Anglers from across the country come here to test their skills, and to take in the beautiful landscape that surrounds. As the saying goes; if you can catch a trout on the South Platte River, you can catch a trout anywhere in the world.
Can you fish the South Platte River in Denver?
The Denver South Platte (or DSP) flows right through the heart of Denver and offers anglers the ultimate in urban fly fishing. The river is home to a wide variety of warm water fish, however, does hold trout in some of the upper sections.
Can you fish the South Platte River in Colorado?
The South Platte is fishable year round. Each season is unique, but fish are possible year round, and anglers will be around at all times of the year. Spring and summer bring hatches that anglers flock to, while winter fishing has the crowds subside, yet big fish are still available.
Can you fish in the Platte River in Colorado?
While a tailwater by definition, the Deckers section of the South Platte is another example of a Colorado river with considerable freestone characteristics the further downstream you head. The river holds approximately 3,000 fish per mile and sight fishing opportunities abound.
Can you swim in the South Platte River in Denver?
Sections of the North Fork South Platte River are ideal for swimming, in particular at the confluence of the North and South forks at the boulders near the remains of the South Platte Hotel.
Is South Platte River catch and release?
Rules: From Cheesman Dam downstream to upper boundary of Wigwam Club – Gold Medal – fishing with artificial flies or lures only; catch and release.
Is night fishing legal in Colorado?
Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, all waters of the state shall be open to fishing using all manners of take day and night, year around.
What fish are in the South Platte River Colorado?
You can catch Rainbows, Browns, Cutthroat, Cutbows, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Common Carp and more in this river and the fish are all different sizes. The real difficulty to the south platte is learning each section. The difference in fishing techniques and flies is drastic from section to section.
Is there a size limit for trout in Colorado?
The daily limit for trout, char, grayling and salmon is four fish, with a total possession limit of eight. Note that this includes all species of trout found in the state. However, you are allowed to keep 10 additional brook trout per day, provided that they are less than 8 inches in length.
How deep is the South Platte River?
The shallow water pocket is between one and fifteen miles wide and ranges from 20 to 200 feet deep.
Where can I fish in the Platte River?
Best Places to Fish the Platte River If you are looking to catch salmon and steelhead, your best bet is to head out towards the river’s lower sections. The runs here are not as prolific as on the nearby Betsie River, but draw a crowd every year. These parts tend to be anywhere from 25 to about 40 feet wide.
Can you fish the Platte River?
Common carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, and gar are also common in the Platte River and traditional baits work well. Pay attention when boating, the bighead and silver carp inhabit the river and can jump into your boat. Anglers can use bighead and silver carp as bait if the fish are dead.
What flies to use on the South Platte River in Colorado?
Best Flies for South Platte River Parachute Adams. Elk Hair Caddis. Loop Wing Emerger. Barr’s Emerger BWO.
What flies to use on the South Platte?
- Midge Nymphs, Emergers & Dries. Colors: Black, White, Olive.
- Mayfly Nymphs, Emergers & Dries. Colors: Olive, Grey, Yellow, Black.
- Caddis Nymphs, Emergers & Dries. Colors: Olive, Brown.
- Stonefly Nymphs & Dries. Colors: Yellow, Brown, Black.
- Cranefly Larva.
- San Juan Worms.
- Scuds.
- Hoppers.
Is South Platte River clean?
Last year, the South Platte earned a quality rating of “fair.” Persistent challenges include E. coli, nitrogen and phosphorous. In all, 25% of the river does not meet all of the state’s water quality standards, including segments in the Denver metro area.
Can you float the South Platte River?
Although the South Platte River can be dry and slow, it can be a popular tubing destination when the water’s right. There are a number of sections that people tube and kayak on the South Platte River, although the most popular is by downtown Denver and to the southwest near Deckers.
Can you kayak the South Platte River?
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. Check South Platte River near Trumbull and North Fork of the South Platte at Bailey.
Which way does the South Platte River flow in Denver?
South Platte River, one of the two main arms of the Platte River (q.v.), rising in the Mosquito Range of central Colorado, U.S., and flowing southeast.
Is there catfish in the South Platte River?
About South Platte River South Platte River is a stream near North Platte. The most popular species caught here are Smallmouth bass, Walleye, and Flathead catfish.
Does Denver have a riverwalk?
The River Mile. This opens in a new window. Introducing The River Mile – the next great place in the evolution of Denver. Located along a mile of the South Platte River, it’s envisioned as a sustainable, walkable downtown neighborhood.
Is it legal to fish with corn in Colorado?
Chumming with corn is still illegal in Colorado.
Can you eat the fish you catch in Colorado?
Not to worry! You can still safely eat the fish you catch – and don’t forget that eating fish has many health benefits. The fish in Colorado are routinely tested for mercury levels.
How many fish can you catch and keep in Colorado?
You can keep up to five largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass in most places, although there is no limit on smallmouth bass caught in waters west of the Continental Divide. The limit for white, wiper and striped bass is 10 in most waters, but a few locations allow you to keep twice this many.
Where is the best fly fishing in Colorado?
- Animas River (Gold Medal Waters)
- Grand Mesa Lakes.
- Gunnison River (Gold Medal Waters)
- Steamboat Lake State Park (Gold Medal)
- Trappers Lake.
- Wolford Mountain Reservoir.
- Yampa River State Park.
- Fryingpan (Gold Medal Waters), Roaring Fork (Gold Medal Waters) and Crystal Rivers.
What flies to use in Deckers?
Good nymph patterns to carry are: Mercury Pheasant Tails, South Platte Brassies, San Juan Worms, Pat’s Rubber Leg Stonefly, RS-2’s, Murphy’s Bubbleback Midge, Blindside Midges, Buckskins, Top Secret Midges, Medallion Midges, and Black Beauties. I’m so pleased to see this fishery come back strong after the Hayman fire.