South Platte Stonefly Hatch Guide: Spring Patterns & Tactics
When and where stoneflies hatch on the South Platte, plus the nymph and dry fly tactics that actually work during spring runoff.
The journal · Page 11 of 13
Blog.
River guides, fly selection, and field notes from the South Platte. Written from the water, not a desk.
Page 11
151 posts · page 11 / 13
Euro Nymphing the South Platte — A Practical Guide
How to euro nymph the South Platte's technical tailwater — leader setup, fly selection, reading current seams, and where it outperforms indicator fishing.
Scott F Series 7'2" 3wt Review — E-Glass for Blue Lines
The Scott F Series 7'2" 3wt is a five-piece E-glass rod built for small creeks. Here's why I carry it for blue line fishing and what graphite can't match.
Best Fly Reels Under $500: Five Worth Buying in 2026
Verified specs and honest takes on the best fly reels under $500. From the $150 Lamson Liquid S to the $249 Orvis Hydros — what each is actually good for.
Ross San Miguel Reel Review — Sealed Drag, Old-School Character
The Ross San Miguel is the reel on my Winston Pure 2 — sealed carbon drag, beautiful machining, Colorado-made. Here's why it pairs with the Winston.
How to Read Water on the South Platte
The current seams, structure, and holding lies that matter on South Platte tailwater — how to find fish in Cheesman Canyon, Deckers, and the Dream Stream.
Mercury Midge: Pat Dorsey's South Platte Staple
Recipe, tying notes, and how to fish Pat Dorsey's Mercury Midge — one of the most consistent midge patterns on pressured tailwaters.
Ross LTX Reel Review — Made in Colorado, Built to Last
The Ross LTX is the reel on my Scott Centric — fast drag, precise, built in Montrose, Colorado. Same town as the rod it pairs with. Here's why this combo works.
South Platte Nymph Rigging — Leader, Indicator, and Fly Setup
The exact nymph rigging I use on the South Platte: leader construction, tippet sizes, indicator selection, and how to adjust it for Deckers and the canyon.
Deckers: The Complete Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte
Everything you need to fish Deckers — access, hatches, fly selection, flows, and regulations for the South Platte Gold Medal section.
South Platte Hatch Calendar: What's Hatching Every Month of the Year
Month-by-month hatch guide for the South Platte River tailwaters — Deckers, Cheesman, Dream Stream. Flies, timing, and what actually matters each season.
How to Choose a Fly Rod for South Platte Tailwater
What actually matters when choosing a fly rod for South Platte tailwater — weight, length, action, and the specific demands of Deckers and the canyon sections.