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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 30, 2026
Winter pushes the South Platte into a kaleidoscope of conditions. From the meadow meanders of the Dream Stream to the canyon shadows at Cheesman, each section behaves like its own river right now. The common thread this week isn’t flies or tactics — it’s windows of warmth and pressure relief when fish actually eat.
The river isn’t “fishable” everywhere at every time. It is fishable when you pick the right section for your skill set and read the water before you step in. This report breaks down where the trout are holding, what actually triggers a bite, and when you should skip the rest and go for that afternoon window.
Listen to the Audio Overview
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
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 during a narrow midday window.
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 slower and more methodically in winter, with trout holding in long walking-speed runs and deeper bends. Clear water and steady flows favor anglers who focus on depth control and patience rather than covering water quickly.
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 18 to 22
- WD-40 18 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Waterton Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Yarn
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 22
- Weight: Light, adjusted frequently
- Target Water: Long seams, slow bends, and winter runs
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 is fishing cleaner and more predictably than most South Platte sections right now, but pressure remains constant. Flows are low and stable, pushing trout into defined seams, tailouts, and deeper mid-river buckets. Midges and small mayflies dominate, and success hinges on clean drifts through walking-speed water during the late morning and early afternoon window.
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 18 to 22
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Pro Rig of the Week: Deckers Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or light inline
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Light to moderate, adjusted frequently
- Target Water: Inside seams, tailouts below riffles, and deep mid-channel runs
Access Points
Trumbull Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic winter structure with excellent depth and flow.
Read the complete Deckers report here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – Cheesman Canyon
Cheesman Canyon fishes quietly in winter, rewarding anglers willing to hike and slow down. Clear water and reduced pressure push trout into deep slots and long canyon seams. Midges are the primary food source, and clean drifts through depth matter more than fly changes.
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 Report available in the full Cheesman report here.
South Platte River Fly Fishing Report – North Fork
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The North Fork fishes quieter and more freestone-like than the mainstem during winter. Lower pressure and colder water mean fewer bites, but fish are present in deeper pools and slower edges. Scuds and midges make up most of the winter diet.
Top Flies
- Scud 14 to 16
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- RS2 18 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: North Fork Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
- Lead Fly: Scud 14 to 16
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Moderate
- Target Water: Deep pools, soft edges, and sheltered seams
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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