Discover the latest fishing conditions and catch trends on the South Platte River in Deckers with our comprehensive fishing report for June 24th, 2024.
The current river conditions on the South Platte River near Deckers are still BIG. Really big, with an average flow of over 1,000 CFS - the river is roaring. Denver Water is doing a bang-up job controlling the water temps for our favorite fish along the basin. The top of Waterton Canyon is flowing at a rate this team has not seen in over 15 years. The tailwaters are still dumping scuds, worms, craneflies, and stoneflies in abundance into the South Platte, and the fish are gorging themselves in small pools and slower grass banks. The increased flows have also produced larger bugs, so upsize, and you'll find more hookups.
This situation involves spills and regular releases. The system has abundant water, and there is no choice but to let it flow. All the reservoirs in the basin are full, and runoff is in full force further up in the system. These flows are quite extreme but still manageable for fishing. It's best to focus on the banks at the moment. Anglers will need to stick to the trail side of the river as there are no safe crossing points at these high flows.
USE EXTREME CAUTION! Due to high flows and poor foot placement, the team has already seen members float down the river twice this season. Safety should be your first focus when heading out. Runoff in Colorado is no joke. Runoff conditions have killed or seriously too many guests to our rivers over the decades. Practice good awareness, maintain foot position when wading, and ALWAY tell someone where you are going before if you are going alone.
Source: Colorado Division of Water and Natural Resources Stream Flow Station Report
Source: Weather.com
In the midst of summer on the South Platte River in Deckers, anglers should look for several exciting hatches and fly patterns. These include a variety of insect species, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.
Mayflies are abundant during this season and can be mimicked with patterns such as the Blue Wing Olive or Pale Morning Dun. Anglers have successfully used these patterns in both nymph and dry fly variations.
Caddisflies are also on the scene, and patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis or the X-Caddis do a fantastic job of imitating them. Depending on how the fish feed, these patterns can be fished on the surface or subsurface.
Stoneflies are another key player in mid-summer. Patterns like Pat's Rubber Legs or the Kaufmann Stone are popular choices for imitating stoneflies. These patterns are best fished near the riverbed, where stonefly nymphs are commonly found.
Regarding fly fishing tactics on the South Platte River in Deckers, anglers have many effective strategies. Nymphing is a popular tactic involving fishing with subsurface flies that mimic aquatic insects in their nymph stage. Anglers have shared their success stories using various nymph patterns, including timeless classics like the Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and Prince Nymph. These patterns can be fished with or without an indicator depending on factors like water depth and current speed.
Dry fly fishing is another effective tactic, especially during hatches. Anglers can present dry flies that imitate the emerging insects on the water's surface, leading to exhilarating visual encounters as fish rise to take the fly. This method can be thrilling and rewarding for anglers seeking a more interactive fishing experience.
Streamer fishing is a popular choice on the South Platte River for those aiming to target larger fish or cover more water. Streamers, being larger and more imitative flies, can be retrieved in various ways to mimic baitfish or other prey items. Patterns like the Woolly Bugger or the Sculpzilla have proven successful for anglers targeting predatory fish in the river.
Ultimately, the selection of fly fishing tactics will depend on a combination of factors, including current conditions, prevalent hatches, and personal preference. Anglers are encouraged to experiment with different techniques and adapt their approach to maximize their chances of success on the South Platte River.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 100% full and spilling. Run-off at higher elevations is also just now starting.
In Western Colorado, lower elevation snowpack was abundant, leading to significant early-season runoff in some basins. This resulted in observed flooding in the Yampa and Dolores basins, with more snowmelt expected. While Western Colorado saw above-normal April streamflow volumes, other parts of the state had different outcomes. NRCS Hydrologist Karl Wetlaufer noted the varying snowpack and streamflow forecasts for this year's April-July runoff period, with some basins expecting below-normal seasonal runoff volumes.
Reservoir storage is improving in basins with deficits, like the Gunnison and the San Miguel-Dolores-Animas-San Juan River basins. It's crucial to monitor forecasts and changing conditions closely in your local area throughout the spring and summer due to the variability in streamflow forecasts across the state. Snowpack statewide peaked on April 8th at SNOTEL sites, marking the start of the primary snowmelt runoff season. Wetlaufer emphasized the importance of closely monitoring water resources during this time of year, as conditions can change rapidly. While abundant streamflow is positive for water supply in the Colorado River Basin, all in Colorado must be aware of flood potential and associated hazards.
Source: USDA Natural Resources Conversation Service