Drainage Quick Links
Waterton Canyon Fishing Conditions
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Streamflow | 38.2 cfs |
Best Section:
The upper reaches near the Strontia Springs Dam.
Avoid:
The lower flat stretches near The lower flat-water stretches near the entrance.
Key Fly:
Rainbow Warrior (#18-22)
Flow Note:
Flows are holding lean and steady at 35–45 CFS. A very technical, low-water environment for this time of year..
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Waterton Canyon is currently a high-stakes game of stealth and mountain bike assisted scouting. While we are coming off an exceptionally productive winter of consistent fishing, the combination of extreme drought and record-breaking March heat has pushed this section of the South Platte into a “skinny water” mode months ahead of schedule. The steady release of 35–45 CFS from Strontia Springs has kept the resident rainbows and browns happy, but with the record low snowpack in the high country, this stable window of opportunity should be capitalized on before potential summer restrictions tighten the grip on the drainage. Success right now requires a total commitment to small and lifelike presentations. In these glassy canyon pools, anything bulky will be met with a refusal. As midge activity begins to wane, the Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are hitting full force in the mid-afternoons. Your fly selection needs to be tiny think slim profiled bugs in the #22–24 range. Keep a low profile and fish the oxygenated “bubble lines” and shaded slots where the fish feel most secure.
CPW Station Details
Most Recent visit
Sunday, January 7th, 2023
Today was a bit of a grind. I stopped at what should have been the best water. I trekked up the 4 miles or so to the upper section of the water. While I typically have good success on lower sections, this was the play today. I found a few fish that were willing to take a mop fly. Afterward, I decided to be thankful and work my way back down. This was the first time in a long time I walked the canyon. Next time I will be back on the bike.
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Waterton Canyon is a great winter choice for those who don’t mind putting in a little work for their fish. With flows at a steady 136 CFS, the river is moving well and the water is deep enough in the upper reaches to keep the resident browns and rainbows active. The first couple of miles can be busy with hikers and bikers, but once you get past the 3-mile marker, the crowds thin out and the canyon starts to feel much more remote. The shelf ice is manageable right now, but the shaded canyon walls mean the “sun window” is short. Plan your trip around midday to catch the most bug activity.
Overview
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!
Recommended Flies
Previous Reports
Tuesday, November 19th, 2024
Waterton Canyon is a great option right now. With solid flows moving through the dam, fish should be pretty happy even though winter is setting in. This is specific to the section above Highline Cannel. I have not been in recently and it is hard to judge what is coming through from there down. If you go, leave a comment!
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024
Runoff has hit is peak and the waterway is in good shape. Warm days and cool water thus far have kept fish active and feeding. Summer time bugs are in play. Break out your Caddis and Stonefly imitations. Hopper dropper all day!