Fishing & River Report

CFS : at Cheesman Canyon dam – 105

CFS : at Trumbull below Brush Creek – 120

Water condition : clear

We’re officially in full winter fishing mode on the South Platte, however there’s still plenty of good fishing to be had if you’re willing to put in a little work. Nymphing continues to be the most reliable method day to day. It’s all about small flies right now sizes 20–26 paired with thin 5X–7X tippet. Focus on fishing slower runs, pools, tailouts and pockets. Midges make up nearly all the menu, focus on clean presentations and adjusting your weight to get the flies down in the slower winter water. A good drift matters more than anything this time of year. For the dry fly anglers, there are still some opportunities, especially on Y-Camp Road and in Cheesman Canyon. We’re seeing light midge hatches most afternoons, and the occasional fish will rise if you’re patient and willing to fish tiny patterns on long leaders. No need to start early the best window has consistently been 11am to 3pm, when water temps bump up and the fish get more active. This is one of our favorite times of year, it’s not a numbers game, but you can find some quality fish if you stick with it.

Nymphs –

• Flash Tail Egg cheese – size 18

• Mini leech olive – size 16

• Pheasant tail – size 20-24

• Demon Midge – size 22

• UV Midge – size 22–24

• Bling midge tan or grey - size 22-24

• Jujubee Midge red – size 22

Dry’s –

• Parachute Adams – size 22–26

• Mole Fly brown – size 22–24

• Griffith's gnat - size 20-24