South Platte River Fly Fishing Report Dream Stream, Waterton, Deckers, Cheesman, North Fork Colorado | Updated January 28, 2026

Winter pushes the South Platte into a kaleidoscope of conditions. From the meadow meanders of the Dream Stream to the canyon shadows at Cheesman, each section behaves like its own river right now. The common thread this week isn’t flies or tactics — it’s windows of warmth and pressure relief when fish actually eat.

The river isn’t “fishable” everywhere at every time. It is fishable when you pick the right section for your skill set and read the water before you step in. This report breaks down where the trout are holding, what actually triggers a bite, and when you should skip the rest and go for that afternoon window.

Updated: January 28, 2026

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Flow: 90 CFS (approx typical winter low and clear)
Water Temperature: No Data
Air Temperature: No Data
Wind: No Data
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Tough but technical

Flow: No Data
Water Temperature: No Data
Air Temperature: No Data
Wind: No Data
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: Noon to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Progressive for patient nymphing

Flow: No Data
Water Temperature: No Data
Air Temperature: No Data
Wind: No Data
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium to High
Primary Hatch: Midges, Baetis
Best Window: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Most reliable winter action

Flow: No Data
Water Temperature: No Data
Air Temperature: No Data
Wind: No Data
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Technical but consistent places

Flow: No Data
Water Temperature: No Data
Air Temperature: No Data
Wind: No Data
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Scuds, Midges
Best Window: Late morning
Overall Rating: Quiet option, slower action

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Source: USGS South Platte River Below Brush Creek near Trumbull (06701900) — approx 125 CFS

Zebra Midge 18 to 22
Black Beauty 20 to 24
RS2 gray 20 to 22
Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12
Scud 14 to 16

Pro Rig of the Week: South Platte Precision Winter Nymph Rig
Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
Lead Fly: RS2 gray 20 to 22
Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
Weight: Moderate, minimal lead until depth dictates
Target Water: Deep edges, inside bends, long winter seams

Listen to the Audio OverviewConditions SummaryDream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)Waterton CanyonDeckersCheesman CanyonNorth Fork of the South PlatteRiver Flow ChartTop Flies in Your Box This Week