Platte River

    With so much water, where do we start.  The Platte River is probably one of the top three most fished rivers in the state, if not the number one.  With many different stretches of water, this river has a lot to offer.  The 5 most commonly fished stretches are:   Spinney (Dream Stream), Eleven Mile Canyon, Cheeseman Canyon, Deckers, and Waterton Canyon. 

Effective Patterns: #18-20 Copper John, #18-20 Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Bead Prince, #16-18 Egg Pattern, #16-18 San Juan Worm, #18-20 RS2, #18-24 Parachute Adams, #20-22 Griffith Gnat, #10-16 Stimulator, #10-16 Parachute Hoppers, #8-12 Wooly Bugger.

    This section of the South Platte River is located between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs. Also known as the "Dream Stream", this stretch of water holds some very large fish, the kind you dream about. While windy conditions are common and almost expected, many anglers still are drawn to this river. An excellent fishery where dry flies, nymphs, and streamers are all very effective. The river has a well balanced population of rainbows and browns, while it is not uncommon to catch a cutthroat.

    Known for the spawning runs of the rainbows and cutthroats in the spring and the browns in the fall, the opportunity to catch a monster fish is quite good. I have personally seen a few trout well over 28" and 8 pounds that have swam up out of Elevenmile Reservoir.

    This stretch of water is also one of the few places in Colorado that you have an opportunity to catch Kokanee Salmon. In the fall these fish move up out of the reservoir and into the river. This is a great time to be fishing for trout feeding on there eggs, but it’s also fun to catch a handful of Kokanee.

Effective Patterns: #20-22 Midge patterns, #18-22 Red Pheasant Tails, #22-24 Mercury Baetis, #18-22 Pheasant Tails, #18-20 Copper John, #18-22 RS2, #20-22 Sparkle Dun, #18-22 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Parachute Adams, #18-20 Blue Winged Olive

    This tailwater flows from Eleven Mile Reservoir into Eleven Mile Canyon. This river has become extremely popular, and is no stranger to crowds. The upper 2 miles is most productive, with concentrations of rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Known as a dry fly fishery, anglers will have success year round on dries. If you can stand the crowds, the fishing will be good.

    Unfortunately, Eleven Mile Canyon has fallen prey to the invasive species: New Zealand Mud Snails. These snails can devastate a river and its aquatic life. Please help control the spread of this invasive species, by rinsing and soaking waders, boots, and other equipment that could possibly spread the snails. (Recommended soaking solution: 50% 409 Cleaner, and 50% water. Soak 5 minutes.)

Cheeseman Canyon Gold Medal Water

Effective Patterns: #18-22 Copper John, #18-20 RS2, #20-22 Blood Midge, #20-22 WD40, #22-24 Black Beauty, #18-22 Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Sparkle Dun, #18-22 Griffith Gnat, #18-24 Parachute Adams, #18-20 Blue Winged Olive, #10-16 Stimulator, #10-16 Parachute Hopper.

Considered one of Colorado’s most scenic fishing spots, Cheeseman Canyon is a Colorado treasure.  This water can be fished year round and is quite productive.  A 1.5 mile hike gets you into the canyon, and puts 3 miles of fishable water ahead of you.  The water in the canyon is generally clear, and is best to sight fish.  There is a healthy population of large rainbows, and hungry browns.  Typically a nymphing river, a dry fly is also productive.  One of the more technical rivers in the state, a good presentation is the key to success.  Cheeseman Canyon will test the abilities of the seasoned angler. 

Effective Patterns: #18-22 Pheasant Tails, #18-22 Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18-22 RS2, #16-18 San Juan Worm, #18-24 Parachute Adams, #10-16 Parachute Hopper, #20-22 Griffith Gnats.

This stretch of the South Platte, below Cheesman, offers anglers plenty of water with easy access.  This section was once devastated due to the Hayman Fire.  Over the past years, it has slowly recovered and is once again a decent fishery.  While the average fish is 8-12”, you just might be surprised with what’s on the end of your line.  Both dry flies and nymphs will take fish, with the best fishing from the bridge up to the legendary WigWam Club.   A great place for beginners and those who wish to have easy access to productive water.

Effective Patterns: #16-20 Parachute Adams, #16-20 Blue Winged Olive, #16-20 Copper John, #16-20 Pheasant Tail, #16-20 Prince Nymph.

The lowest stretch of the South Platte, is located just south of Denver.  The river flows down through the canyon, and into Chatfield Reservoir.  Fishing is good throughout the canyon, and is most easily accessed with a bike.  This is a great place for beginners or kids to learn fly fishing.  While you won’t catch a state record here, there are plenty of fish 8-12” eager to rise to a passing fly.  Best fished with a dry fly in the summer or fall, fish will also feed on smaller nymphs.  A great place to go to get a couple of casts in after work.