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Waterton Canyon doesn’t get the attention it deserves. With easy access just outside Denver, clear water, and trout that see fewer flies than their Deckers cousins, this stretch rewards the early riser and the patient angler.
Updated: December 8, 2025
Waterton Canyon is running in a predictable early-winter pattern: low, clear water, chilly mornings, and trout hunkered in deeper, slower lanes. Week over week, flows remain stable, clarity improved slightly, and the best activity continues to center around the late-morning warming period. Midges are the primary food source, and careful, quiet approaches are outperforming everything else.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Gauge offline; typical low winter South Platte baseflow, stable week over week
- Water Temperature: Mid 30s to low 40s with slight midday bump
- Air Temperature: High 20s to low 40s; cold starts, modest afternoon warmth
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Moderate near the entrance, lighter beyond mile 2
- Best Window: 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.; the only consistent feeding period
- Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are holding deep and conserving energy
Weather
Expect classic early-winter canyon conditions: frosted mornings, occasional wind gusts, and brief midday warmth that collapses quickly once shadows return. Dress for cold hiking and colder fishing.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20–24
- Mercury Midge 20–22
- WD-40 20–22
- Top Secret Midge 22–24
- RS2 (black/gray) 20–22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18–20
- Zebra Midge (black, red) 20–22
- Juju Baetis 20–22
- Olive Scud 16–18
- Mini Leech 12–14
Pro Rig of the Week: The Canyon Drifter
- Indicator: Small white yarn or minimal pinch
- Lead Fly: Pheasant Tail 18–20
- Dropper: Mercury Midge 20–22
- Weight: One small BB, 10–12 inches above lead fly
- Target Water: Inside bends, slow canyon edges, and deep winter troughs
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20–26 | Primary food source; trout feed almost exclusively subsurface. |
| Baetis nymphs | 20–22 | Active only on warm, cloudy afternoons. |
| Scuds | 14–18 | Best in softer, slightly deeper runs; useful as an anchor pattern. |
Download the South Platte Hatch Chart
Access Points
Main Parking Lot – First Mile
Easy access, mixed pocket water, and predictable holding zones.
Rating: 4.2
Two-Mile Section
Deeper lanes and fewer anglers; excellent winter holding water.
Rating: 4.5
Three-Mile Bend
Soft edges with slower walking-speed current ideal for winter nymphing.
Rating: 4.6
Upper Canyon (Four Miles and Beyond)
Longer hike, quieter water, more technical but holds solid fish.
Rating: 4.4
Stop Here After You Fish
Platte River Bar & Grill – Littleton, CO
A legit local hangout fifteen minutes from the Waterton gate. No pretense, no crowds of tourists, just burgers, beers, and the kind of warm, easy atmosphere that feels right after hiking the canyon.
Taco Tuesday, grab a cold Coors draft, and sit on the patio if the weather cooperates. Dont worry, they have heaters.
Website: http://theplatteriverbarandgrill.com/
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only
- Heavy non-fishing trail use; bikes and runners are frequent
- Ice shelves form in shaded banks; step carefully
- Respect wildlife closures and signage throughout the canyon
FAQ
Q: How technical is Waterton in December?
A: Very. Clear water and low flows require long leaders, light weight, and small midge patterns.
Q: Is there real dry-fly fishing right now?
A: Occasionally, but only on calm, sunny afternoons when midges cluster.
Q: How far should I hike for fewer anglers?
A: Beyond the two-mile mark pressure drops noticeably.
Q: Do streamers work in winter here?
A: Small leeches can produce, but expect low-percentage results.
Q: What tippet is best?
A: 5X for attractors and 6X for midges.
Q: When does the bite die off?
A: Almost immediately, once canyon shadows return, typically after 3 P.M.
Companion Article for December
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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