Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Right in Denver, the South Platte holds carp, bass and some trout along the city's river trail. It is a quick after-work option with no drive.
Looking for the latest South Platte River Denver 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 โ Denver.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Denver fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge at Denver shows about 97 cfs and clear.
Look for cruising carp on sunny afternoons and use small nymphs or carp patterns. Trout are scattered; fish below the drop structures.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Denver, bring: Woolly Bugger #8, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-18, San Juan Worm #12, Zebra Midge #18, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Denver river details
| Access | The South Platte River Trail and city parks such as Confluence Park. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,200 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 17 miles, roughly 24 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | All year |
| Fish | Carp, bass, some trout and other warmwater species |
| Regulations | Urban water. Think twice before eating fish from here. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 4X tippet |
| Camping | None in the city |
| Kids | Yes. Easy access from city parks. |
| Good to know | Urban water with trash and runoff after storms. Wash up after. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges and slow fish.
Spring
Carp start moving.
Summer
Carp and bass.
Fall
Carp and a few trout.
How to get there
Park at Confluence Park in downtown Denver or along the South Platte River Trail.