Flows on the South Platte near Deckers got a little bump over the past week from just below 100cfs to 130cfs. This doesn’t sound like a lot but with the flow as low as it was and the air temps getting as warm as they are, every little bit counts! Get out on the water early if you can, because the mornings have been very productive both nymphing and throwing dries. We are also starting to see hopper season ramping up so don’t forget the big foam bugs!
The trico hatch has been the main event early so make sure you are well stocked on tiny black patterns. We have been having a lot of success with Rs2 and WD-40 in a 20 or 22 but your favorite small mayfly pattern should work just fine, as long as it’s small and dark. Once the water warms up the PMDs and caddis have still been a mainstay for the late morning through the afternoon so you can chop off the small bug and trade it out for a PMD in a 16 or 18 or a caddis anywhere from 12 to 18 in a lighter color like yellow or tan.
Even with the bump in flows, the vegetation in the water is still thick. This can make nymph fishing, either with a bobber or tightlining, pretty challenging. Luckily for us the hopper fishing is starting to heat up and your best way to get a good drift with a nymph or two is to put them under a big ol’ foam bug! Our guides have been having a lot of success throughout the day with a hopper in the lead, a bead head caddis pupa in the middle, and an Rs2 in tow.
Try and hit the water as early as you can not only to avoid the warmer water temps but also as we are seeing the most active feeding window for the fish to be about 7am to 2pm. Chasing the hatch can a productive way to put fish in the net, but if you want a more universal rig to fish most of the day a Caddis dry fly with a PMD dropper has been a killer from first light through the afternoon. Check out our guide recommended flies down below and come see us in the shop if you need to reload before the holiday!
Tyler Banker