The Toilet Bowlon South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon & Deckers)
River flow last 30 days
What's working on South Platte River
- 01Crisp fall conditions with clear skies and 45°F temperatures.
- 02Consistent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Strong year-round midge activity, focus on larval and pupal stages.
- 04Brown trout spawning activity makes egg patterns and scuds highly effective.
- 05Focus on runs and riffles above the bridge in Cheesman Canyon and deeper pools below Turnbull at Deckers.
- 06Employ smaller tippets (5x-6x) and precise dead-drift presentations for picky trout.
What to tie on at The Toilet Bowl
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
San Juan Worm
Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows. Year-round, especially after rainfall/runoff.
Buy at AmazonCranefly Larva
Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows, substantial food source for trout in spring.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Explicitly mentioned in recent reports as a good choice with current higher flows, year-round staple in tailwaters.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
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 AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are staples, active subsurface. Primary active insect even in cold water, explicitly mentioned as consistent.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
Mimics various small mayfly nymphs (including BWOs) that are active. Good general searching nymph for early spring.
Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig
Caddis are actively emerging in spring and 'starting to become more important'. Highly recommended for targeting larger fish on undercut banks.
Blood Dot Egg
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 AmazonRS2
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.