A Newcomer’s Guide to October Fly Fishing on the South Platte

So, you’ve lived in Colorado for a few years, maybe tangled with trout at Deckers or hiked into Cheesman Canyon, but the South Platte still feels like a mystery beyond those famous runs. October is one of the best times to change that.

Here’s how to make sense of the river this fall.

• Cooler temps = active trout. Fall weather keeps water temps trout-friendly all day.
• Crowds thin. Summer hordes are gone, especially midweek.
• The bugs get small. You won’t see massive hatches, but trout key in on a handful of tiny, consistent meals.
• Bigger fish on the move. In stretches like the Dream Stream, October means brown trout staging for their annual romance tour.

• Still a good bet in October. Flows are wadeable, hatches are predictable, and access is easy.
• Expect Trico spinner falls in the morning and Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) when clouds roll in.

• Legendary for technical fish. If you like long leaders and stealth, October is prime here.
• The hike in keeps crowds lower than Deckers.

• This is October’s headline stretch. Big browns move up from Elevenmile, and sight-fishing is the name of the game.
• Don’t expect solitude—but do expect a shot at trophy fish.

Other Options

• Chatfield Tailwater near Denver for a quick half-day fix.
• Tomahawk State Wildlife Area for wide-open meadows and less technical water.

 

You don’t need 100 patterns. A starter October lineup looks like this:

• Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#20–22), BWO Parachutes (#20–22)
• Nymphs: RS2s (#20–22), WD-40s (#20–22), Zebra Midges (#22–24)
• Streamers: Small leeches (olive/black, #10–12) for low-light or deeper runs

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinners + midges
• Afternoon (1–4 PM): BWOs love cloudy skies
• Evening: Small streamers swung through shadow lines can wake up bigger fish

1. Q: Is October too late in the season?
   A: Not at all—it’s one of the best months.
2. Q: Do I need tiny flies?
   A: Yes—think size 20–24 for dries and nymphs.
3. Q: Is Deckers crowded in October?
   A: Less than summer, but weekends still draw a crowd.
4. Q: What gear works best?
   A: A 9’ 4–5 wt rod with 5X–6X tippet covers most situations.
5. Q: Do I need waders?
   A: Yes—flows are wadeable, but you’ll want the warmth.
6. Q: Can I take beginners out?
   A: Deckers and Tomahawk SWA are best for easier access. Cheesman and the Dream Stream are more advanced.
7. Q: Do trout still rise in October?
   A: Yes—especially on overcast afternoons during BWO hatches.
8. Q: Should I fish streamers?
   A: Definitely—especially early or late in the day.

Listen to the PodcastWhy October Works
Where to Start (If You’ve Only Fished Deckers)Deckers (South Platte)
Cheesman Canyon
Dream Stream (between Spinney & Elevenmile Reservoirs)
 Flies That Keep It Simple
When to Fish
8 FAQs for October on the South Platte