South Platte River
Deckers · Cheesman Canyon
Central Colorado, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06701900. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Platte's running 221 cfs — perfect mid-June levels for technical dry fly work. With air temps hitting the high 80s, expect strong PMD emergences midday (11am-2pm) and reliable evening caddis from 6-9pm. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions. Focus morning efforts on nymphing deep pools before the heat, then switch to dries once bugs start moving. The Deckers access will see weekend crowds, so plan accordingly.
- Flow: 221 cfs — ideal technical water. Deep enough for good nymphing, low enough for precise dry fly presentations in the pocket water.
- Hatches: PMDs midday when air hits 80s, evening caddis 6-9pm. Water temps in sweet spot for both. Size 16-18 patterns should match the naturals.
- Water Temp: Likely 55-58°F range — perfect for bug activity. Cool mornings, warming afternoons will trigger consistent emergence windows.
- Best Window: Early mornings before crowds, then 11am-2pm for PMDs, finish with evening caddis session 6-9pm. Avoid midday heat stress periods.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–May & Sept–Nov
Cheesman Canyon and Eleven Mile Canyon on Colorado's South Platte are crown jewels of Front Range tailwater fishing. These scenic canyon stretches below Cheesman Reservoir and Elevenmile Reservoir hold extraordinary densities of wild rainbow and brown trout. The technical nature of the fishing — small flies, precise presentations — makes it a beloved challenge for experienced anglers.
Cheesman Canyon is widely regarded as one of the toughest pieces of trout water in America — fish here are extraordinarily selective even by tailwater standards.
January Outlook
The South Platte at Deckers and Cheesman Canyon is one of Colorado's finest winter tailwater fisheries. Midges dominate.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Top Secret Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
Tips
Fish the slow, deep pools with fine tippet and small midge patterns. The Deckers section is less technical than Cheesman Canyon but equally productive in winter.
Water Notes
50–200 cfs. Cold 40–48°F. Stable regulated flows. Clear and fishable year-round.
February Outlook
February on the South Platte at Deckers is excellent year-round tailwater fishing. One of Colorado's finest winter tailwaters — the Cheesman Canyon section holds large brown and rainbow trout that feed actively on midges even in cold conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Miracle Nymph
Tips
Cheesman Canyon in February is spectacular — ice-free water in a dramatic granite canyon. Fish the pools and tailouts with small midge rigs. 6X–7X tippet. The canyon is accessible via the trail from the Wigwam Club gate.
Water Notes
Regulated by Cheesman Reservoir. 100–500 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Stable tailwater year-round.
March Outlook
Midge and BWO activity picks up in March. The South Platte is waking up after winter.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #20
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The Cheesman Canyon section requires a hike but produces the largest fish in the drainage. The hike keeps pressure manageable. Fish the slow flats with technical midge and BWO rigs.
Water Notes
50–200 cfs. Water 42–52°F. Excellent clarity year-round.
April Outlook
April spring transition on the South Platte. BWO hatches intensifying alongside consistent midge activity. The Deckers section upstream of Cheesman Canyon fishes well as flows remain stable from the reservoir.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is excellent on the South Platte — the tailwater is immune to the runoff that affects other Colorado rivers. The BWO hatch 11am–3pm on overcast days can produce spectacular dry fly fishing.
Water Notes
100–400 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Reservoir regulation keeps flows and clarity stable through spring.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with PMDs and consistent BWO and midge activity. One of Colorado's most popular tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The South Platte can be crowded on weekends — fish midweek for the best experience. The canyon sections above Cheesman Reservoir are the most productive.
Water Notes
80–250 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Clear and pristine. Outstanding dry fly conditions.
June Outlook
Caddis and PMD hatches make June excellent. The river sees heavy pressure but the fish are there.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Pale Evening Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Arrive early on weekdays to secure the best runs. The evening caddis hatch produces excellent fishing from 6–9pm. The Deckers section is more accessible than Cheesman for casual fishing.
Water Notes
80–300 cfs. Water 52–60°F. High summer pressure — weekdays or early mornings are best.
July Outlook
July on the South Platte at Deckers is consistent but requires early morning fishing. The tailwater stays cooler than freestone rivers but summer crowds can be significant on weekends. Midge and PMD activity in the canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- PMD Cripple
- RS2
- Trico Spinner (very small)
Tips
Weekdays in July on the South Platte are far preferable to weekends. Fish Cheesman Canyon early morning — the pool-and-drop structure concentrates fish in predictable lies. The quality of fish is extraordinary for a Front Range river.
Water Notes
100–350 cfs. Water 52–62°F. Cold tailwater maintains good summer conditions. Weekend crowds can be heavy.
August Outlook
August on the South Platte. The tailwater stays cool while Colorado's freestone rivers struggle with warm water. Midge fishing in the canyon is consistent. Some of Colorado's largest brown trout are accessible in August when other options are limited.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #22-24
- RS2
- PMD Cripple
- Ant #18
Tips
August is when the South Platte's tailwater advantage shines most. While freestone rivers close from thermal stress, this tailwater fishes all day. Fish the canyon's best slots at first light for the largest fish.
Water Notes
100–300 cfs. Water 52–60°F thanks to Cheesman Reservoir regulation. Open and fishable when other Colorado rivers are marginal.
September Outlook
Excellent fall BWO fishing with reduced pressure. September is when the South Platte's large resident browns are most vulnerable.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- RS2
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
Tips
Fall BWO fishing on the South Platte is outstanding. Fish the flat water at Cheesman Canyon on overcast afternoons. The fish are large and selective — 6X tippet minimum.
Water Notes
60–200 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Excellent fall conditions.
October Outlook
October brings the best streamer fishing of the year and reliable BWO hatches.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive
- Egg
- Copper John
Tips
Brown trout spawning begins on the South Platte in October. Large fish move into the system from Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Streamers and egg patterns produce the biggest fish.
Water Notes
50–180 cfs. Clear and cold 46–54°F. Best streamer month.
November Outlook
November on the South Platte at Deckers is excellent — cold, consistent, and uncrowded. The tailwater continues to produce exceptional midge and BWO fishing in the canyon. One of Colorado's finest late-season destinations.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- BWO Sparkle Dun (warm days)
Tips
November on the South Platte with a warm front and overcast skies can produce some of the year's finest fishing. Large brown trout are active in the canyon pools. Very little pressure.
Water Notes
100–350 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Stable tailwater conditions. Cold but fishable.
December Outlook
December on the South Platte tailwater. Year-round fishery thanks to Cheesman Reservoir regulation. Cold but consistently productive midge fishing in the canyon. One of Colorado's most reliable winter options.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #22-24
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- WD-40
Tips
The Cheesman Canyon section stays ice-free through winter. Fish the warmest hours (noon–2pm). A good winter South Platte day is an exceptional fishing experience. Bundle up and fish the deep slots.
Water Notes
100–300 cfs. Water 40–48°F. Ice-free in the canyon. Year-round tailwater access.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae spp. |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #22–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #20–22 |
|
Access & Approach
Deckers, CO for Cheesman Canyon access. Free parking at Wigwam Club boundary. Walk 0.5 miles down to the canyon floor. Eleven Mile Canyon Road (fee) has multiple roadside accesses. Both sections are walk-wade only.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Blue Quill Angler
Regulations & License
Fishing in Colorado requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Colorado fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
South Platte River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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