---
title: A Newcomer’s Guide to October Fly Fishing on the South Platte
description: New to Colorado? October on the South Platte means cool water, fewer crowds, and trout chasing BWOs, Tricos, and midges. Learn where to go and what flies to pack.
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/River%20Only/20241016_133359.jpg
---

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# A Newcomer’s Guide to October Fly Fishing on the South Platte

- September 30, 2025

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

So, you’ve lived in Colorado for a few years, maybe tangled with trout at Deckers or hiked into Cheesman Canyon, but the South Platte still feels like a mystery beyond those famous runs. October is one of the best times to change that. Here’s how to make sense of the river this fall.

 

#### Listen to the Podcast

October\_Gold\_Rush\_The\_Newcomer\_s\_Guide\_to\_Tiny\_Flies,\_Big\_Brown

14:24

 

---

### Why October Works

- **Cooler temps = active trout.** Fall weather keeps water temps trout-friendly all day.
- **Crowds thin.** Summer hordes are gone, especially midweek.
- **The bugs get small.** You won’t see massive hatches, but trout key in on a handful of tiny, consistent meals.
- **Bigger fish on the move.** In stretches like the Dream Stream, October means brown trout staging for their annual romance tour.

![20241016_133359](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/River%20Only/20241016_133359.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=20241016_133359.jpg)

---

### Where to Start (If You’ve Only Fished Deckers)

**Deckers (South Platte)**

- Still a good bet in October. Flows are wadeable, hatches are predictable, and access is easy.
- Expect Trico spinner falls in the morning and Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) when clouds roll in.

**Cheesman Canyon**

- Legendary for technical fish. If you like long leaders and stealth, October is prime here.
- The hike in keeps crowds lower than Deckers.

**Dream Stream (between Spinney & Elevenmile Reservoirs)**

- This is October’s headline stretch. Big browns move up from Elevenmile, and sight-fishing is the name of the game.
- Don’t expect solitude—but do expect a shot at trophy fish.

**Other Options**

- **Chatfield Tailwater** near Denver for a quick half-day fix.
- **Tomahawk State Wildlife Area** for wide-open meadows and less technical water.

![20240301_152048](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/River%20Only/20240301_152048.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=20240301_152048.jpg)

 

---

## Flies That Keep It Simple

You don’t need 100 patterns. A starter October lineup looks like this:

- **Dry Flies:** Parachute Adams (#20–22), BWO Parachutes (#20–22)
- **Nymphs:** RS2s (#20–22), WD-40s (#20–22), Zebra Midges (#22–24)
- **Streamers:** Small leeches (olive/black, #10–12) for low-light or deeper runs

---

### When to Fish

- **Morning (7–11 AM):** Trico spinners + midges
- **Afternoon (1–4 PM):** BWOs love cloudy skies
- **Evening:** Small streamers swung through shadow lines can wake up bigger fish

---

### 8 FAQs for October on the South Platte

1. **Q: Is October too late in the season?**  
   A: Not at all—it’s one of the best months.
2. **Q: Do I need tiny flies?**  
   A: Yes—think size 20–24 for dries and nymphs.
3. **Q: Is Deckers crowded in October?**  
   A: Less than summer, but weekends still draw a crowd.
4. **Q: What gear works best?**  
   A: A 9’ 4–5 wt rod with 5X–6X tippet covers most situations.
5. **Q: Do I need waders?**  
   A: Yes—flows are wadeable, but you’ll want the warmth.
6. **Q: Can I take beginners out?**  
   A: Deckers and Tomahawk SWA are best for easier access. Cheesman and the Dream Stream are more advanced.
7. **Q: Do trout still rise in October?**  
   A: Yes—especially on overcast afternoons during BWO hatches.
8. **Q: Should I fish streamers?**  
   A: Definitely—especially early or late in the day.

 Blog Post

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