Waterton Canyon is an outdoor recreation paradise. This is a busy section of the South Platte River, but not due to angling pressure. Denver Water operates Waterton Canyon to provide access to the Strontia Springs Dam. They allow recreation by foot throughout the 5-mile canyon. The trail (access road) typically includes hikers, bikers, bird watchers, and anglers alike. This is technically the first leg of the Colorado Trail. During certain times of the year, you will see people beginning their backpacking journey here. The abundant wildlife here makes for an exciting day regardless of fishing conditions. Bighorn Sheep are familiar residents. As are black bears, mountain lions, and plenty of other woodland creatures.

The River

This tailwater section of the South Platte is often forgotten. It can be pretty fickle, with variable flows. These flows often leave the river pretty skinny. You want to pick your days wisely. That being said, the fishing can be really good. Seek out good water. If you aren’t seeing fish or fishing “A” water, you won’t see much success.

Seasons

As mentioned above, pick your days in this canyon. Flows can be low year-round depending on the water needs of many… Because of this, spring can be one of the best times to fish in Waterton Canyon. During runoff, this section is typically lower than other stretches. Summer can be great if the flows are strong. 

Fish

There are primarily rainbows in this section, but there are brown trout too. The rainbows are stocked from time to time. You can find the usual 4″-10″ trout with the occasional surprisingly larger fish. There are sections here, with deeper water where larger fish hide.

Tactics

Mostly dry fly and dry-dropper water throughout this section. Low clear water means you should always be aware of your approach. Like other tailwaters, the fish become used to people. They will not spook. Instead, they turn down and stop feeding when they see people around.

Bugs

All the usual characters here. This is a midge-heavy fishery with the spring and fall Blue Wing Olives. Expect to see Caddis on warmer days with small Stoneflies mixed in. The dirty flies work great here, too!