The warmer months will be most productive for the warm water species here. The Deckers section of water is located just a short drive outside of Denver and is right below Cheeseman Canyon, another amazing section of water. Private property is mostly well-marked. This river eventually flows to the Platte River then Missouri River before finally becoming the mighty Mississippi River. Originally called the Niinéniiniicíihéhe (say that ten times fast) by the native Arapahoe people. Tomahawk SWA is only fishable for three seasons as the flows taper off in fall to unfishable levels in the public section while Charlie Meyers remains fishable year round. Water clarity is still great through town despite the cold temperatures. The … River access is plentiful throughout the entirety of this stretch of river. Try Waterton Canyon. South Platte River … Living at Platte 56 puts you within steps of the Mary Carter Greenway Trail and close to Littleton’s expansive parks and trail system. Generic attractor nymphs like egg patterns and pheasant tails work great for the trout here. River runs through Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Fly Fishing South Platte River in 11-Mile Canyon As many as 7,000 fish freely swim each of the many miles of the South Platte River as it flows from Deckers through the Waterton Canyon, and on a weekend in good weather it can see near almost as many fisherman. For the bottom feeders we have been using #2 Detroit mop cities, #4 Great Carpholios, & #8 Hipster Dufus'. The Carson Nature Center has a native plant garden outside, a native animal exhibit inside, plus a water table to simulate how changes in water condition have shaped the geology and natural environment along the river. For lake fishing, note that Strontia Springs is difficult to access from the Bear Creek Trail above Waterton or at the South Platte. Outdoor opportunities right outside your door. It is located in southeast Colorado and travels through the Cheesman Canyon to Deckers. For more info on what’s fishing best during your visit feel free to reach out at (970) 423-7031! Check out this great stretch of water close to home. Once the two forks meet you have pretty much made it out of the headwaters and are now entering a slew of reservoirs and world class fly fishing tailwaters. This river is broken into three separate arms at its headwaters with the south fork being the most publicly accessible and the north fork being the mainly private with rod fees and required guides; the middle fork falls somewhere in between. These deep reservoirs of this area are chock-full of freshwater shrimp called mysis, damselflies, and baitfish, all of which are excellent protein essential for large fish. Walk out your door and you’re at the river’s edge where adventure begins right at home. Fly Fishing the South Platte River: An Angler's Guide (The Pruett Series) Paperback – January 1, 1992 by Hill Roger (Author) 3.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings This area is probably one of the most heavily pressured fisheries in Colorado, but for good reason as you have realistic options at catching several fish over 20 inches and the species list includes Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, CutBow hybrid trout, and Kokanee Salmon. Fly Fishing Report for the South Platte River in Colorado. The South Fork provides an excellent beginner section right before entering Antero Reservoir although it does occasionally have issues with low flows. Angling on the South Platte near Eagle Rock Much of the river, from Deckers to Waterton Canyon is on Pike National Forest land and has reasonably easy access. The river is home to a wide variety of warm water fish, however, does hold trout in some of the upper sections. South Platte River, Littleton. South Platte Park is a natural oasis within the city featuring 880 acres of open space along the South Platte River and Mary Carter Greenway Trail . Once you make it Antero, Spinney, and Eleven Mile Reservoirs you begin to see a more natural stream as it enters Platte Canyon, a canyon made up of many smaller canyons such as Eleven Mile and Waterton. Ridgeview Park Pond: South Platte Park Ponds (Littleton Flood Plain Ponds) South Platte Park contains 5 lakes covering almost 70 acres as well as the South Platte River. CHECK OUT CURRENT COVID PROCEDURES WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED HERE. Without a doubt, no fish has put the DSP on the map more than the Carp. Angling: Fishing the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is arguably one of the most difficult but rewarding rivers in the state. Among fly fishermen, it is revered as a place of technical, yet rewarding fishing, and offers a plethora of opportunities to catch quality fish in beautiful settings. Aside from the Carp, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Suckers, Catfish and Walleye all reside in this waterway. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital, Weather @SOUTH PLATTE BASIN - Updated December 25, 2020 - 4:02pm by OpenWeather. The South Platte River is a popular fishing spot. Both rainbow trout and brown trout are found in the South Platte River in large numbers. This waterway begins in Colorado’s high country with three separate arms, the longest of which being the south fork which begins at Montgomery Reservoir in Alma. These ultra spooky fish have become a prime target for many of us here at the shop and have both frustrated and rewarded countless other anglers across this city and beyond. Curated by. This pristine river is a very precious resource to the state of Colorado, not only because it provides some of the most epic trout fishing possible, but also because it supplies the Denver Metro Area with a substantial amount of its drinking water. Trouts Fly Fishing is Denver's Premier Fly Shop and Outfitter. Includes the Cheeseman Dam which, when completed, was the world’s tallest dam at 221ft tall. South Platte Park is a great place to take the family for a natural experience, close the city of Denver. The aquatic life use is a regulated use of the stream and, in many cases, results in the most stringent effluent discharge limitations at the facility. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, © 2020 Trouts Fly Fishing. For suspended fish, a #8 Swimming nymph and other similar patterns have been working great. It flows through several lakes and reservoirs presenting all types of fishing challenges from streams to still waters. Without a doubt, no fish has put the DSP on the map more than the Carp. The South Platte River meets many needs in the Denver area. This area is probably the best option for anglers in Denver unwilling to pay the expensive rod fees to access the private water downstream of this area. HSSPV is a non-profit animal shelter serving Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Englewood, and Littleton in the south Denver metro area. All Rights Reserved. Fishing the South Platte River near Denver is like heading out to your local par 3 golf course Graham Silver. Earned Gold Medal trout fishing status in Colorado. All are open to fishing year round. Smallmouth bass and brown trout sustain their river popu- lations through natural repro- duction. The Denver South Platte (or DSP) flows right through the heart of Denver and offers anglers the ultimate in urban fly fishing. The Denver South Platte (or DSP) flows right through the heart of Denver and offers anglers the ultimate in urban fly fishing. With a massive selection, free shipping, two locations, & some of Colorado's best guides we strive for the best customer experience possible. The South Platte River is one of the country’s best fishing trout streams, and for good reason at that! These ultra spooky fish have become a prime target for many of us here at the shop and have both … Dan Lundahl and Scott Long fly fishing on the South Platter River Monday, May 13 2019. South Platte Park Ponds (Littleton Flood Plain Ponds) - fishing in Littleton, Colorado. Sterne Pond (Kids only) Watson Lake (Littleton) These tailwaters grow trout to truly impressive sizes as this climate is uniquely perfect for trout forage. The meeting place of the South and Middle Fork is where the world class fly fishing truly begins, though there are a few areas above worth a visit. Whether you are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we got you covered. For Front Range anglers looking to practice their casting, test new gear or just in need of a quick fly fishing fix, Denver’s urban stretch of the South Platte River is always a fantastic option to keep in mind. As the South Platte leaves Denver, much of the fly fishing opportunity disappears, though you do have chances of catching some football size carp, a battle for any six weight. The last lake to discuss is Eleven Mile which is the reservoir directly downstream of the dream stream, and is typically the stock caught while fishing the legendary section of water. The upper few miles, just downstream of C-470, north to Mineral Blvd, typically runs a little colder and holds the highest density of trout. It may appear that most of this river is private or overcrowded when read about online, but with proper guidance and good mayfly selection this river can be incredibly productive and should be at the very top of every fly anglers bucket list. Under Montgomery Reservoir is a brushy creek which is the true start of the river system and great place for beginners to learn how to fly fish as this section is teeming with aggressive little brook trout willing to play the game. The river is well known for its wild trophy population of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Fishable year round. Once the mainly private waters of the north fork meet the main stem, the water becomes difficult to access once again as things get more private. The South Platte forms in the South Park grasslands in Park County, Colorado, south of Fairplay east of Hartsel. Fishing Report This Colorado fishing area is a popular angling destination for catching Please remember that only Non Motorized Hand-Launch watercraft are permitted at South Platte Park Ponds (Littleton Flood Plain Ponds). Orvis Endorsed Outfitter, Royal Gorge Anglers has been guiding on the South Platte for 30 Years, and offers the best fishing reports on the South Platte. Before the wastewater treatment plant began operating in … Antero is the first of the three lakes and was recently drained for repair but is already showing flourishing trout populations since its reopening. It supports aquatic, benthic, and riparian ecosystems throughout the region. This amazing waterway is best fished between Denver and Alma as this is the cold water stretch and supplies vast amounts of food allowing these trout to grow to large sizes in short amounts of time. These species include wall- eye, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Trout are rumored to grow up to two inches a month year-round in this lake. River runs through Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Visitors can fish for small-mouth bass and trout in the five lakes; kayak through gentle water or rapids in the river; cycle or run the regional trail, or walk or nature-watch on miles of natural surface trails. As a result of the close proximity to Denver, the river sees thousands of fly fishing enthusiasts each year. This group of reservoirs is very important to Colorado’s trout population as a whole, as a lot of the genetics in Colorado come from Spinney Reservoir where some of Colorado’s broodstock are placed. Sportfishing Notes. Water enthusiasts can be seen kayaking, tubing and fishing on the South Platte right in the heart of the city. Major contributor to the greater Denver area’s drinking water. Although this section of the South Platte River is stocked with rainbow trout, several species of fish escape through Chatfield dam into the river. Spinney Reservoir is home to a large broodstock of Colorado’s hybrid genetics and that speaks for itself as to the quality of fish that mature in this reservoir. Handicapped accessible fishing pier: A mile and a quarter up the canyon, the site was chosen for its mountain canyon stream location and access to fish habitat structures in the river. The most famous stretch of the river is Charlie Meyers State Wilderness Area (SWA) or as it’s more commonly called the “Dream Stream.” This is an extremely pressured stretch of water located between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, known for its 20+ inch Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Hybrid Trout, and Kokanee Salmon. 439 miles in length with an average flow of ~175 cubic feet per second. Deckers is equal parts rough and tumble and mellow moving meadow areas giving options for all sorts of different fishing styles and tactics. The South Platte’s high country is dotted with several different lakes teeming with trout, some of these waters include Spinney, Eleven Mile, and Antero Reservoirs. There are many activities available besides fishing including a dog park and skate park. It is located in southeast Colorado and travels through the Cheesman Canyon to Deckers. You're dying to go fishing, and don't want to travel half way across the state. The trout average a large size. The South Platte River is a tributary of the Platte River but does not join the Platte until it reaches Nebraska. Feel like walking or biking through the snow and tempting some challenging angling? Below Chatfield Fly Fishing Report - South Platte in Littleton - Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019. Just below Cheesman Canyon is the world-class Deckers area with outstanding opportunity to catch memorable fish. Cheeseman Canyon is another location right down the road from Denver and is a tactician’s dream with big boulders, shallow tailouts, and abundant subaquatic insects allowing world class euro-nymphing and delicate dry fly action. Fly Fishing the South Platte River is considered the best Colorado has to offer by many anglers. Made Possible by. Clouser minnows, leech patterns, and carp flies will be your best go-to flies. As a result of the close proximity to Denver, the river sees thousands of fly fishing enthusiasts each year. Hwy 67 follows the river, as do other county roads. The Clear Creek tributary of this river supplies Coors with the water for its adult beverages, so chances are if you are over 21 you have probably drank out of this river. SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! The river is well known for its wild trophy population of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. 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. These lakes all fish fairly similar and are less than 50 miles apart allowing abundant nutrient for giants to grow to impressive sizes. The two forks meet in Hartsel in a stretch of river referred to as Badger Basin and under pressured section given the fame of those above and below it (Dream Stream and Tomahawk SWA). 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. Anglers will find countless access spots from C-470 north to 104th St. Feel free to stop by the shop or give us a call for the most up to date report on what stretches are fishing best. The river is home to a wide variety of warm water fish, however, does hold trout in some of the upper sections. This stretch is also undergoing stream renovations which should improve the quality of the trout fishery. For those looking at options closer to Denver, don’t fret, as the fish quality does not change much as you head further downstream. The South Platte River is a Gold Medal Western trout river on the Eastern Slope of Colorado. This stretch should not be overlooked however, as it holds two of my three largest trout landed and is significantly less crowded than the dream stream. The South Platte River merges with its North Fork at the west entrance to Waterton Canyon. In the 1890s, Stephen Decker built a general store and later a saloon in this area. 439 miles in length with an average flow of ~175 cubic feet per second. These locations are best fished with smaller mayflies, streamers, midges, and during peak summer smaller hopper patterns. SOUTH PLATTE BASIN River Gauge View Detailed Information. The South Platte River system is one of the largest in the country, as it flows north through three states before finally meeting the North Platte River in northern Nebraska and creating the Platte River. The South Platte below Chatfield is fishing great right now. The South Platte River is a popular fishing spot. FAST FACTS. South Platte River Fishing destination and scenic mountain terrain This stretch of the South Platte River has been a popular fishing spot for decades, earning it Gold Medal Waters status by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Now is a perfect time to target that smallmouth, walleye, and carp. 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