Fishing Regulations: Catch and release, flies and lures only. To no one's surprise, BWO dries, baetis nymphs, and small midge patterns are what is working this time of year. Just below Cheesman Canyon is the world-class Deckers area with outstanding opportunity to catch memorable fish. All Rights Reserved. Fish over 20" are not uncommon here, and many much bigger than this are taken every year. The Platte is a great great great river to wade. My approach to fishing around spawning fish is to always find the closest available deep water (drop off/shelf/bucket/etc) below the spawning fish. Presentation is paramount this time of year- change up your depth/weight/indicator until you find something that works for you. FISHING FOR HIP HOP: COLORADO STYLE. The regulations are two trout over 16 inches in length and flies and lures only. Camping: Not in the canyon, though there is camping nearby at Lone Pine and Wigwam Campgrounds on Co 126. Copyright 2021 • Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing • Powered by. Spring can be a magical time to be on the South Platte River, with the Deckers stretch providing some truly incredible and consistent fishing over these next few months. Currently the lower river is frozen and slush ice is big problem on below Bridge Crossing until mid day. All in one conveinient hub. This section of water has between 3,000 and 4,000 trout per mile. Deckers Dam is a dam located just 1.5 miles from Hawley, in Wayne County, in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. If solitude is a necessity of your fishing, don't head here. Regulations • From the lower boundary of the Wigwam Club downstream to Scraggy View picnic area: Fishing by artificial flies and lures only. Check out the web site for Pike Nat'l Forest for info on camping, hikes, drives, and fishing in the area. Stick with the small / midsized stuff that is a little slimmer in profile to find the most consistant success.Fly recommendations: San Juan Worm (brown/red/wine), eggs, leeches (olive/black/purple/rust), scuds, Barr's BWO emerger, Juju Baetis, Sniper Baetis, Batwing BWO, Shotglass baetis, Barr's graphic caddis, buckskins, Barr's PMD emerger, Jujubee midges, miracle midges, wd40's, rs2's, foamback emergers (chocolate thunder), pure midges, flashbang midges, mercury bead black beauty's, bling midges, pheasant tails, copper johns. Sights. Deckers Lake is a lake located just 8.5 miles from Leadville, in Lake County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Mitchell, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including cutthroat trout and brook trout here. This portion of the South Platte is a tail water section, so depending on the will of the angler, productive fishing can be enjoyed year round. South Platte River At Deckers Whether you're looking for a 22" or a 12" fish here, the same rule will always apply---get a good drift. The rivers flows into Deckers 6 miles from the Dam, and continues North about 17 miles before it converges with the North Fork of the South Platte. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. The Colorado River gives the ability to fish from a drift boat, which is a rather exciting means to fish. This stretch of river is very popular for a variety of reasons, however dealing with the crowds can result in some truly amazing catches. This splendid fishery is a picturesque trout stream, located about an hour from both metro Denver and Colorado Springs. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra … Deckers and Cheesman Canyon Access The 10 mile stretch of the South Platte River that runs from the Wigwam Club north to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte is commonly referred to as "Deckers." The optimum window of opportunity is between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Make sure you target the slow, deep pools where the trout’s concentration is the highest this time of year. The average size trout is a very healthy 14-16 inches with many fish reaching 20″. Speaking of Rainbows and Browns - these are the predominant species of trout in the South Platte and can effectively be targeted in the shallow riffles, buckets, drop offs, rock gardens, etc. If you happen find fish up on their redds- LEAVE THEM ALONE!. The best fishing is from Bridge Crossing to the lower boundary of the Tee Pee Club. It’s hard to go wrong with an egg-midge combo right now. Discoverdeckers.com® is the first and only Visitor Information website, for Decker's, Colorado. SOUTH PLATTE BASIN River Gauge View Detailed Information. Feeder streams (from low-level run-off) are adding an additional 10 cfs of water to the Deckers-area. **One item to note for anglers venturing here for the first time: Cell phones do not work along the entirety of this stretch of river. The CPW Match a Hatch app can help you match your fly to the same insects where you’re fishing! See how to tie the RS2 nymph which works well on this river. The river holds approximately 3,000 fish per mile and sight fishing opportunities abound. Just a few miles from the Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River which has the reputation of being one … GET THE CPW FISHING … For complete fishing laws and regulations, consult the Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 29 or the Administrative Code of the Department of Natural Resources. This is an extremely popular river system, and it is filled with anglers year round. Only one largemouth bass 21 inches or greater may be retained each day. The CPW Fishing app can help . Sculpzillas, slumpbusters, sparkle minnows (white/olive/black), thin mints and double mints. Please check to make sure there is public access and water available for fishing. Deckers Fishing Report During the summertime, the water often grows too warm to permit the trout to feed, due to the hot springs. January 14, 2021- Fishing Reports for Decker's and Cheesman Canyon. While a tailwater by definition, the Deckers section of the South Platte is another example of a Colorado river with considerable freestone characteristics the further downstream you head. To be specific, a fly-fisherman. The river holds approximately 3,000 fish per mile and sight fishing opportunities abound. Additionally, these locations will typically also be packed with Brown trout that are picking up the eggs being washed downriver from those upstream spawners. Morning water temps have been 34 degrees, rising up to 36 degrees mid day. The river is a lot more civilized below Yellowstone Lake. 14 Day Forecast:  Look for sporadic hatches of midges. But fly-fishing for trout is what completely defines me and my personality. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for South Platte River, Cheeseman-Chatfield in Colorado! The ideal flow for Deckers is between 150 and 400 cfs. Prohibited: Oct. 1 to April 30; on dam and around reservoir. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, © 2021 Trouts Fly Fishing. Cheesman Reservoir - fishing in Woodland Park, Colorado. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. These areas will be congregating fish that have either A) spawned and are seeking shelter, or B) are holding fish that are still in pre-spawn mode. Streamer fishing can also get quite good in the Fall, particularly on cloudy days. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Visit today! Please consider catch and release on all fish caught in the area. Buy South Platte Downloadable Digital Fishing Maps Click here for info or to purchase. (3) The Colorado Division of Wildlife imposed special fishing regulations on the Deckers section of the South Platte River. Currently sitting at 75 cfs, flows are slightly below the historical average for this time of year. Like any river within an easy drive of Denver, don't expect to have this river to yourself. Join us as we discuss the Pennsylvania Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. There is more open water the closer you get to town. Above Bridge Crossing, the river is open, but the water is very cold. South Platte River Trip Planning Tips. We were using 1/8oz Armadillo's. Cheesman Reservoir is currently 45 percent full, so Denver Water is keeping the outflows low all winter long. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital, Weather @SOUTH PLATTE BASIN - Updated January 23, 2021 - 3:01am by OpenWeather. While a tailwater by definition, the Deckers section of the South Platte is another example of a Colorado river with considerable freestone characteristics the further downstream you head. (c) The Colorado Division of Wildlife imposed special fishing regulations on the Deckers section of the South Platte River. It's a tailwater from Cheeseman Reservoir and the bottom is sandy gravel and easy going (for the most part). Deckers brands fashion and performance lifestyle footwear have earned a global reputation for unparalleled style, quality and comfort. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Brought to you by Flycastusa.com The small stuff is still working fine- 22's & 24's fished in tandem is the rig of choice. There are a few pay phones located at the town of Deckers, as well as at some of the campgrounds along the river. All trout under 15 inches had to be released. As spring warms up, the river should start to fish well from the town of Deckers clear to the confluence with the N. Fork of the South Platte so don't be afraid to get out and explore some new water if you've never done so here.Deckers is home to a very healthy population Rainbow Trout that can exceed 20" and you can expect to see them moving up onto the shallow flats with regularity as the spawn approaches. Fly Fishing The Tomahawk State Wildlife Area. I always say that if an area looks like it's holding fish it probably is, so cover water and cast into anything that looks 'fishy'.From a bug perspective the Midge / BWO / Stonefly / Caddis game will be coming alive throughout the next few months and you should match your flies accordingly. If solitude is a necessity of your fishing, don't head here. River access here is phenomenal. Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. The ideal flow for Deckers is between 150 and 400 cfs. There are a limited number of private stretches throughout here but they are very easy to pickout and are clearly marked. For largemouth bass, length limit is a 14-21” slot. CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. The Colorado Parks & Wildlife publish several maps that illustrate where special fishing regulations apply to the South Platte River in South Park and from Cheesman to Chatfield reservoirs. The river is made up of riffles, runs, shelves and gravel bars, and nice pocket water. Local Events, Visitor Information, and Forest Alerts. I have many hobbies and I can certainly be called many things. Deckers can offer good dry fly fishing at times but like upstream in the “The Canyon” a good nympher will catch the majority of fish. All fishing regulations listed may not reflect the species found in the lake or flowage. The regulations are two trout over 16 inches in length and flies and lures only. That said, seeing as how Deckers doesn't receive a run of lake fish, you can almost always expect to have some elbow room through mid-April. It’s my world. South Platte River Regulations Cheesman to Chatfield Reservoir. At this level, water clarity is high and trout are stacked up in the pronounced pools, runs and pockets. When I am not fishing, I am… Fishing. matches what you see getting active) and cover water. A study of trout before and after the regulation went into effect showed that the average length … The mileage below Cheesman Canyon is the renowned Deckers area, a world-class fishery with easy access and lots of opportunity. Allowed only on the Goose Creek Arm, a half-hour before sunrise and half-hour after sunset. Ice fishing. Please consider catch and release on all fish caught in the area. River access can be found along S Hwy 67, South and North Platte River Road, and Y-Camp Road. This entire stretch can be accessed by road. As anglers, we listen closely to stories of huge fish, adventure and glory in our home waters and spend copious amounts of time chasing these tales to their sources to find out for ourselves if they are true or fable. Fish something that 'makes sense' (i.e. According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte contains just over 3,000 trout per mile with Rainbows, Browns and Cutthroats making up this healthy population. The closest gold medal water to Denver is located on the South Platte at Deckers (unincorporated), Colorado. There are miles of public water to fish in and around the hamlet of Deckers. The entire 18 miles from Cheeseman Reservoir to the confluence with the North Fork all hold significant numbers of fish per mile and typically get much more "catchable" the further down river you head. Fishing South Platte - Deckers, CO Here's some footage from a fishing trip with my grand-daughter Sable. Cheesman: Fishing regulations. From below Wig Wam (up YMCA Camp Road from Deckers) clear down to the confluence with the North Fork, public access will be the rule. Fishing Regulations; Maps. The trout feed year round in this nutrient rich tailwater and grow to trophy sizes. you discover over 1,300 fishing locations, check local conditions, read up on regulations and more! Top producers have been size 24 Black Beauties, Top Secret Midges, and Bling Midges. Kids: Yes, but parts of the trail going down to the river can be very steep. The upper few miles of this section are definitely the most popular to fish, however anglers should take the time to explore while here. Deckers is equal parts rough and tumble and mellow moving meadow areas giving options for all sorts of different fishing styles and tactics. About Fly Fishing at Deckers on the South Platte River in Colorado. The bag and possession limit and minimum size for trout is two fish, 16 inches in length. The flows are somewhat low at 79 c.f.s since the input level is being kept at a minimum with Cheesman Reservoir only at 43% capacity. Anglers should prepare themselves for sporadic hatches of midges. Trouts Fly Fishing is Denver's Premier Fly Shop and Outfitter. Deckers, CO (6,398ft) The Deckers area has a storied history, forged by fire, water, and the Colorado spirit. With a massive selection, free shipping, two locations, & some of Colorado's best guides we strive for the best customer experience possible. As spring wears on however, these four bugs will become the name of the game and fishing patterns from these four families will always be a safe bet.Lastly, when it comes to flies the biggest rule is to not overthink it. Deckers Fishing Report Date: November 2, 2020 Flows through Deckers increased by roughly 30 cfs over the last week. Fishing in Deckers Creek 2016 by Bill Pennington First and foremost, I am a trout fisherman. Located about an hour outside Denver, this area of the South Platte River defines the legendary fly fishing that Colorado is known for across the world. Techniques & Tips: Fishing is technical and calls for 9-12 foot leaders and fine tippets - 5X to 6X. Deckers fly fishing. All trout under 15 inches had to be released. Activities. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in South Platte River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Interactive Map ** About Boating Ordinances: Before boating on an unfamiliar Wisconsin waterways check for a sign at the public boat landing to determine if there are local regulations (more restrictive than state law) which may apply on that waterbody. Like Cheesman Canyon, the fish are challenging to catch, and there is no substitution for a good dead drift. Effective Patterns:  #22-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #20 Mercury Blood Midge, #20 Red Larva, #20 Pale Olive Larva, #22-24 Black Beauty, #22 Mercury Flashback Black Beauty, #22 JujuBaetis, #22-24 Medallion Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-24 Top Secret Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #22-24 Matt's Midge, #22-24 Griffith Gnat, and #20-26 Parachute Adams. If you're nymphing, fish your flies close- like 10" apart- and use plenty of weight. A study of trout before and after the regulation went into effect showed that the average length of a trout increased by 4.2 inches after the new … Deckers is a world-renowned stretch of the South Platte River. Anglers can expect to catch assortment of browns and rainbows with some exceeding 20 inches. Whether you are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we got you covered. Gill trail excluded in that statement, btw. Northern pike daily bag/possession limit is one fish 34 inches or longer. The Deckers section of the South Platte is all about technical fishing right now. Flows are low (65CFS) and fish are spooky. For smallmouth bass (if present), minimum length = 14 inches. Countless public parking "P" signs line the river banks and anglers will have no trouble finding a place to wet a line. Expect heavy crowds in and around the Deckers area. 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