Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Below Chatfield Reservoir the South Platte becomes an easy-access urban fishery through Chatfield State Park and South Platte Park, with trout most of the year and bass and carp in summer.
Looking for the latest Below Chatfield river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the South Platte River below Chatfield.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Below Chatfield fishing report
Updated November 6, 2026.
Releases are very low, near 12 cfs. Expect slow, clear water, with fish tucked into the deepest pools and any cover you can find.
Small midges, scuds and Baetis patterns fished slowly are the best bet this time of year. Light tippet and a careful approach matter more than usual at these flows.
We have no fresh guide report for this stretch yet, so this outlook is based on the current flows and the season.
Load your fly box
Before you head to the river below Chatfield, bring: Zebra Midge #18-22, Kaufmann's Scud #14-18, Squirmy Wormie, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Shotglass Baetis #18-22, Elk Hair Caddis #14-18 (summer), JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
River details below Chatfield
| Access | Walk-in from South Platte Park or Chatfield State Park, with paved and dirt trails along the river. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,400 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 12 miles, roughly 20 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Season | All year for trout; bass and carp in the warm months |
| Fish | Rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass and carp |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the park for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X to 6X for trout |
| Camping | Chatfield State Park campground (reservations, park pass required) |
| Kids | Yes. Easy trails and gentle water. |
| Good to know | Flows can be very low in winter. A state park pass is required inside Chatfield State Park. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Low flows. Midges and scuds in the deeper water.
Spring
Flows rise with releases. Nymphs and small streamers.
Summer
Caddis, BWOs and midges for trout, with bass and carp in the warmer water.
Fall
Lower, cooler water and steady nymph fishing.
How to get there
Park in South Platte Park or Chatfield State Park (state park pass required).