Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

South Platte - Below Chatfield - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Throughout the day 18-26 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge
February Midges Throughout the day 18-26 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge
March Midges Throughout the day 18-24 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge
Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 16-22 RS2, Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2
April Midges Throughout the day 18-24 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge
Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 16-22 RS2, Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2
May Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 16-22 RS2, Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten CDC Bubbleback Caddis, Parachute Caddis
June Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten CDC Bubbleback Caddis, Parachute Caddis
Yellow Sally Afternoon 14-16 Yellow Sally Dry Fly, Hotwire Sally, Sally Nymphs
July Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten CDC Bubbleback Caddis, Parachute Caddis
August Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten CDC Bubbleback Caddis, Parachute Caddis
Tricos Morning 18-22 Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute, CDC Trico Emerger
September Blue Wing Olive Afternoon 16-22 RS2, Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2
Tricos Morning 18-22 Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute, CDC Trico Emerger
October Blue Wing Olive Afternoon 16-22 RS2, Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2
November Midges Throughout the day 18-24 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge
December Midges Throughout the day 18-26 Griffith's Gnat, CDC Midge Pupa, Zebra Midge

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The South Platte below Chatfield offers a number of great spots for fly fishing, each with distinct features:
  • Deckers: A world-renowned fishing spot, Deckers is a highly pressured section but rewarding for anglers with its 8-mile stretch of public water.
  • Eleven Mile Canyon: Offering deep pools, long runs, and pocket water aplenty, this area is known for its large trout population.
  • Cheesman Canyon: A 1.5 mile hike-in spot with the South Platte’s most technical water. It’s intended for expert anglers due to its challenging terrain and savvy fish.
  • Waterton Canyon: Accessible with a few miles hike, this area below Strontia Springs Dam has fewer crowds and offers good opportunities for anglers who prefer solitude.
  • The Dream Stream: Based between Spinney and Eleven Mile reservoirs, this spot boasts Trophy-sized Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat trout but can be tricky due to high winds.

Best Access Points

The South Platte Below Chatfield offers numerous access points for fly fishing:

  • Deckers: Renowned fly-fishing spot located just below Cheesman Canyon. Enjoy the tailwater section filled with rainbow and brown trout.
  • Waterton Canyon: Located at the base of Chatfield Reservoir with a 6.5-mile pathway to the South Platte. Tailwater here generally runs clear.
  • Trumbull: This area provides easy access to the South Platte River; even though it’s shared with campers, it’s a great spot to catch brown and brook trout.
  • Scraggy View Picnic Ground: Located further downstream, this picnic spot is often less crowded and provides a peaceful fishing environment.
  • Happy Meadows Campground: Access the South Platte River from this campground; it’s perfect for finding solitude and trout.

All these spots provide excellent fly-fishing opportunities, depending on the season and your preference for location and fish species.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Brown Trout is one of the most frequently seen fish in South Platte River below Chatfield. Their size varies with the largest being around 20 inches long.
  • Rainbow Trout: The Rainbow Trout presents an exhilarating challenge for fly fishers, due to their rigorous fight. They are quite abundant in the South Platte.
  • Brook Trout: Brook Trout are smaller in size but offer a good catch for beginners. They prefer the colder, upstream areas of the river.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroats are iconic to western streams and are easily identifiable by the red-orange streak along the lower jaw. They have a reputation of being more willing to bite a fly, resulting in an exciting fishing experience.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Catching a Mountain Whitefish can be a refreshing change for those who are used to targeting trout. They are quite common in the deeper and slower flowing parts of the river.
  • Green Sunfish: These small, perceivably voracious fish are great for beginners – particularly children – to catch, due to the relatively easy and fun approach to catching them.
  • Yellow Perch: Incredible fighters for their size, these fish are likely to produce memorable catch moments.
  • Carp: Circle around the Denver Metro areas and there is a high likelihood of identifying Carp. These hefty creatures offer a stern yet delightful challenge for fly fishers ambitious to capture bigger fish.

About The River

The South Platte – Below Chatfield, is a serene and historically rich stretch of the scenic South Platte River. Shaping the social fabric and economic climate of Colorado, it boasts several engaging tales.

Initially held sacred by the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, the South Platte set the scene for the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the mid 19th century. The river enticed gold hopefuls with its glittering promises, dramatically boosting the population.

The once wild river was tamed with the construction of the Chatfield Dam in the late 1960s. Known for its world-class trout fishing, the South Platte below Chatfield offers a bountiful, year-round resource for anglers.

  • Native American sacred ground
  • Pikes Peak Gold Rush
  • Chatfield Dam construction
  • World-class trout fishing

From tales of gold to famous trout bounty, the South Platte – Below Chatfield, pulsates with historical significance and natural beauty.

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