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Updated: 12/01/2025
Deckers settled into classic late-fall behavior this week with low, clear water and trout stacking in deeper mid-channel trenches. Flows have held steady, giving anglers predictable seams and softer edges to target. Morning fishing remains slow until sunlight warms the canyon, but once midges start moving, the bite becomes steady on small patterns. Crowds have thinned compared to peak fall, but expect steady traffic around the major pull-offs. This is a week where careful presentations and downsizing your tippet pay off.
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Conditions Summary
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Flow: ~150 CFS (stable)
Water Temp: Upper 30s to low 40s
Air Temp: Low 40s midday
Clarity: Clear, 4–5 ft visibility
Crowds: Moderate
Best Window: 10:30 am to 3 pm
Weather Context
Cold start, bright midday sun, and consistent midge movement once the air warms. Expect slushy edges early.
Recommended Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Midge Season Rewards Precision
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Ten winter producers for Deckers:
- Black Beauty 20–22
- Top Secret Midge 22–24
- Mercury Midge 22
- Zebra Midge Black 20–22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20–22
- WD40 olive 20–22
- Barr’s BWO Emerger 20
- Red Midge Larva 20
- Bling Midge 20
- Mini Leech (black) 14
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
This week is all about midges, tiny baetis, and subtle drifts. Bring your smallest confidence flies.
Pro Rig of the Week
Deckers Shallow Winter Double Midge Rig
10 ft 5x
Top fly: size 20 Mercury Midge
Dropper: size 22 Black Beauty
Micro split shot placed lightly
Indicator set shallow for slow seams and soft shelves
Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐
Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (cream, black) | Strong daily window late morning |
| Secondary | Baetis | Slightly declining but good on cloudy days |
| Tertiary | Winter Stoneflies | Light but possible near woody structure |
Primary: Midges
Black Beauty, Top Secret Midge, Mercury Midge
Secondary: Baetis
RS2, WD40, Barrs BWO
Tertiary: Scuds
Grey, Olive, size 16 to 18
Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐
Access Points
Bridge Pool
Classic winter water with predictable seams and soft edges.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cable Hole Area
Deeper green buckets, solid mid-day nymphing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Downstream Meadows
Gentle flows and wide soft runs, great for beginners.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Trumbull Area Pull-Offs
Deeper troughs and softer edges hold consistent winter fish.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bridge Crossing at Deckers
Heavily pressured but productive when fished slowly.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Oxbow Bend
Classic winter water with predictable seams.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Downstream Toward Scraggy View
Colder and clearer with spooky trout. Perfect for technical anglers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
Artificial flies only
Catch and release encouraged
Ice forming early, especially near shaded bends
Flows steady and clear
Long leaders and light tippet recommended
FAQ
Q: What flies work best this time of year?
A: Tiny midges 20–24 with sparse profiles.
Q: Is Deckers crowded right now?
A: Moderate, but much lighter than fall peak.
Q: Should I use an indicator?
A: Yes, but keep it very small. Yarn indicators excel here.
Q: Are streamers worth trying?
A: Only slow crawls in the deepest water.
Q: How deep are fish holding?
A: Mid-depth trenches and softer edges, not fast riffles.
Q: What tippet should I run?
A: 6x fluoro gets the most consistent takes.
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.
