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Fly Fishing the South Platte River

The South Platte is Colorado's signature Front Range trout river, with a chain of celebrated tailwater reaches (Cheesman Canyon, Deckers, the Dream Stream below Spinney Mountain, and Eleven Mile Canyon) all within easy reach of Denver. Cold, clear, dam-regulated flows produce technical sight-fishing to wild and stocked rainbows and browns that grow large and selective. Cheesman Canyon in particular is regarded as one of the most demanding catch-and-release fisheries in the West, rewarding small flies, fine tippet, and a careful approach. Midges and Blue-winged Olives dominate the calendar, with a strong summer Pale Morning Dun and Trico window.

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The best time to fly fish the South Platte River is Year-round. Key hatches include Midges, Blue, Pale Morning Dun, Trico. 10 fly shops near the South Platte River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the South Platte River

Shops and guides that fish the South Platte River. See all 122 Colorado shops →

Mile High Angler, LLCSouth Platte Fly ShopMinturn AnglersRiver Trekker OutfittersAngler's CoveyMountain AnglerJP Fly Fishing SpecialtiesThe Next EddyMinturn AnglersMinturn Anglers
10 fly shops shown

Species on this water

CarpPikeSalmonTrout

Nearby towns

ShawneeWoodland ParkLone Tree

Rivers nearby

Blue RiverGore CreekArkansas RiverWilliams Fork River
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the South Platte River

River typetailwater
Best seasonYear-round; best March–June & September–October
AccessCheesman Canyon is reached by trail from the Gill Trail parking area; Deckers and the Dream Stream (below Spinney Reservoir) have roadside public access close to Denver.
Key hatches & timing
  • Midgeyear-round, dominant in winter
  • Blue-winged OliveMar–May, Sep–Oct
  • Pale Morning DunJun–Aug
  • CaddisMay–Jul, evenings
  • TricoJul–Sep, mornings
  • Terrestrials — ants, beetles, hoppersJul–Sep
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the South Platte River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

Browse all 880+ patterns at The Fly Bench
Gear up

Gear up on the South Platte River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

Shop the gear Flies that work

The flies that work on the South Platte River

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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Updated June 2026