August 4, 2020-Decker’s Update

Hello Friends,

Hard to believe it’s August, but here we are!  As we are all going through these unprecedented times, its more important than ever to keep everyone updated on the scene in Decker’s and the South Platte River Valley.  As the “Stay at Home” mandate came down, followed with the “Stay Closer to Home” orders, the Decker’s area saw a huge increase of visitors, as the confinement of home finally got the best of many.  Undeniably, getting outdoors is one of the best things that one can do to help combat depression, anxiety, mental stress, and just about any other mental anguish one may be going through. However, the sheer number of people that headed to the foothills, combined with the closure of most day-use area restrooms, caused quite a mess for those that have to maintain the facilities. Bags of human waste, along with baby diapers and such, were repeatedly left along the river and by the closed restrooms. I’m not here to judge, I’m just here to point it out and let others know that this is what happens when people don’t think! Ok, here’s the latest on what’s happening.

Camping

Rocky Mountain Recreation has done an incredible job of getting the day-use and campground areas ready for use this year. Many hours were spent cleaning, sanitizing, and making the community areas of the campground as safe as possible. Most campgrounds are open for the season, some with restrictions and limitations. Here’s a link to all the Campgrounds in the Pike National Forest, managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation. https://rockymountainrec.com/pikesanisabelforest/

Fishing

Wow! Where to begin. Since Covid arrived, Decker’s has been like the 4th of July, most weekends since April! Once again, not judging, just letting you know how much pressure this area has seen since the beginning of this Pandemic. Etiquette has gone out the window and the parking situation has been horrific! Please obey all Private Property signs and respect wildlife! Combined with the large amounts of people that just needed to get out, along with the Anglers, the trail head parking lots have been full.The pull-outs packed, and once again the garbage situation continues to be a problem. I’m in the process of planning a river clean up day, sometime before the end of September. Flows have been raised on the South Platte, from 87cfs to 287cfs. This is a significant change from last week.  For the complete fishing report, check out the Fishing reports tab. https://discoverdeckers.com/fishing-reports/

Tubing/Floating/Kayaking

You’re in luck folks! After weeks of low flows through the area, the flows on the South Platte through Decker’s have increased. This increase greatly improves the whole experience! Please take all necessary precautions and other safety measures to keep you safe on the river. Check out our page dedicated to Tubing and floating. https://discoverdeckers.com/tubing-paddle-boarding-kayaking/

Well, that’s all for now my friends. Please keep in mind that we have a long way to go with this Pandemic, so please do your part to help stop the spread of this very deadly disease. Hope to see you out there soon.

Chris