The Location

Directions from Denver

Friday, January 9th, 2026

Deckers is in its winter prime right now. With flows stabilized around 100 CFS, the river is moving at a perfect pace for technical winter nymphing. The holiday crowds have mostly dissipated, but on warmer weekends, don’t be surprised to see a few anglers in the popular holes. The water is clear, and the shelf ice is starting to build up in the shaded sections, but the majority of the river remains open and very fishable. The key right now is to find the deeper, slower winter lies where the trout are stacking up to conserve energy. It’s a “small and light” game. If you aren’t using 6X tippet and midge patterns so small they’re hard to see, you’re probably working too hard for a take.

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

Consistent flows. Runoff has not existed on the Deckers section of the South Platte River. This has been great through the spring, but a little more water wouldn’t hurt as we head into the hot summer season. Pick the right windows when fishing this section. Early in the morning or later in the evening will be the most productive and enjoyable fishing opportunities. Expect fish to be spread out when the temperatures are cooler. They will then head into the faster, more oxygenated water as the day warms. Keep an eye on the water temps. If you see it hit 60° Fahenhight, consider packing it in. When this happens midday, the “tube hatch” tends to be in full force, and can be unpleasant fishing anyway. (We do have to share our public lands). The tactics are endless this time of year. Fish nymphs tight line or on an indicator, work a lot of water using a dry dropper or headhunt with dries. Do you!

Friday, June 6th, 2025

Deckers is fishing exceptionally well! Spring flows have remained consistently low, providing stable conditions for the fish. With these lower flows, technical precision becomes crucial. As always, effective presentation is paramount, complemented by selecting the right flies. Caddis have become a primary choice, and PMDs are starting to hatch. Indicator nymphing remains the most reliable method for the majority of the day. However, you should try fishing a larger dry fly during this period. Use a deeply suspended dropper for this method. Alternatively, one could move quickly, targeting fish with a Caddis or PMD dry and actively seek out rising fish. Be mindful of recreational tubers who are beginning to frequent the waterway and will become more numerous as temperatures rise.

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

It is prime time on the Deckers section of the South Platte River. Flows have been variable and are currently sitting around 200 cfs. Over the last 10 days, we have seen it from 150 – 250 cfs. Something to be thankful for. Blue Wing Olives are still hanging around. Midges are always a mainstay. Depending on what happens with flows, bug life will begin to shift to the larger Caddis and Stonefly offerings we all hope for. If we do see a good flush from the dam, make sure you have your junk flies ready. Fishing large attractors in soft water will be the go to move if runoff hits this section this year. Pick your poison, from light streamer work, technical dry dropper rigs, down and dirty dredge nymphs or pure dry fly action. Dealers choice this time of year!

Thursday, April 4th, 2025

Deckers has been a model of consistency for us over the last month. Flows have been maintained between 150 and 200. Bugs are living their spring life. Expect to have cool mornings with the current spring storms in the forecast. Midges should love this as will the fish. With warming afternoons and the potential of overcast and snowy days, the Blue Wing Olives should also be favorable and active. If you are all dry, find the right water and look for heads. You may also need to hone in on the right window. Flies like the Reaper Midge or a Griffiths Gnat are you go to patterns and should be no surprise. In the afternoon switch over to a simple BWO adult of your choosing. Nymphing will be productive. Finding where the fish are holding can be key. Expect them to move higher in the column as hatches are persistent. Spring time on the Deckers section of the South Platte is one of the best times to be fishing!

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

The flows through the Deckers section of the South Platte River have been stair-stepping down over the last 30 days. Currently sitting near 140, conditions are a bit low but relatively great for this time of year. There is no doubt that the “bead bite” is on if that is your jam. I suggest fishing a dual or triple nymph rig with an orange nymph instead of going to the plastic eggs. Some type of bomb fly with a copper or pink bead can be deadly and will work double duty as an egg and mayfly nymph.

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

Things through the Deckers section of the South Platte River have been up and down a bit. While fish do adjust, they will also have an abundance of summertime bugs flushing their way. This keeps a lot of the activity subsurface. Dry droppers are excellent, and nymphing will produce the best. Best bet right now is the emerger game. Certain water types will be better suited for dry flies at the current CFS, so pick your water if that is your game. Wade safely!

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

Flows are prime on this famous and popular section of the South Platte River. Thanks to a solid run-off this season with cold water and lots of biomass, look for active, happy fish. Keep your head on a swivel for the tubers that might not be as aware as they should be. And above all else, watch for the caddis hatches. They have become very prolific on this section and are a joy to fish when around. If you are lucky, you can find a pod rising consistently. Be strategic and work from back to front to maximize your chances.

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Summertime fun on the Deckers section of the South Platte River. The “Tube Hatch” is on, and there are picnickers about. The nice thing about the summertime is that you can spread out more. Denver Water recently flipped the switch on the Cheesman Dam outflows. They are now matching the inlet via bottom release and no longer letting water cruise the spillway. This means hot days and cold water. While the fish are adjusting (and have) in the short term, the long play here means happy and healthy trout through the summer. All of the fish I have caught here recently are in great shape!

Sunday, June 23rd, 2024

This section of the Platte looks like it has plateaued and is slowing tapering off. Cheesman is at 101% currently. The flows should soon return to fully bottom release. While this keeps temps cool the hot days will help to warm things up quickly. Keep an eye out for PMD and Caddis as they will be mainstays for a little while. It is also big bug so don’t forget the hoppers. If you head out wade safely and fish from the bank. Fish will be holding in protected water. If you find one, chances are there are more there.

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Runoff is here! It seems like it has been a few years since we have truly had runoff on the South Platte River through Deckers. If you venture out be safe and fish from the bank. The fish will be holding in protected water near feeding lanes. This time of year, heavy weighted attractors are you friend. I like accompanying the attractor with a flashy nymph and a large lifelike emerger like a soft hackle hares ear.