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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.
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: December 15, 2025
Up high in South Park, the Dream Stream demands stealth, patience, and precision in low, ultra-clear meadow flows. Downstream, Cheesman Canyon and Deckers benefit from stable bottom-release flows that keep trout behavior predictable but highly selective. Closer to Denver, Waterton Canyon and the North Fork of the South Platte soften slightly, offering quieter water, fewer anglers, and longer winter feeding windows for those willing to walk.
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Conditions Overall on the South Platte River
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Flow: Stable winter flows, tailwater controlled below Cheesman
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s and consistent
Air Temperature: Cold mornings with brief midday warming
Clarity: Clear to ultra clear across all sections
Crowds: Moderate on weekends, lighter midweek
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with midges, selective baetis, and precise depth control
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.
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South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Dream Stream
The Dream Stream is cold, open, and unforgiving in winter. 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Active on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 12 to 16 | Important on the North Fork |
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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