Fishing Season: Year Round, Prime March through October

South Platte River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

42

Orvis Cherry Creek's Tip of the Week

Flows are currently at 71 CFS. Nymph rigs with baetis, caddis larvae, stoneflies, eggs, and leeches are working well - as well as the usual small midge patterns (size 20-24). Small streamers like thin mints and other woolly bugger variations can work well this time of year.

Directions open in app

Map of South Platte River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Orvis Cherry Creek
Anglers Covey
Freestone Outfitters
Sunrise Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 5/4/23

Flows are on the low side! Nymphing is the most productive fishing technique, but we are getting surface activity. Caddis, mayflies and terrestrials are all catching fish in the #16-20 range. On especially cold days, try sizes 20-24 for midges and smaller streamers.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/4/23

For nymphing, small mayfly, juju baetis, and pheasant tails (red headed), and small midges are still consistent, smaller diameter tippet and adjusting depth frequently is a key strategy. Fluorocarbon tippet in 5-7X is most effective for nymphing, utilize split shot or larger tungsten head point flies to get down deep, adjust depth prior to switching patterns. If you're not having success with the micro flies and midges, throw on an egg pattern or worm. Come see Gene at Orvis Cherry Creek for more information!

Local Species Available Year Round, Prime March through October

  • Fish Icon

    Brown and Rainbow Trout

Orvis Cherry Creek's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Natural 16-20
Rojo Midge Red 20-22
Midge Black/Red 20-26
Bead Head Brassie™ Brass 18-24
Rainbow Warrior Silver 20-24
Barr's Beadhead BWO emerger Olive 18-22
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Natural 6-12
Bead Head Prince Black 20-22
San Juan Worm Pink or Red 14-16
TH Zebra Midge Black, Olive or Red 20-24

Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

Wet fly patterns don't get any better than this.

2.49

Item #164J

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Orvis Cherry Creek's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Platte River

The South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon to Chatfield Reservoir) The South Platte River is one of the best small tailwater fisheries in the world. Offering anglers over 100 miles of public access and easy walk wade fishing, the South Platte is a combination of three forks which have as their headwaters the 14,000 foot peaks of the Colorado Rockies. This river is famous for prolific midge, mayfly, and caddis hatches where dry fly and nymph fishing are second to none. The river is accessed within a 2 hour drive of Denver, and can be fished year-round . Picturesque Cheesman Canyon, famous for big rainbows, granite boulders, and crystal clear water, is a favorite hiking and fly-fishing destination just 54 miles from downtown Denver. “Big fish eat small flies here!" Species: Trout, Brown, Cutbows, Rainbows, and Cutthroat. Resources: Orvis Cherry Creek 303-355-4554, Anglers Covey 719-471-2984 www.anglerscovey.com Maps: Delorme Gazetteer, Fly fisher’s guide to Colorado

Nearest Airport:

Denver International Aiport

Hatches:

Midges, baetis, scuds, San Juan worms, egg patterns, trout classics (PT, CJ, etc.)

Best Time to Fish:

mid morning to dusk with nymphs and the occasional streamer

Best Stretch:

Cheesman Canyon, Deckers to Night Hawk Hill

Best Access:

Upstream from the bridge at Deckers and the Bridge Crossing day use area