise.
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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.
