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The South Platte River is one of Colorado’s most diverse fisheries, and winter amplifies those differences fast. From the open meadow water of the Dream Stream, through the canyon-bound tailwater sections of Cheesman Canyon and Deckers, down to the quieter, softer structure of Waterton Canyon and the North Fork, the South Platte offers five distinct winter fisheries tied together by the same cold-season rules.
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Jump to the Dream Stream Report
Jump to the Waterton Canyon Report
Jump to the Deckers Report
Jump to the Cheeman Report
Jump to the North Fork Report
Updated: January 18, 2026
Overall, the South Platte is holding in a stable mid-winter pattern. Water clarity remains high across all sections, flows are steady, and trout are positioned predictably in winter lanes. Feeding windows are short but dependable, centered around late morning through early afternoon when sunlight and slight warming improve activity. Midges dominate system-wide, with winter stoneflies showing in select canyon stretches.
This week’s South Platte fly fishing report favors precision over persistence. Clean drifts, light rigs, and realistic expectations continue to separate productive days from slow ones.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Overall on the South Platte River
Updated: January 18, 2026
Overall, the South Platte is holding in a stable mid-winter pattern. Water clarity remains high across all sections, flows are steady, and trout are positioned predictably in winter lanes. Feeding windows are short but dependable, centered around late morning through early afternoon when sunlight and slight warming improve activity. Midges dominate system-wide, with winter stoneflies showing in select canyon stretches.
This week’s South Platte fly fishing report favors precision over persistence. Clean drifts, light rigs, and realistic expectations continue to separate productive days from slow ones.
Weather
South Platte River Corridor Weather
Expect hard overnight freezes throughout the basin with brief midday warming. Upper meadow sections shut down earlier due to wind exposure. Canyon and lower sections retain heat longer and fish more consistently on calm sunny days.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18–26 | Primary winter food source across all sections |
| Winter Stoneflies | 14–18 | Active in canyon sections on warmer afternoons |
| Baetis Nymphs | 18–22 | Sporadic but important during mild or overcast days |
| Scuds | 12–16 | More relevant on the North Fork |
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Dream Stream
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The Dream Stream is cold, open, and unforgiving right now. Low flows and ultra-clear water push trout into deep meadow troughs and slow inside bends where every approach matters. Midges dominate the food supply, and long leaders with minimal weight are required for success.
Top Flies
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Dream Stream Long-Leader Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22
- Weight: Micro split shot
- Target Water: Deep winter troughs and soft meadow bends
Access Points
Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Core winter holding water with the highest trout concentration.
Want the full breakdown with flies, access points, and hatch chart?
See the full Dream Stream report here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Waterton Canyon
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Waterton Canyon fishes quieter and softer than the canyon tailwaters upstream. Trout hold in slow edges, inside bends, and winter lanes that reward anglers who hike past the early pressure. For winter, 4 stars if appropriate but you still gotta work for it. Slow down, but don't get lazy.
Top Flies
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Waterton Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 22
- Weight: Light
- Target Water: Inside bends and slow canyon seams
Access Points
Two-Mile Section ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pressure drops and winter water improves dramatically.
See the full Waterton Canyon report with top flies and access points here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Deckers
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Deckers remains the most reliable winter section of the South Platte due to consistent tailwater flows. Trout stack in long glides, deep troughs, and walking-speed seams. You'll be suprised. The cold keeps the warmer blooded anglers away allowing you full access to some of the prime spots. You'll be there by yourself on the week days in most holes if you plan it right.
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Barrs Emerger 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Deckers Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
- Weight: Moderate
- Target Water: Long glides and deep winter seams
Access Points
Trumbull Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic winter structure with excellent depth and flow.
For full flies, access ratings, and hatch chart, read the complete Deckers report here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Cheesman Canyon
Cheesman Canyon is the most technical winter section of the South Platte. Ultra-clear water, deep pockets, and canyon shadows compress feeding windows but create predictable trout positioning. The colder air temps slim down the crowds while the slow water temps slow the trout down. Don't get lazy but slow it down for more hook ups.
Top Flies
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Cheesman Precision Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22
- Weight: Light
- Target Water: Deep pockets and canyon troughs
Access Points
Gill Trail Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World-class winter canyon water for prepared anglers.
Full rigging strategy and canyon access points available in the full Cheesman report here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – North Fork
The North Fork of the South Platte River offers softer structure, fewer anglers, and slightly longer feeding windows. Scuds and leeches play a bigger role here than upstream sections. Access is tough here so make sure you aren't trespassing. Don't ruin access for us all because you decide to jump a gate or a fence for a shortcut. Stay to known access points. Find them here.
Top Flies
- Scud 14 to 16
- Midge Larva 18 to 22
- Mini Leech 12
Pro Rig of the Week: North Fork Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Scud 14
- Dropper: Midge Larva 20
- Weight: Light
- Target Water: Soft bends and deep winter edges
Access Points
Bailey Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reliable winter water with minimal pressure.
See the full North Fork breakdown including flies, access, and weather here.
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
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