Free Resource · Updated 2026

South Platte River Fly Hatch Chart

The South Platte below Cheesman Reservoir is one of Colorado's most technical tailwaters. Clear water and heavy angler pressure have made these trout selective. The hatch fishing here rewards anglers who match the naturals closely and present cleanly.

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout Tailwater Eleven Mile Canyon, Cheesman Canyon, Deckers Current Month Highlighted

About South Platte River

The Cheesman Canyon section gets the most attention, but the water above and below it holds fish too. Deckers is more accessible and fishes well during the BWO and PMD hatches in late spring and fall. Eleven Mile Canyon upstream has a different character with more riffles and willing fish.

Midges keep the South Platte productive all winter. On mild January and February days you can find rising trout in the slower pools even when every other river in Colorado is locked up. A size 24 Zebra Midge under an indicator will catch fish year-round.

Summer brings Pale Morning Duns and some Caddis activity. The PMD hatch in late May and June can be exceptional with large pods of rising fish. Fall BWOs are the other signature hatch, and the big browns that are otherwise invisible become catchable on a well-presented Parachute Adams.

See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.

Check Conditions Near South Platte River

What to Fish

South Platte River Key Hatches

Midge

Year-round, best December to March

Midges are the backbone of South Platte fishing in winter. The fish feed on them in every stage from larva to adult. Size matters here more than anywhere else in Colorado. Go small and use tippet no heavier than 6x.

Recommended: Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge #22-26

Blue-Winged Olive

March to May, September to November

BWO hatches happen on overcast days with some moisture in the air. The South Platte sees good fall BWO activity through October. Trout in Cheesman can be extremely picky during these hatches. Match the exact size and fish slow.

Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-22

Pale Morning Dun

Late May to July

The PMD hatch is the best dry fly opportunity on the South Platte. Fish start rising in late morning and can stay up for hours. Deckers and the water just below Cheesman both fish well. A good drift on a size 16 Comparadun will bring up big fish.

Recommended: PMD Sparkle Dun, Comparadun #16-18

Caddis

May to August

Caddis evenings on the South Platte can be fast fishing compared to the precise dry fly work during midge and BWO hatches. Fish will move for a skated Elk Hair when caddis are in the air. Best in the Deckers stretch and below.

Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis #16-18