South Platte River
The South Platte in Colorado is a Gold Medal trout river, from the Dream Stream to Cheesman Canyon and Deckers, with carp water near Denver.
- 577 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 240Access points
In the FlyFishFinder app
South Platte River
Every access point, mapped
Today's top 10 rivers near you
Live flows from nearby gages
Today's rating
Premium
Open in the app
About the South Platte
The South Platte River runs through Colorado from the high meadows of South Park to the plains near Denver. It is Gold Medal water, with brown trout, rainbow trout and common carp.
The most famous trout water is the Dream Stream between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs. It fishes like a meadow spring creek, with clean gravel, weed beds and slow glassy runs. Downstream, Eleven Mile Canyon, Cheesman Canyon and Deckers are the other well known stretches. These are tailwater sections below big reservoirs, so the water stays fishable in places when freestone rivers are not.
Midges and blue-winged olives are the staples through much of the year. Spring brings Mother's Day caddis, summer brings pale morning duns and tricos, and late summer brings hopper days when the wind sweeps the high prairie banks. Fish here see a lot of anglers, so long light leaders and small flies in sizes 18 to 24 are common.
Most people wade. The meadow water is flat and easy to walk, but fish can spot you from a long way off. Cheesman Canyon takes a hike to reach and still gets crowded. Farther down, around Denver, the slower warm water holds carp that anglers sight fish near places like Confluence Park.
Special regulations apply on several stretches, so check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules for the exact water you plan to fish.
South Platte River at Fort Morgan, CO
Is the South Platte fishing today?
See today's top 10 rivers near you, free. Go Premium to score the South Platte, or any gage, on demand.
Data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Colorado river that holds it.
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the South Platte watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the South Platte
-
Go light on the leader
Twelve-foot leaders and 6X or 7X fluorocarbon are normal on the Dream Stream and in Cheesman Canyon. Thick nylon spooks these fish.
-
Keep a low profile
The water is flat and clear and trout see you from far off. Crouch, stay back from the bank and approach from downstream.
-
Carry midges and BWOs
Griffith's Gnat, Black Beauty, RS2 and Mercury Pheasant Tail in small sizes cover most days. Add a Parachute Adams for dry fly time.
-
Pack hoppers for late summer
A tan Hopper Juan in sizes 12 to 14 works the grassy banks in August when afternoon wind blows insects onto the water.
-
Find your access with the app
The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points along the South Platte so you can see where to park and walk in before you drive out.
Every access point on the South Platte, in your pocket.
- 240 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
South Platte River FAQ
What is the best time to fly fish the South Platte River in Colorado?
Spring is the best season, with early midge and BWO activity. Summer brings PMDs, tricos and hoppers. Check the app for live details before you go.
Where can I fly fish the South Platte River near Denver?
The trout water is a drive from Denver, mainly Cheesman Canyon and Deckers southwest of the city. Inside Denver, the river has carp water near Confluence Park, Globeville Landing Park and Thornton.
Can you wade the South Platte River?
Yes. Wading is the main way to fish it. The meadow stretches are flat and easy, while Cheesman Canyon needs a hike in and has more rock and pocket water.
What flies work on the South Platte River?
Griffith's Gnat, Parachute Adams, Black Beauty, RS2, Mercury Pheasant Tail, Sparkle Dun and hopper patterns are all on our list. Streamers like a Slumpbuster work too.
What fish are in the South Platte River?
Brown trout, rainbow trout and common carp are the species on our list.
Are there special regulations on the South Platte River?
Yes, some sections have special rules. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for the stretch you plan to fish.
