South Platte River
Hatch Chart 2025

The South Platte River is one of Colorado’s most technical and rewarding fisheries. Whether you're stalking trout in Cheesman Canyon, fishing nymphs near Deckers, or hitting midges in Eleven Mile, matching the hatch is key. Use our 2025 hatch chart below to find what’s hatching, when to fish, and which flies to use each month.

Hatch Charts

Master the Hatch on the South Platte River

Know what’s hatching, when it’s happening, and what flies to tie on—month-by-month intel from the heart of Colorado trout country. Hatches by month and type are below. 

 

2025 South Platte River Hatch Chart: Monthly Guide to Colorado Fly Hatches

A River That'll Keep You Guessing—and Grinning

The South Platte River is Colorado’s overachiever: part tailwater, part freestone, all attitude. From Cheesman Canyon’s spooky trophies to Deckers’ weekend rodeo, this river makes you earn every trout—but man, does it pay off. The fish are smart. The bugs are picky. And if you think you can just toss any old fly out there, well… better pack a lunch.

That’s why knowing the hatch matters. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the most reliable bug activity on the South Platte, plus our top fly picks for matching the hatch. Whether you’re stalking sipping rainbows or dredging for grudging browns, this chart is your river-side cheat sheet.

South Platte River Hatch Chart – By Month
South Platte River Hatch Chart by Month
Month Main Hatch Secondary Bugs Tertiary Bugs Guide Tip
January Midges (#20–#26) Winter Stoneflies Micro BWOs Slow drifts, long leaders, light tippet. Fish deep.
February Midges (#22–#26) Stoneflies Micro Baetis Pair midges with egg patterns. Trout stay low.
March BWOs (#18–#22) Midges Early Stones Cloudy days = swinging soft hackles goldmine.
April BWOs Early Caddis Midges Focus on pods of risers. Delicate dry fly work.
May Mother's Day Caddis BWOs Early PMDs Skittering caddis and emergers dominate the hatch.
June PMDs (#16–#18) Caddis Yellow Sallies Dry + emerger combos are deadly in pocket water.
July Tricos (#20–#24) Caddis Hoppers Start early. Switch to terrestrials after the spinner fall.
August Tricos Ants, Beetles, Hoppers PMDs Prospect with a beetle + midge dropper mid-morning.
September BWOs Fading Tricos Late Caddis RS2s and emergers shine on cloudy fall afternoons.
October BWOs Midges Streamers Start with dries. Switch to meat if the clouds roll in.
November Midges BWOs Eggs Mix midge nymphs with an egg pattern for depth.
December Midges Winter Stones Baetis Drift small midge larvae slow and deep in tailouts.

 

Learn the Bugs, Land the Fish

Matching the hatch doesn’t mean being a bug nerd (though we fully support it). It means noticing size, silhouette, and how those little guys behave in the water. Presentation > Perfection. Want to fish better tomorrow? Start by tying one better knot today. South Platte River fly fishing hatch chart 2025 is the best guide to Colorado best tailwater. 

Bst flies for Deckers Colorado are here. When do BWO hatch on the South Platte, download the chart and have it at your finger tips. 

FAQ

Q: What flies work best on the South Platte in winter?
A: Midges dominate in the winter. Stick with Zebra Midges, Black Beauties, and RS2s in sizes 20–26.

Q: When do Tricos hatch on the South Platte River?
A: Trico hatches usually begin in late June and peak in July and August, especially near Deckers.

Q: What section of the South Platte has the most consistent hatches?
A: Cheesman Canyon typically offers consistent hatches year-round due to tailwater flows and stable temperatures

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