South Platte River Fishing Report (Deckers)

Warm weather, slightly higher flows, and the arrival of the big midge have made for some great fishing.  The weather has been in the mid 60’s for the last 7 days, making the water temps consistently high enough to see some rising fish mid day and late in the afternoon, provided the wind isn’t howling. The riser’s won’t be easy targets as they are by no means prolific, but look for slow water behind points or along slow banks and most likely if you give it some time, there will be a nose or two coming up.  If you’re finding fish looking up, try throwing your favorite natural colored, but visible dry fly in size 14-18, then add a trailer about 16-18” long with a  cdc spinner or cdc midge adult (sz 20-22), parachute Adams (sz 22-24), or Griffiths Gnat (sz20-22). Keep in mind that you may have to get 4-6 good drifts through these weary fish before you get a take so don’t get discouraged. Although the majority of these fish are feeding on the big midges that are prevalent this time of year, your smaller baetis patterns will also fool these trout as long as your drift is impeccable.

 

We’re still finding fish stacked up in the deeper slower runs, but keep a sharp eye on walking speed water, riffles, submerged rock beds and shelves, as fish hanging in these area’s are usually on the feed.

The best hours of fishing this time of year are in the middle of the day (10-4pm).

Nymphing is still the most productive method to take fish, a combination of larger attractor flies (crane fly, san juan worm, or egg) followed up with a size 16-18 (Scud, black beauty, or soft hackle PT) and for a small point fly (thunder midge, Redford’s BC Baetis, or Xmas midge) sizes 20-24.

Try and set your hooks on every movement or pause of your indicator as eats this time of year are very subtle in th
e slower water.

See you out there,

Levi Lambert

Minturn Anglers Guide