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Welcome Back!

   Well, I’m finally back to the South Platte River Valley, Decker’s, Colorado!  It’s been a couple of months since my last update, as I’ve been working in the Roaring Fork Valley, as a Chef. I’ve been back for about a week now , and I would love to update you on the current fishing situation,  in both Decker’s, and the Cheesman Canyon.  I have been fishing the Decker’s/Trumbull/Cheeesman Canyon areas for the last 8 days, and have done considerably well, under a variety of conditions. Typical of the South Platte River Valley in Spring, I saw daytime high temperatures range from the mid 40’s, up to almost 70! Combined with 60 mph wind gusts, snow, rain, a little thunder, and even some thunder snow, it all eventually gave way to plenty of sunshine and excellent trout fishing!  With the luxury of having quick access to Cheesman Canyon by daybreak, I have taken the opportunity to get out there early and scope out the river each morning for bugs and fish activity, usually getting a fly wet by about 9am.  On the Decker’s and Trumble end of the fishing picture, I spent most my days fishing the deeper runs and riffles in the early morning, primarily using a three-fly nymph rig, one split shot, and a variety of midges and emergers. Most of fishing on that end of the river took place below the the second bridge in Decker’s, down through “Hole in the Wall” and to the third bridge.  As of late I’ve been fishing the Canyon most mornings and afternoons, with good success with both dries and nymphs, along with the San Juan Worm! Red to be exact! With these low flows, which have been hovering around 55-90 (cfs) for the last two weeks or so, provides both pro’s and con’s. On the positive side of things, when flows are lower in the canyon and Decker’s, the fish are concentrated in smaller areas and you have more wading access to areas that are usually difficult to a pass, or unable to access during higher flow periods. On the down side of things, you will typically have increased Angler pressure due to fewer runs and riffles, and deep pools,  combined with the flats being occupied by spawning Rainbows, which should be avoided at all times!  If your coming to Decker’s to get away from all the crowds, you may want to consider fishing the less popular stretches of river by the Decker’s Resort, and head on downstream for 13 miles of quality, not as populated water! This past season new signage has been posted along Platte River Road. Anywhere you see the brown sign with the white “P”, parking for river access is available. These spots are limited, so keep that in mind when coming to Decker’s on the holiday’s and weekends. Also, a few things to keep in mind. There is no gas available in Decker’s, nor is there cell phone service. Below you’ll find  a list of the bugs that have been doing the trick for the last week! All of these bugs and more can be purchased at Flies and Lies, in the Decker’s Resort. With a full selection of gear, flies, rental equipment, and full or half-day guided trips, the friendly staff at Flies and Lies will get you on the river with all you need for a chance at trophy Rainbow or Brown! Well, that’s it for now folks! Hope to see you out there on the river soon!

Chris

Suggested Flies: Grey and black RS-2 sparkle wing, Juju Beatis,  San Juan Worm, Barr’s Emerger, Epoxy Stone Fly, Pheasant tail, Zebra midge