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.
The Deckers section of the South Platte River is fishing well this October, with flow rates around 131-187 CFS and water temperatures in the low 50s. These conditions are ideal for trout, especially with a variety of active hatches. Mornings start slow due to cooler overnight temperatures, but the action picks up by late morning through mid-afternoon as fish spread out in riffles and pools. Consistent bites can be found by focusing on slower seams and pockets where trout are concentrated.
With fall colors along the banks and active fish, Deckers offers excellent fishing conditions this month, though it can get crowded due to its popularity.
Source Colorado DWR Stations US Geological Survey
Some of the top access points along the South Platte River near Deckers include:
For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.