If you fish the South Platte River in Colorado, you know there can be crowds. Not always, but some days every hole is claimed. This day near Deckers, CO, was one of the busy ones. The best way to be successful is to get there early and stake out a good run, pool, or riffle.
I failed on this particular day in early March. I slept in and didn’t get to the water until after 9 am. This is late for this section of the river. The fishing doesn’t start until about 10 am because it is early March.
I did end up getting a run to fish. Still, this was a section I typically have better luck fishing in the warmer season. Even though Colorado was still in Winter, the week or so prior had been unseasonably warm. This left me hopeful that fish would move into this faster-moving run.
As the morning progressed, I quickly realized this was not the right type of water. It was not deep enough given the current flows. I drove up and down looking for an open section that I felt would hold success. I searched from the confluence of the South and North Fork of the South Platte River. The search continued up to the Cheesman Canyon parking lots, which were already overflowing. I pulled off feeling hopeless, finding nothing. I sat on my tailgate to have a quick lunch. I told myself I would take my time eating. I hoped that an AM fisher would pack up and leave me a spot.
Driving back down, I finally came past an open spot. One that I had fished only a couple of times, with only a few average fish claimed. This spot today was definitely a reward for my patience. As it paid off big right away. I parked and re-rigged. I waded to the far side. I had always fished this section from the close side. I wanted to switch things up. I waded downriver to the top of a dee,p soft run. Just a few casts in and WHAM! Fish on!!
Although this fish didn’t put up too much of a fight, it was a nice fish! Measuring it loosely with my net, it was 20+ inches. The best reward I have received for my patience. I was ready to give up and head home. I took a little time to admire this fish. It was the biggest I had caught in some time. It was definitely the largest I had caught in 2020 so far.
The day didn’t end there, as this hole held many eager fish. Both Rainbows and Brown Trout. Every Rainbow Trout I caught (including the big mama above) took my San Juan Worm. While the Brown Trout all ate the UV Veil Egg.
I watched a few onlookers come and go as I continued to pull fish out of this hole. Feeling lucky for having stayed long enough to experience the joys of this honey hole. These are the days that keep you returning to these types of waterways.