Trouts Fly Fishing

Reporter: Trout's Staff

Flow Conditions:

Water Clarity: Clear

Current Fishing Conditions:

May Fishing Report

As we predicted in April, flows have remained on the low side below Cheesman reservoir. As we get into May, the South Platte in the Cheesman Canyon and Deckers area will likely see a very brief to minimal spike in flows as we predict runoff will be very brief on our Front Range fisheries. But despite the continual low levels, the river has remained fishing very well. The substantial hatches of midges and baetis that we saw in April will likely continue in the early part of this month and mid day dry fly fishing has been exceptional in both sections. As we get later and later in May caddis will begin making an appearance as well. Fish are still holding in the deeper water as of the start of the month, so look for that dark green water or quick depressions in the river bottom.

5/17/13 Update:  not much has changed on the Deckers section of the South Platte River.  Flows remain minimal, but fishing has been productive albeit tough.  Stealth presentation and light leader and tippets are a must, as are natural looking flies with less flash.  Keep in mind that we are seeing more insect life right now, so bugs like stones and caddis are starting to become a more prevelant part of the fishes diet.

Insects and Natural Food Sources

Baetis, midges and small black stoneflies will still make up a majority of the fish’s diet. As flows begin to elevate, aquatic annelids (aka the san juan worm) and scuds in Cheesman Canyon will be valuable food sources.

Recommended Flies

Bead Head attractor nymphs such as the Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Copper John sz. 12-16, Attractor Dry Flies such as the Stimulator or Amy’s Ant sz 8-14,  Small streamers sz 4-10, Baetis Emerger Patterns size 14-18, Caddis larva and pupae patterns size 12-16, Parachute Adams sz. 16-22, Parachute BWO sz. 16-22, Hatch Matcher BWO sz. 16-20, Tailwater Humpy sz.16-20, Brooks Sprout Midge sz. 18-22, Trico Emerger sz. 18-20, Scuds sz. 16-18, Worms sz. 16-20, Pheasant Tail sz. 18-22, Copper John sz. 18-20, RS2 sz. 18-22, WD-40 sz. 18-22, Black Beauty sz. 18-22, Mercury Baetis sz. 18-20, Tungsten 20-Incher sz. 12-16, Jimmy Legs sz. 12-14, Wired Stone sz. 12-16, Micro Flash Worm sz. 16-20, Unreal Egg sz. 14-18, Copper John sz. 16-20, Pheasant Tail sz. 16-22, Barrs Emerger BWO sz. 18-22, Juju Baetis sz. 18-22, Johnny Flash sz. 18-22, Rojo Emerger sz. (size 22), Parachute Adams sz. 18-22, Hackle Stacker BWO sz. 18-22, Brooks Sprout Midge sz. 20-24, Pablos Cripple Baetis sz. 18-22, Blooms Para Caddis sz. 16-18, Headlight Caddis sz. 14-18, Para Extended Body BWO sz. 18-22

River Information

The Deckers section of the South Platte River offers some great close-to-home fishing opportunities.  With miles of publicly accessible water, tons of fish per mile, and fishable water 365 days a year, there are many reasons to make Deckers your go-to fishing location.  The upper section from Deckers Bridge to the Wig Wam boundary upstream will produce the largest fish, and most fish per mile.  It will also tend to have the most anglers, so be prepared for a crowded river most months of the year.  Below the Deckers Bridge, fishing will continue to be consistant with nice sized fish but much less pressure.  Fishing will remain productive all the way downstream to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte just upstream of Strontia Springs Reservoir. 

Seasonal Overview:

 

With flows above 150 cfs Deckers is fishing well.  The main hatches you will encounter are Blue Wing Olives, Trico's in the A.M, Midges, and the occasional Caddis. When the hatch is off, nymphing baetis, midges, worms, eggs, and micro stones should work. If you get clouds or an overcast day the chance for a hatch on the surface should go up.  We fished recently on a very sunny day and the surface action was non-existent.

Suggested Patterns:

Nymphs:  Tungsten 20-Incher 12-16, Jimmy Legs 12-14, Wired Stone 12-16, Micro Flash Worm 16-20, Unreal Egg 14-18, Copper John 16-20, Pheasant Tail 16-22, Barrs Emerger BWO 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-22, Johnny Flash 18-22, rojo midge (size 22)

Dries:  Parachute Adams 18-22, Hackle Stacker BWO 18-22, Brooks Sprout Midge 20-24, Pablos Cripple Baetis 18-22, Blooms Para Caddis 16-18, Headlight Caddis 14-18, Para Extended Body BWO 18-22

Streamers:  Slump Buster, Belly Ache Minnow, Sculpzilla

Current Hatches:

Recommended Flies

Dries: Nymphs: Streamers:

Tips & Tricks

Try using longer leaders to get better presentations to wary fish

Recommended Products:

Photos

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