Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Deckers Accesson South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon & Deckers)

    The primary public parking and access point featuring several miles of high-quality tailwater.

    River flow last 30 days

    050100150Sep 16Sep 22Sep 2780 cfs
    Flow now
    105cfs
    Inside the typical range (79–114 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Steady
    78 to 81 cfs
    Weather now
    35°F
    Clear Sky, wind 10 mph NE
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    What's working on South Platte River

    1. 01Crisp fall conditions with clear skies and 45°F temperatures.
    2. 02Consistent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons.
    3. 03Strong year-round midge activity, focus on larval and pupal stages.
    4. 04Brown trout spawning activity makes egg patterns and scuds highly effective.
    5. 05Focus on runs and riffles above the bridge in Cheesman Canyon and deeper pools below Turnbull at Deckers.
    6. 06Employ smaller tippets (5x-6x) and precise dead-drift presentations for picky trout.

    What to tie on at Deckers Access

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph95%

    San Juan Worm

    #10#12#14

    Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows. Year-round, especially after rainfall/runoff.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry95%

    Cranefly Larva

    #14#16

    Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows, substantial food source for trout in spring.

    nymph95%

    Scud (Pink/Orange)

    #12#14#16#18

    Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows, year-round staple in tailwaters.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry90%

    Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun

    #18#20#22#24

    BWO's are actively hatching, and the report noted 'great dry fly fishing for adult BWO's'. Excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph90%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are staples, active subsurface. Primary active insect even in cold water, explicitly mentioned as consistent.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph85%

    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    Mimics various small mayfly nymphs (including BWOs) that are active. Good general searching nymph for early spring.

    nymph85%

    Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig

    #14#16#18

    Caddis are actively emerging in spring and 'starting to become more important'. Highly recommended for targeting larger fish on undercut banks.

    egg80%

    Blood Dot Egg

    #10#12#14

    As brown trout begin their spawning activity in the fall, egg patterns become highly effective, mimicking a significant calorie source in the drift.

    Buy at Amazon
    emerger80%

    RS2

    #14#16

    As a versatile midge and small mayfly emerger, the RS2 is highly effective in Cheesman Canyon. Use it as a trailing nymph or in the surface film during afternoon midge hatches. fly_name:

    Colorado season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops