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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.
Mid-September Fishing Report: Waterton Canyon
Waterton Canyon, located on the South Platte River, is not your typical easy fishing spot. It's a challenging location where skilled anglers go to test their abilities. 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.
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Current River Conditions
Right now, the South Platte River near Waterton Canyon is in prime shape, flowing at a steady 50-75 cfs. The weather’s playing nice, with temperatures hovering in the high 70s to low 90s and a chance of late-afternoon thunderstorms to keep things interesting. Early birds will find trout hanging out in the deeper pools, while later in the day, the action shifts to the riffles. Must-have flies for your arsenal include Blue Wing Olive Emergers (sizes #20-22), midges (sizes #20-24), and caddis patterns. Oh, and don’t forget—it’s hopper season! The hopper-dropper combo is a killer setup for those afternoon bites.
The trout are sticking to their routines: they’ll be in the deeper pools during the cool mornings, moving to the riffles as the sun climbs and the day warms up. The fly selection is critical—Blue Wing Olive Emergers (sizes #20-22) and midges (sizes #20-24) are performing well throughout the day. Local favorites like the Mercury Midge and Top Secret Emergers are always reliable choices. Don’t sleep on the caddis patterns either; they’re pulling their weight, especially in the early hours and late afternoon. And with hopper season in full swing, a hopper-dropper setup is the go-to strategy for those looking to capitalize on the afternoon bite. San Juan Worms and leeches are also proving effective, especially in deeper runs.
(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
Safety Tips
Given the current flows and temperatures, wading can be hazardous. Always inform someone of your plans and avoid crossing the river at unsafe points. Use proper gear, such as a wading staff and boots, to maintain stability in the water. The swift currents can be dangerous, so exercise extreme caution (Rise Beyond Fly Fishing).
