South Platte Through Denver
Flow: 30cfs at Englewood
Water Temp: 37-42 degrees

While the carp fishing may be cooling off on the South Platte through town, the trout fishing is heating up! I’ve had a chance to get out on the water through town a few times throughout the past few weeks.

The water temperatures are very low, as is the flow.  The best fishing has seemed to be from about 10am until 3pm so there is no reason to be on the water super early.  Low water temperatures mean that you will see sparse hatches of midges and baetis, and the fish aren’t really keyed in on anything on the surface.

Nymphing has been the most productive method of catching fish as of late, and make sure to apply your winter tactics here.  Yarn indicators and Palsa pinch-on indicators, light weight and smaller flies will be your best bet from now until overnight temperatures rise in the Spring.  Attractor flies like red and tan worms in sizes 14-16, and eggs in every color and size combination.  Dropper nymphs like Jujubaetis, Black Beauty Emergers, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns in Red, and standard Black Beauty Midges all in sizes 16-22 have been taking fish during the heat of the day.

Carp can also be found this time of year on the typical crayfish patterns in more muted colors like olive and natural. The carp are cold and have a very slow metabolism this year, so your window of opportunity to catch them is very short. Make sure to be extra stealthy and don’t put too much movement into your flies or you will scare fish. Some fish have moved into the riffles to feed during the prime time and they can occasionally be taken on a nymph rig.

Do some exploring on the South Platte in Denver, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

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