Deckers, Colorado

South Platte River Hatch 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 River is keyed to the bugs that are active in the current light and water conditions. These are the insects that matter right now and the windows when they matter most.

Current Hatch Report
  • 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
Flies To Match The Hatch
  • 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
How Fish Respond To This Hatch
  • 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.
  • Keep the rig shallow enough to drift clean through the softer seam instead of hanging in every slot.