Fishing Report: South Platte River at Waterton Canyon 10/2/2024

Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River isn’t just another spot on the map—it’s a rite of passage for fly fishing enthusiasts. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, this is the place. The canyon’s reputation as one of the most technical fisheries around isn’t just for show; it’s earned. The fish here are seasoned opponents, often called “spooky,” requiring precision in every cast. With its clear waters and complex currents shaped by large granite boulders, the river demands your full attention and best technique.

The water is crystal-clear and the trout are easily spooked, making every move crucial. To succeed here, you'll need to make perfect drag-free drifts to fool the fish, as the tricky currents around the granite boulders add to the challenge. This area mainly requires nymph fishing, so be sure to pack small flies such as midges and mayflies in sizes #18 to #26. The fish typically range from 12 to 18 inches, but larger ones can be found for those who know where to look. Nymph fishing is the preferred strategy, but it requires active engagement rather than a passive "set it and forget it" approach.

October Fishing Report: Waterton Canyon 

Current River Conditions

Waterton Canyon is at its peak in October, with consistent flows and trout eager to feed before winter sets in. With water levels around 50-75 cfs, the river is crystal clear, and the trout are highly active. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances for a bite, but mid-day fishing is productive if you focus on deeper pockets. The leaves are changing, adding an extra touch of beauty to the already breathtaking canyon, making it the perfect time for an outdoor adventure.

As the cooler water temperatures drop to around 60°F, trout are settling into their predictable fall patterns. The fish are moving between riffles and deeper pools depending on the time of day, and while they're willing to rise for a well-placed dry, the most action can be found subsurface with nymphs and streamers. This time of year, the browns are starting to get aggressive, and it’s not uncommon to hook into a larger fish that’s preparing for winter.

Waters are getting warmer in the mid day. STOP FISHING once the waters reach above 60°F. The angler pressure of this section, combined with shallow waters and hot October afternoons, is a killing recipe for trout. So be a friend and fish in the morning or late afternoon

• Flow Rate: 50-75 cfs
• Water Temperature: 60°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon

 (Colorado Division of Water Resources)​

Hatches and Fly Patterns

This time of year, key hatches include midges, Blue Wing Olives (BWOs), caddisflies, and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs). Recommended fly patterns for successful fishing include:

Midges

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Colors: Black, White, Olive, Red
• Sizes: #18 – #26
• Popular Patterns: Mercury Midge, Bling Midge, Top Secret Emerger

Midges are highly effective year-round, especially in the colder months from September through winter into April. Smaller sizes (#20-24) work best for the spooky trout in Waterton Canyon, which are known to be shy around larger presentations.

Blue Wing Olive (BWO) Emergers

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Colors: Olive, Grey
• Sizes: #18 – #24
• Popular Patterns: RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Emerger

Blue Wing Olives are a staple in the fall and winter months and are especially effective on cloudy days or when the light is low. The BWO hatch is a favorite among anglers targeting trout rising to feed on emergers just below the surface.

Caddis

• Types: Nymphs, Emergers, Dries
• Colors: Olive, Brown
• Sizes: #14 – #18
• Popular Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis, Buckskin Caddis

Caddis patterns work well from spring through late fall. In Waterton Canyon, Caddis are particularly effective during the early mornings and late evenings when the hatch is most active.

Terrestrials

• Types: Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns
• Colors: Yellow, Tan, Olive, Black, Red
• Sizes: #10 – #18
• Popular Patterns: Chernobyl Ant, Foam Beetle, Dave's Hopper

With hopper season in full swing, terrestrials are an excellent choice, especially during the warmer parts of the day. The hopper-dropper setup is a proven tactic, allowing anglers to target both surface and subsurface feeders.

San Juan Worms and Scuds

• Types: Worms, Scuds
• Colors: Pink, Red, Brown, Grey, Orange, Olive
• Sizes: #10 – #16
• Popular Patterns: San Juan Worm, Rainbow Scud

These patterns are versatile and can be used year-round, particularly when the water is high or slightly off-color. They are great attractors and often used as a lead fly in a nymphing rig.

Stoneflies

• Types: Nymphs, Dries
• Colors: Yellow, Tan
• Sizes: #8 – #14
• Popular Patterns: Golden Stone, Yellow Sally Stonefly

Stonefly patterns are particularly effective during the summer months, from May to September. They are larger flies that can trigger aggressive strikes, especially when other insects are not as active.

Mini Leeches and Streamers

• Types: Leeches, Streamers
• Colors: Black, Olive, Brown
• Sizes: #6 – #12
• Popular Patterns: Woolly Bugger, Mayer's Mini Leech

Leeches and streamers are great for targeting larger, more aggressive fish. They work best when there is a bit of cloud cover or in the early mornings and late evenings.

Fishing Tactics

• Nymphing: Nymphing remains the most productive method. Adjust your depth and weight to match the current conditions and focus on seams, riffles, and runs where fish are likely feeding. Effective patterns include the Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and Prince Nymph.
  
  
• Dry Fly Fishing: Dry fly fishing is also effective during hatches, particularly in slower seams and back eddies. Patterns such as the Blue Wing Olive and Pale Morning Dun can be very productive.
  
  
• Streamer Fishing: Use larger streamers to target big fish in deeper waters. Techniques such as dead drifting or stripping can be effective depending on the fish's behavior​ (Top Streamer Patterns)​​ (Brown Trout Fishing)​.
  
  
• Must-Have Flies: Stock your fly box with various midges, Blue Wing Olive Emergers, caddis, hoppers, San Juan Worms, and scuds. Remember, smaller flies tend to yield better results here, so sizes #18-24 are your best bet.
  
  
• Techniques to Perfect: Waterton Canyon is no place for sloppy casting. Perfect those drag-free drifts to avoid spooking the trout. Start your morning working the deeper pools with nymphs, then transition to riffles as the day progresses. And when the afternoon sun is high, switch to a hopper-dropper setup to entice those opportunistic feeders.
  
  
• Top Spots to Fish: Whether you're looking to challenge yourself or enjoy a more leisurely day on the water, Waterton Canyon has something for every angler. Strontia Springs Dam is known for its heavy hatches, which are perfect for those who love matching the hatch. Deckers is another great spot for experienced anglers targeting larger trout, while South Platte Park offers a more accessible option for families and beginners looking to wet a line in some productive waters​

Best Spots

Popular access points include:

• Waterton Canyon Trailhead: Offers easy access and ample fishing spots.
• Strontia Springs Dam: Known for deeper waters and plentiful fish.
• Marston Diversion: Provides excellent fishing opportunities with diverse water conditions​ (Rise Beyond Fly Fishing)​.

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

​ See Previous Waterton Canyon Reports

• Waterton Canyon Report - September 

• Waterton Canyon Report - August

• Waterton Canyon Report - July

• Waterton Canyon Report - June