---
title: "Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing: Low Flows, PhD Trout, and Terrestrial Snipes Aug 27"
description: Flows are down to 120 CFS in Cheesman Canyon, making for crystal-clear, technical conditions. Tricos, PMDs, and terrestrials are producing.
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Cheeseman%20Canyon%20-%20Dramatic%20cliffs%20of%20Cheeseman%20Canyon%20towering%20over%20the%20clear%20waters%20of%20the%20South%20Platte%20River-1.png
---

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# Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing: Low Flows, PhD Trout, and Terrestrial Snipes Aug 27

- August 27, 2025

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

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## South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report (Aug 27, 2025)

Cheesman Canyon is pure late-summer chess. Flows have dropped hard into the low 120s CFS, leaving water **crystal-clear and ultra-technical.** Every trout in the canyon is visible, and every mistake you make is too. If you want to test your fly game, this is the arena.

Expect **Trico spinner falls at dawn, PMDs mid-morning, and light caddis in the evening.** Midges are always in play, but you’ll need 6X-7x fluoro, long leaders (12-14ft), and dead-drift perfection to fool canyon fish. Crowds are steady, especially on weekends, so plan an early start. Hike to the pools or combat fish with the rest of the crowd. 

 

#### Listen to the Podcast!

Cracking\_the\_Code\_of\_Cheesman\_Canyon\_\_Mastering\_PhD\_Trout\_in\_Colorado\_s\_Toughest\_Water

 

 

---

## Conditions Summary

![rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)

- **Flow Rate:** ~120 CFS (low and clear)
- **Water Temp:** ~57°F mid-morning
- **Air Temp:** 62–82°F
- **Clarity:** Crystal-clear, technical conditions
- **Best Times:** 6:30–11:00 AM for hatches; quit if the water temperature exceeds 62 degrees. 
- **Fishing Pressure:** Heavy, especially near Gill Trail access. We encourage a hike for the best pocket water. 

 

 

 

---

## Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart

| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Ants/Beetles | Hoppers |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| June | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| July | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ |
| Sept | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |

 

 

### Download the South Platte Hatch Chart

 

---

## Flies to Try – Cheesman Canyon

#### **Nymphs**

- RS2 (gray/olive) – 20–24
- Juju Baetis – 20–22
- Barr’s PMD Emerger – 18–20
- Zebra Midge – 20–24
- Pheasant Tail (unbeaded) – 20–22

#### **Dries**

- CDC Biot Trico Spinner – 22–24
- Parachute Adams – 20–22
- Sparkle Dun PMD – 18–20
- Amy’s Ant – 14
- Black Beetle – 16

#### **Streamers**

- Mini Leech (olive/black)
- Slump Buster – 8–10
- Baby Gonga (brown)

 

 

---

## Tips for Fishing Cheesman Right Now

- **Morning:** Target riffle edges and tailouts with Trico spinners.
- **Midday:** Small PMD emergers and midge rigs are the best bet.
- **Afternoon:** Prospect shady banks with ants and beetles.
- **Rigging:** Long leaders (12–15 ft), 6X fluoro, micro-weight for precise drifts.

---

## Access Points

| Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gill Trailhead | Easy access, steady runs, heavy pressure | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mid-Canyon Pools | Technical sight-fishing, good dry-dropper water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upper Canyon | Longer hike, lighter pressure, bigger fish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

---

## FAQs – Cheesman Canyon

**Q: What’s the best hatch right now?**  
A: Tricos early, PMDs mid-morning, and caddis in the evening.

**Q: How tough is it to fish Cheesman?**  
A: Very. It’s one of Colorado’s most technical tailwaters — perfect drifts are mandatory.

**Q: Do hoppers work here?**  
A: Occasionally, but smaller terrestrials (ants, beetles) are more consistent.

**Q: Best rod setup?**  
A: 9’ 4–5 weight with a long leader. Euro rigs work well in fast water.

**Q: How bad are the crowds?**  
A: Heavy near Gill Trail; lighter if you hike deeper into the canyon.

**Q: Is streamer fishing worth it?**  
A: Limited, but small leeches and buggers can produce in shadows.

 

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## RIVER WHISPER | SPOT FINDER | NEW!

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