Trout With Trust Issues: Late Oct Fly Fishing Report the South Platte at Deckers

Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly fishing enthusiasts. Known for its crystal-clear waters, challenging trout, and stunning scenery, Deckers offers a mix of excitement and tranquility that keeps anglers coming back year-round.

If you can see your breath before sunrise, you’re in the right place.
Deckers in late October is moody, beautiful, and brutally honest. The water’s cold, the fish are smart, and every take feels like a small victory.

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Conditions Summary

Flows around 85 CFS ↓ after a small mid-month bump. Morning temps hover near freezing, water temps range 43–47 °F by afternoon. Clarity is excellent. Browns are wrapping up the spawn, and rainbows are feeding behind them. Midges and small Baetis dominate.

Flow: ~85 CFS ↓
Water Temp: 43–47 °F
Air Temp: 30–65 °F
Clarity: Clear
Pressure: Moderate weekends, light weekdays
Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer Score: ⭐⭐

Conditions Note: Fish are hugging slower seams and tailouts. Mid-day light triggers a solid Baetis window; expect subtle takes and ultra-thin tippet work.

Hatch Chart

• Blue-Winged Olive #20–22 | 10 AM–2 PM | Drift emergers under cloud cover
• Midges #22–26 | All day | Double-midge rigs through deep runs
• Egg Drift | All day | Productive behind riffles post-spawn

Top Flies for Late October

Dry Flies

• Mole Fly #22 – Deadly during thin mid-day BWO hatch
• Parachute BWO #20 – Reliable emerger match under clouds
• CDC Griffith’s Gnat #24 – Midge clusters in calm slicks

Nymphs

• Two Bit Hooker #18 – Lead fly for active riffles
• Olive WD-40 #22 – Top Baetis emerger imitation
• Manhattan Midge #22 – Consistent trailer pattern for slow seams

Streamer

• Mini Leech #12 (Black or Rust) – Short slow strips through deep troughs after 2 PM

Tips for Fishing Deckers

• Sleep in; the bite starts when frost melts.
• Long leaders (10–12 ft) and 6X tippet = more hookups.
• Target deep seams below riffles; trout stack tight this time of year.
• Watch for BWOs mid-day and switch to small dries fast.
• Keep movement subtle; these trout have PhDs in refusal.

Access Points

Trumbull: open seams, good parking, clear water mid-day
Deckers Bridge: easy access, great Baetis activity 11–2 PM
O-Fisherman’s: deeper runs; best streamer water in canyon shade
Scraggy View: classic pocket water, less pressure mid-week

Local Regulations & Notes

Artificial flies and lures only.
Catch-and-release encouraged post-spawn.
Avoid clean gravel redds in shallow water.
Check CPW Stream Reports for any temporary restrictions.

FAQ

Q: Is the brown spawn done?
A: Mostly wrapped; fish are recovering and feeding again.

Q: What’s the best time of day?
A: 10 AM–3 PM once sunlight hits the canyon.

Q: Can I still throw streamers?
A: Yes, small leeches in slower pools work mid-afternoon.

Q: How’s clarity?
A: Excellent; sight-fishing is possible.

Q: What’s the top rig right now?
A: Two Bit Hooker to WD-40 on 5X tippet with micro indicator.

Q: Any ice?
A: Light edge ice in early mornings; gone by noon.

River Whisper | Best Fly Fishing Right Now

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