Waterton Canyon South Platte River Clear Water Hungry Trout and an Easy Win Near Denver

Waterton Canyon doesn’t get the attention it deserves. With easy access just outside Denver, clear water, and trout that see fewer flies than their Deckers cousins, this stretch rewards the early riser and the patient angler.
Flows are stable, water clarity is excellent, and fall conditions have the canyon glowing in gold cottonwoods. Mornings are brisk, afternoons comfortable, and fish are feeding in classic tailwater rhythm.

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Conditions Summary 

(We don't give 5 stars often - Time is NOW - Place is Waterton - Leaders are Long - Nymphing is the Game.)

1. Flow Rate: 90 to 110 cfs and steady
2. Water Temperature: 45–50 °F
3. Air Temperature: Lows in the 30s °F highs in the upper 50s °F
4. Clarity: Very clear
5. Crowds: Light early heavier on weekends after 10 a.m.
6. Best Times to Fish: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7. Fly Fishing Type Scores:
8. Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9. Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

5 Day Weather Forecast

Expect mild weather all week with crisp mornings and sunny calm afternoons. A light jacket at sunrise and a long hike in pays off with perfect water by mid day.

Current Hatch Chart for November

Pro Rig of the Week

Guide setup: A 12 foot 5x leader with a #18 Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear as the lead fly and a #22 Black Beauty 16 inches below on 6x tippet. Add one small split shot 10 inches above the Hare’s Ear and a small indicator one and a half times the depth of the run. Focus on soft inside seams and riffle transitions. Adjust weight often and keep drifts short and natural.

Top Flies for the Month

Dry Flies

1. Parachute Adams #18 for BWO hatches mid day
2. Griffiths Gnat #22 for midge clusters on calm water
3. Stimulator Olive #14 when terrestrials appear late morning

Nymphs

1. Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #18 for all day use
2. Black Beauty #22 for technical deep runs
3. JuJu Baetis #20 when BWOs start coming off

Streamers

1. Mini Leech Olive #12 for slow strips along boulders
2. Slumpbuster Black #10 for shaded pools
3. Woolly Bugger Rust #8 for late afternoon swings

Tips Fly Fishing on Waterton Canyon

• Seasonal Tip: Fish move to deeper pools as temperatures drop. Stay light on your feet and lengthen your leader.
• Dry Fly: Look for mid day risers in glassy water near the canyon mouth.
• Nymphing: Productive all day with small midges and baetis patterns.
• Streamer Fishing: Best near dusk when shadows fill the canyon and trout move out of structure.

Access Points

1. Waterton Trailhead easy hike in with access along the dirt road ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2. Strontia Springs Tailwater Section less pressured deep runs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Lower Canyon Pull Offs quick access for short morning sessions ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Local Regulations and Landowner Notes

Flies and lures only catch and release recommended. No bikes allowed after 5 p.m. and the canyon closes at sunset. Respect wildlife and hikers sharing the road.

FAQ on This Spot

1. What are the current flows and clarity like
   Flows around 100 cfs and clear.
2. When is the best time to fish this stretch
   Late morning through early afternoon.
3. What flies are producing right now
   Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear Black Beauty JuJu Baetis.
4. Can I wade or should I float
   Wading only with easy walking along the road.
5. What species can I expect here
   Browns rainbows and the occasional cutbow.
6. Any local shops or guides nearby
   Denver area outfitters frequently run half day trips here.

Stop Here After the River

After fishing Waterton Canyon drive ten minutes down the road to The Platte River Bar and Grill in Littleton. It has a classic Colorado sportsman vibe with wood booths and mountain photos on every wall. Order the Blackened Trout Sandwich and a Colorado Kolsch and sit by the big windows looking toward the foothills.
https://platteriverbarandgrill.com