Deckers, Colorado

South Platte River Fishing Report

Updated Apr 24, 2026, 8:12 AM MDT

Fish the slow seams with a shallow, technical nymph rig first, then adjust toward emergers or a small dry only if you see steady noses.

Current Conditions
  • Flow: Moderate spring flows usually keep the Deckers water wadeable while still giving fish cover.
  • Water Temperature: Low-fifties water is enough for consistent feeding, but not enough to make fish reckless.
  • Weather: Overcast gives you more flexibility. Bright afternoons usually make the river more technical.
  • Overall Rating: 7/10
Today's Read

South Platte trout near Deckers feed often but slide into technical behavior fast when flows are clear and stable. Expect fish to hold in the slower seam off the main tongue, on inside shelves, and in buckets where current drops just enough to let them inspect food. They will eat midges and small mayflies all day, but the more visible surface activity usually stays concentrated in specific slicks rather than spreading river-wide.

What Fish Are Doing
  • Keep the rig shallow enough to drift clean through the softer seam instead of hanging in every slot.
  • Focus on slower shelves, tailout lips, and the soft cushion beside faster current rather than the heaviest riffle water.
  • If fish start showing on top, cut back to one dry and one emerger or a single dry. Long, drag-free drifts matter more than covering more water.
Best Flies In The Current Report
  • Top Secret Midge, size 20-24, nymph
  • RS2 olive or gray, size 20-22, emerger
  • BWO Barr Emerger, size 18-20, nymph
  • Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, size 20-22, emerger
  • Parachute Adams, size 20-22, dry
What Is Driving The Feed
  • Midges, size 20-24, all day with strongest windows early and late
  • Blue-winged olives, size 18-22, late morning through afternoon
  • Caddis prep and pupa activity, size 14-16, sporadic warm afternoons