South Platte Fly Fishing — Common Questions
Direct answers to the most common questions about fishing the South Platte tailwater system.
What is the best time to fly fish the South Platte River in Colorado?
May and October are the two best months. May brings the PMD hatch — Pale Morning Duns emerge reliably from 10:30 AM to 1 PM across Cheesman Canyon and Deckers. October brings fall BWOs with far fewer crowds. The South Platte fishes year-round as a tailwater; winter midge fishing from December through March is productive and largely uncrowded.
What flies work best on the South Platte tailwater?
The South Platte is a midge-dominant system year-round. Zebra Midge #22-24 and RS2 #22-24 are the most important patterns. For hatches: Sparkle Dun PMD #18-20 in May-June, Parachute BWO #20-22 in spring and fall, Elk Hair Caddis #16 for summer evenings. Griffith's Gnat #20 for winter midge clusters on the surface.
Is Cheesman Canyon catch and release only?
Yes. Cheesman Canyon is Gold Medal Water with catch-and-release only regulations and artificial flies and lures only. No bait, no harvest. These regulations apply to the section from Cheesman Reservoir dam downstream to the Wigwam Club private water boundary.
How long is the hike into Cheesman Canyon?
The Gill Trail is 1.3 miles one way with approximately 600 feet of elevation descent into the canyon. Expect 25-35 minutes hiking in (downhill) and 35-50 minutes out (uphill with gear). The trail is on uneven volcanic rock — wear appropriate footwear and carry water.
What USGS gauge do I check for South Platte flows at Cheesman Canyon?
Use USGS gauge 06701900 (South Platte River near Deckers) for Cheesman Canyon conditions. Ideal wading flows are 80-200 CFS. Above 300 CFS the canyon becomes difficult to wade. The gauge updates every 15 minutes on the USGS NWIS website.
What is the Dream Stream in Colorado?
The Dream Stream is the section of the South Platte River between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir in South Park, Colorado. It is catch-and-release, artificial flies and lures only, and holds some of the largest wild brown and rainbow trout accessible to the public on the South Platte system. It sits at 8,700 feet elevation and the PMD hatch arrives 2-3 weeks later than at Cheesman Canyon.
What tippet size do I need for South Platte tailwater fishing?
6X fluorocarbon is the standard starting point on the South Platte. On flat, clear water — especially at Cheesman Canyon and Deckers — 7X is frequently necessary to get refusal-free presentations. The water is extremely clear and the trout are heavily pressured. Use fluorocarbon rather than monofilament for improved abrasion resistance and reduced visibility.
What is the best section of the South Platte for beginner fly fishers?
Deckers is the most accessible South Platte section for beginners. Roadside access eliminates the hike, the water is more forgiving than Cheesman Canyon's technical pools, and the fish are active throughout the year. The riffle section below the parking area is the most beginner-friendly water — faster current hides leader drag and fish are aggressive during hatches.
When does the caddis hatch happen on the South Platte?
Caddis begin appearing in late May and peak from June through August. The Arkansas River at Pueblo (Pueblo tailwater) has the heaviest caddis activity of any section covered here — multiple species emerge simultaneously in late May and June. On the South Platte proper, Deckers and Eleven Mile Canyon have the most consistent caddis evening hatches.
What waders are best for fly fishing Cheesman Canyon?
Full chest waders are required for Cheesman Canyon — several beats put you chest-deep. The Skwala RS wader is the best option for the warm-season approach hike — it's light, breathable, and handles the 1.3-mile descent well. For cold-weather fishing when water temps drop to 38-42°F in winter, a heavier wader like the Simms G4 Pro adds warmth.
Have a question not covered here? Send it in →