Right now
Live from National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Midges #20–24, RS2, small Baetis nymph, egg
- Rig
- 9' 5x to 6x, small indicator, a midge dropper. Sight-fish the slow lanes.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- South Platte between Strontia Springs Dam and the canyon mouth
- Drive from Denver
- About 45–60 minutes from north Denver
- Access
- Walk or bike in on a gated dirt road (no cars)
- Best for
- The closest tailwater trout to Denver
- Season
- Year-round
- Gauge
- Check Denver Water/DWR releases and nearby South Platte gauges
- Dogs
- Not allowed, to protect the bighorn sheep herd
Where to park
Waterton Canyon Trailhead
- South on Wadsworth from C-470, left on Waterton Road, second entrance on the left. Cross Waterton Road at the crosswalk to the canyon gate.
- No dogs anywhere in the canyon (bighorn sheep). Daylight hours only, no overnight parking.
- Weekend mornings fill early. More parking a quarter mile farther down Waterton Road.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Waterton Canyon is a dirt service road running about six miles up the South Platte to Strontia Springs Dam. Cars aren't allowed, so you walk or ride a bike in. Because the river comes from a dam, it stays fishable in winter, and it's the closest tailwater trout to the metro.
No dogs: why it's enforced
Waterton Canyon is home to a herd of bighorn sheep. Denver Water doesn't allow dogs or other pets anywhere in the canyon, on a leash or not, and rangers enforce it. If you're bringing a dog, fish Clear Creek, the Big Thompson or Deckers instead.
Where to fish
The water near the parking lot sees the most people. Ride or walk past the first mile, and you'll find more room. The upper canyon toward the dam is where the better water starts.
Flies
Midges, RS2s and small Baetis nymphs most of the year. Sight-fish the slow lanes with long, light tippet.
Bike or walk?
A bike gets you past the crowded first miles quickly and leaves more time to fish the upper canyon. Walking works fine if you're happy fishing the lower and middle sections. Either way, it's a gentle grade on a wide dirt road.
Winter fishing
Because the water comes from Strontia Springs Dam, Waterton stays fishable when freestones freeze. Fish the slow lanes midday with midges and RS2s, and bring layers, because the canyon floor stays shaded.
Know before you go
- Check the live gauge the morning you go. A release change can turn a good day into a slow one.
- Read the exact stretch's rules in the CPW Fishing Atlas, since special regulations vary within a river.
- Carry a current Colorado fishing license. Annual licenses run April 1 through March 31.
- Check the road: COtrip for I-70, US-285 and US-24 in winter.
- Pack for the season: in cold months, gloves, hand warmers, a thermos and traction for icy banks.
Where to eat and gear up
Stops in Littleton. Dog-friendly means leashed dogs on the patio; call to confirm, especially in winter.
| Stop | Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Mine Ave Brewing | Dogs welcome on patio | Off-leash dog yard |
| Locavore Beer Works | Dogs welcome on patio | Dogs inside and out |
| Breckenridge Brewery | Dogs welcome on patio | Beer garden + food |
| Minturn Anglers (Lone Tree) | Fly shop / tackle | Closest fly shop to Waterton |
Questions anglers ask
- Are dogs allowed in Waterton Canyon?
- No. Denver Water prohibits dogs and other pets in the canyon to protect the bighorn sheep.
- Can you drive into Waterton Canyon?
- No. It's walk, bike or horseback only on the canyon road.
- How long is Waterton Canyon?
- About 6.2 miles from the trailhead to Strontia Springs Dam.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near Waterton Canyon?
- Yes. In Littleton, Coal Mine Ave Brewing, Locavore Beer Works, Breckenridge Brewery welcome leashed dogs on their patios. Patios are seasonal, so call ahead in winter.
- Where can I buy flies or tackle near Waterton Canyon?
- Minturn Anglers (Lone Tree) is the closest shop. Closest fly shop to Waterton.
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