Fishing Report: South Platte River at Deckers

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. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher looking to perfect your nymphing technique or a newcomer eager to experience Colorado's legendary trout waters, Deckers provides an exceptional backdrop for your adventure.

Mid-September 2024 Fishing Report: Deckers

Current River Conditions

Fishing at Deckers on the South Platte River is like playing a high-stakes game of poker where the trout have the upper hand. Deckers is known for its clear water and selective fish, making it both a dream and a challenge for fly anglers. Currently, the water flow is around 380 cubic feet per second (cfs), which has caused the fish to spread out and feed on the variety of insects floating by. For those who want to test their skills and patience, now is the perfect time to go fishing.

What’s Biting?

The trout in this area have a refined palate, showing a preference for midges, Blue Wing Olives (BWOs), Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), and caddisflies. Midges and BWOs are particularly reliable, especially during the cooler months. Don't be deceived by their small size (#20-24); these tiny flies are highly effective. When you notice a hatch, it's an ideal time to switch to dry flies, with BWOs and Elk Hair Caddis being particularly popular among local anglers. As fall progresses, dry fly fishing becomes increasingly rewarding, especially in the calm, slower seams and pockets where fish tend to rise.

Water Conditions

The water clarity is great, but that means the fish can see you just as well as you can see them—so stealth is key. Longer leaders and fluorocarbon tippet (6x) are your best friends. And don't even think about skimping on your presentation—these trout have been around the block and know a sloppy cast when they see one.

With the recent cooler weather and the occasional rain shower, the water temperature remains in the ideal range, thanks to bottom releases from Cheesman Reservoir. This is keeping the trout happy and the fishing consistent. That said, Deckers is no secret hideaway. It’s a popular spot, and “combat fishing” can be the name of the game on weekends. To avoid the crowds, consider fishing early or heading to less accessible spots like Night Hawk Hill or Willow Bend for a bit more solitude and a shot at some bigger fish​. 

Decker Water Flow Chart

Source Colorado DWR Stations US Geological Survey

Hatches and Fly Patterns

Midges

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Sizes: #20-24
• Patterns: RS2, Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge, Black Beauty
• When to Use: Midges are a crucial food source throughout the year. In September, they are especially effective in the mornings or on cooler days. Trout often feed on midge larvae and pupae subsurface, making these patterns perfect for nymph rigs or as droppers under larger dry flies​

Blue Wing Olives (BWOs)

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Sizes: #18-22
• Patterns: Foam Wing Emerger, Sparkle Dun, JuJu Baetis, Baetis Cripple
• When to Use: BWOs are a staple during the fall months, particularly in overcast conditions or late afternoons. September is prime time for BWO hatches, and these flies are highly effective during low light periods or on days with cloud cover​

Pale Morning Duns (PMDs)

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Sizes: #16-20
• Patterns: PMD Emerger, Mathew's Sparkle Dun, Parachute PMD
• When to Use: PMDs continue to hatch in early September, particularly in the afternoons. These flies work well in slower runs and riffles where trout are more likely to feed on the surface. PMD nymphs and emergers are effective for targeting fish that are feeding just below the surface​

Caddisflies

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Sizes: #14-18
• Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, Buckskin Caddis, Peacock Caddis
• When to Use: Caddisflies are active during the warmer parts of the day, making them a great choice for afternoon and evening fishing. As the water temperatures cool slightly in September, caddis hatches can become more frequent, providing excellent opportunities for dry fly action​

Terrestrials

• Types: Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns
• Sizes: #10-18
• Patterns: Dave’s Hopper, Fat Albert, Chernobyl Ant, Parachute Hopper
• When to Use: Terrestrials like hoppers and ants are still effective in September, especially on warm, sunny days. Fish these flies along the banks and overhanging vegetation where trout often look for an easy meal. A hopper-dropper rig can be particularly effective in the afternoon, targeting both surface and subsurface feeders​.

Streamers

• Types: Streamer Patterns
• Sizes: #8-12
• Patterns: Slump Busters, Woolly Buggers, Sparkle Minnow
• When to Use: Streamers are a great choice for targeting larger trout, particularly in deeper pools or during low-light conditions. These patterns can be fished by swinging or stripping through deeper runs to entice predatory strikes from bigger fish​

Best Spots

Some of the top access points along the South Platte River near Deckers include:

• Deckers Corner: Easy access and plenty of room for casting.
• Bridge Crossing: Slightly downstream from Deckers, offering deep waters with plentiful fish.
• Scraggy View Picnic Area: Riverside picnic tables and easy access to prime fishing spots.

For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Fishing Tactics

Nymphing Techniques

Nymphing is often the most productive technique on the South Platte River, especially near Deckers. Getting your nymphs to the right depth is crucial with water clarity and depth changes. Use longer leaders (9-12 feet) and fine tippet (5x-6x fluorocarbon) to reduce visibility and increase stealth.

• Two-Fly Nymph Rigs: Utilize a two-fly nymph rig to cover different water columns. Start with a heavier attractor nymph like a Pat's Rubber Legs or San Juan Worm as your point fly. Follow this with a smaller, more imitative fly like an RS2, Zebra Midge, or Baetis Emerger (#20-24) as a dropper. This setup allows you to present a variety of food options to the trout, from larger, visible flies to smaller, natural patterns​

• Indicator Fishing: Use strike indicators to help detect subtle takes. Adjust the depth of your indicator frequently to ensure your flies are drifting just above the riverbed, where trout are feeding. Focus on seams, riffles, and runs where fish will likely be holding.

Dry Fly Fishing

September increases dry fly action, particularly with Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs).

• Target Rising Fish: Pay close attention to surface activity, especially in slower seams and back eddies where fish are more likely to rise. When you see rising trout, switch to dry flies like Sparkle Duns, Parachute Adams, or Elk Hair Caddis in sizes #18-22. Present these flies with a light, drag-free drift to mimic natural behavior​

  Dry-Dropper Rigs: Use a dry-dropper rig with a high-floating dry fly like a Chubby Chernobyl or Hopper pattern and a small nymph or emerger (e.g., RS2 or Mercury Midge) as a dropper. This rig is particularly effective in pocket water and faster runs, where the dry fly acts as a strike indicator while also targeting surface feeders​

Streamer Fishing

While not always the go-to tactic, streamers can effectively target larger trout, especially during low light conditions or when the water is slightly off-color due to rain or increased flows.

• Swing and Strip: Try swinging or stripping streamers like Woolly Buggers, Slump Busters, or Sparkle Minnows through deeper pools and around structure. This technique can trigger aggressive strikes from larger, predatory trout that are looking for a big meal​

• Focus on Structure: Cast streamers near undercut banks, fallen trees, and large boulders where big fish often hide and ambush prey. Vary your retrieve speed to find what triggers the most strikes.

Adjusting to Conditions

• Be Adaptable: The river conditions at Deckers can change rapidly, especially with fluctuating flows from Cheesman Reservoir and unpredictable weather patterns. Stay flexible with your tactics. If you notice fish are not responding to one technique, switch it up—try nymphing deeper, changing fly patterns, or moving to a different section of the river.

• Stay Mobile: Covering water is essential in a highly pressured fishery like Deckers. If a spot isn’t producing, don’t be afraid to move. Fish tend to spread out with higher flows, so exploring different sections can lead to finding more active fish.

Reading the Water

• Identify Productive Areas: Focus on likely trout holding spots like seams, where fast and slow water meet, and deeper pools and runs. Trout often lie in these areas to conserve energy while having easy access to food drifting by.

• Watch for Hatches: Keep an eye out for hatches throughout the day. September often sees a mix of midges, BWOs, and caddisflies. Watching for insect activity can help you decide which flies to use and where to cast.

​ See Previous Deckers Reports

• August 2024 Fishing Report: Deckers
• July 2024 Fishing Report: Deckers
• Spring 2024 Fishing Report: Deckers

Safety Tips

High flows can make wading dangerous. Always prioritize safety by informing someone about your fishing plans and avoiding risky crossing points. Use proper gear, such as wading staff and boots, to maintain stability in the water.

Stay safe and enjoy your time on the water! Happy fishing!