Deckers Fishing Information

The Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a heavily sought after and highly productive stretch of river located roughly one hour from Denver. It’s proximity to Denver and it’s wade friendly features makes for a great destination for anglers of all experience levels. According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte contains just over 3,000 trout per mile with Rainbows, Browns and Cutthroats making up this healthy population. This portion of the South Platte is a tail water section, so depending on the will of the angler, productive fishing can be enjoyed year round. Fishing the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is arguably one of the most difficult but rewarding rivers in the state. Aside from the hoards of anglers that flock to this river every weekend, it is one of our favorites to fish. It’s close to Denver, incredibly easy to access and can yield trout worth writing home about. Deckers is famous for it’s deep holes and runs but can also provide great pocket water fishing. In the summer and fall, anglers can expect some incredible Caddis and Mayfly hatches that result in irresistible dry fly fishing. In the winter and spring, nymphing is the name of the game. Small tail water midges and Baetis patterns that strain your eyes to look at are the ticket for a productive day.

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River sections and access

• Cheesman Canyon to Strontia Springs: From Cheesman Reservoir (elevation 6,800 feet), the South Platte River descends 6 miles through Cheesman Canyon to Deckers, a world-renowned fly fishing area. The river then bends north for about 17 miles to the confluence with the North Fork of the South Platte (elevation 6,100 feet).
• Buffalo Creek to confluence: The North Fork flows approximately 10 miles east from Buffalo Creek (elevation 6,600 feet) to the confluence. From the confluence, the river flows east to Strontia Springs Reservoir above Waterton Canyon at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

Recreation notes

Fishing: The fishery is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In Cheesman Canyon, 3 miles below Cheesman Dam, are Gold Medal Waters (catch and release only). From Deckers to confluence, the river winds through private and public lands, but 14 miles are accessible to the public. Here’s a link to the US Forest Service page, for Decker’s fishing. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=82581&actid=43

Hiking and biking: Check Jeffco Open Space for directions and trail maps.

Portable crafts: Kayaks, canoes and inflatable crafts are allowed along the South Platte River. Kayaking is available on the North Fork but canoeing and inflatable crafts are not advised.

Camping and picnicking: Sites are provided along the South Platte River by the USFS Pike National Forest.

Special events: Require a permit.

Directions to Deckers

From Denver: Take U.S. Highway 285 to Pine Junction. Drive south on Jefferson County Road 126 for about 25 miles to Douglas County 67 at Deckers.

From Sedalia: Take U.S. 67 from Sedalia to Sprucewood. Stay on 67 south until you reach pavement at the South Platte River. Go 6 miles south on Douglas County 67 to Deckers.

 Cheesman Canyon Fishing Information

The Cheesman Canyon stretch of the South Platte River is arguably one of the most popular and beautiful tail water fisheries in the state. This stretch sits directly below Cheesman Reservoir, which provides for great water clarity and quality fishing year round. While you might think the 1.5-mile hike to the river would detract anglers, the canyon experiences heavy crowds all days of the week, morning, noon and night. Due to the heavy fishing pressure that the canyon receives, the trout are spooky and difficult to catch, but don’t worry, your efforts will be strongly rewarded with large resident Browns and Rainbows. Cheesman Canyon was the first section of river in Colorado to be designated as catch and release only. Therefore, if you land your dream trout snap a quick picture for bragging rights and quickly release it back to the water.  Cheesman Canyon is known as one of the most technical fisheries in the state and arguably the country. We have heard time and time again that if you can catch a fish in the canyon, you can catch a fish anywhere. Due to the high fishing pressure and clear water, anglers must be stealthy in their approach and precise with their casts. To be successful, we encourage anglers to use light tippet (no larger than 5x), long leaders and delicate strike indicators. Reckless casts and sloppy presentations won’t be rewarded here. While the canyon boasts some incredible dry fly fishing opportunities, the most consistent form is nymphing with flies in size #20 -#24. Cheesman is also famous for subtle takes, so sight fish whenever possible and keep a close eye on the opening of the trout’s mouth. If you’re able to achieve this, you’ll be in for a productive day.

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River sections and access

Hiking trail: Hiking is the only way to access Cheesman Canyon. You can access the Gill Trail from the USFS parking lot,  4 miles
south west of Deckers off of CTY HWY 126, or from the Cheesman Reservoir road off of USFS Road 211.  Both ways into Cheesman Canyon require climbing and descending steep terrain.

The Gill Trail  provides foot access to Cheesman Canyon.  The area is frequented by anglers.  This five-mile trail follows the South Platte River through Cheesman Canyon and ends at the upper canyon trailhead at Cheesman Reservoir. The trail is difficult and steep in many sections.  Help protect the canyon by staying on designated trails.

Recreation notes

Fishing: The fishery is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In Cheesman Canyon, 3 miles below Cheesman Dam, are Gold Medal Waters (catch and release only). From Deckers to confluence, the river winds through private and public lands, but 14 miles are accessible to the public. Here’s the US Forest link for Cheesman Canyon fishing. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=12942&actid=43

Hiking and biking: Check Jeffco Open Space for directions and trail maps.

Portable crafts: Kayaks, canoes and inflatable crafts are allowed along the South Platte River. Kayaking is available on the North Fork but canoeing and inflatable crafts are not advised.

Camping and picnicking: Sites are provided along the South Platte River by the USFS Pike National Forest.

Special events: Require a permit.

Directions to Cheesman Canyon

From C-470, take U.S. 285 south about 21 miles to Pine Junction.

Turn left onto Jefferson County 126 and follow this road about 21.5 miles.

At the bottom of the last hill, the road makes a ninety-degree turn to the left. There is a large parking lot on your right.

The very next right turn is Forest Service Road 211.

Turn right and follow Forest Service Road 211 about two miles to the fork in the road.

Take the left fork and drive another mile to the parking lot at the main entrance gate to Cheesman Reservoir.