--- title: "Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – July 2025: PMDs, Tricos, and Tactical Nymphing" description: July fly fishing in Cheesman Canyon means PMDs, tricos, and razor-thin margins. Get the flies, hatch chart, and tactical tips for Colorado’s most technical tailwater. 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 --- [Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-july-2025-pmds-tricos-and-tactical-nymphing#main-content) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/) - [Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [All Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [Real-Time App (Beta)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-fly-fishing-report) - [Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [South Platte at Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon) - [South Platte at Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-15) - [South Platte at Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/whispers-and-wind-late-fall-fly-fishing-in-waterton-canyon) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report) - [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fishing-report) - [Colorado River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling) - [Blue River at Silverthorne](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam) - [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing) - [Fryingpan River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/frying-pan-river-fly-fishing-report-april-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Roaring Fork](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/roaring-fork-river-fly-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [GuideBank](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [Book a Guide](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [How it Works](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/book-a-fly-fishing-guide-colorado) - [Angler Guarantee](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank-deposit-terms) - [For Shops & Outfitters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/join-guidebank) - [Guide Code of Conduct](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/legal/terms-guidebank-suppliers) - [Shop](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) - [Clothing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [T Shirts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Hats](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-hats) - [Hoodies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-sweatshirts) - [Accessories](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Sock, Bags & Mugs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Stickers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-stickers) - Resources - River Access Points - [Colorado River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-fishing-access-points) - [South Platte River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-point) - Hatch Charts - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [South Platte River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Yampa River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - Podcast - [On iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) - [On Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Win Free Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/win-free-flies) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - Search Search Search - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), - [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), - [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), - [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cheesman-canyon), - [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular), - [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), - [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) # Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – July 2025: PMDs, Tricos, and Tactical Nymphing - July 15, 2025 ![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png) [Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel) ![South Platte River Fly Fishing Report Cheesman Canyon-1](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png?width=1200&height=675&name=South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png) ## **Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – July 17, 2025** You don’t fish Cheesman by accident. If you’re here, you came to work. Flows are low, clarity is glassy, and the fish are borderline psychic. This stretch is pure PhD trout water—slow drifts, small bugs, and zero forgiveness. But if you can make the hike and control the slack, Cheesman will reward you with some of the prettiest, strongest wild trout in the state. Just don’t expect them to forgive sloppy drifts, heavy tippet, or a bad fly choice. This is graduate-level fishing. You ready? --- ### **Listen to the Podcast** 🎧 Cheesman Canyon – Tight Drifts, Tiny Bugs, and Big Payoffs --- **![Guide Rating (800 x 175 px) (2)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(2).png)** ## **Conditions Summary** - **Flow Rate**: ~265 CFS - **Water Temp**: 50°–54°F - **Air Temp**: Highs in the low 80s, cool in the canyon shade - **Clarity**: Ultra clear — spot-your-fish conditions - **Best Times**: 7–11 AM and 6–8:30 PM - **Crowds**: Moderate. Expect company, especially mid-morning. - **Overall Rating**: ★★★★☆ *Classic Cheesman. Tough drifts and high stakes—but fish are catchable for the patient.*   --- ### **Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart (July)** | Insect Hatch | Status | Guide Tip | | --- | --- | --- | | PMDs | Peaking | Mid-morning hatch — emerger eats outnumber dries | | Caddis | Active | Late-day risers in shaded glides | | Yellow Sallies | Midday | Fish soft hackles or jig-style droppers in riffles | | Tricos | Starting | Spinner falls before 8 AM — look for sippers | | Midges | Always on | Fish early, deep, and tight to the bottom |   ### DOWNLOAD THE SOUTH PLATTE HATCH CHART     ## **Top 3 Flies for the Week** | Type | Pattern | Size | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dry | PMD Sparkle Dun | 18 | Long leader + slack cast = eat | | Nymph | Cheesman Emerger | 20–22 | Fished on a tight-line rig in slow, clear tailouts | | Wildcard | Soft Hackle Yellow Sally | 16 | Drifted in riffle seams or swung below a nymph rig |     ### **Tactical Tips for Cheesman** **Seasonal Tip** This is sight-fishing season. Spot the fish, read the seam, and lead your drift. Don’t just cast at current. **Dry Fly** PMDs mid-morning, Tricos early. Long leaders (12–14'), 6X tippet minimum. Use reach casts and feed slack. **Nymphing** Tight-line euro rigs or ultra-light indicators work best. Fish are holding in slower water tight to structure. **Streamer Fishing** You can leave them at home this week. Focus on precision, not aggression. --- **![5](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trout%20Close%20Ups/5.png?width=1366&height=768&name=5.png)** ## **Access Points** | Trail Access | Why Fish Here | Rating | | --- | --- | --- | | Gill Trail (Main Lot) | Classic canyon water, consistent runs | ★★★★☆ | | Lower Canyon Access | Technical water, lower pressure | ★★★☆☆ | | Upper Canyon (above bends) | Stealthy pocket water, long shadows | ★★★★☆ |     ### **Regulations + Notes** - Catch and release, artificial flies only - Barbless hooks encouraged - Long hikes, high exposure — bring water, sun protection, and a headlamp if staying late --- ### **FAQ – Cheesman Edition** **1. Is this section wadeable right now?** Yes. Flows are ideal for classic Cheesman pocket picking and slow seam fishing. **2. What’s the most productive hatch right now?** PMDs mid-morning, Tricos early, Caddis late. Take your pick—but match it closely. **3. What leader/tippet setup works best?** 12- to 14-foot leaders, 6X fluorocarbon minimum. Some anglers use 7X during hatches. **4. How far is the hike?** 2–3 miles from parking lot to deeper canyon water. It’s worth it. **5. Best technique right now?** Tight-line nymphing or long dry fly presentations with perfect drifts. --- Need the flies mentioned? We tie them. We fish them. We don’t sell fluff. Get the Cheesman Box Want weekly updates like this? Subscribe to the River Whisper Report         Blog Post ## Related Articles [![ ](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(43).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/east-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-crested-butte-2025) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado), [Southwest Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/southwest-colorado), [East River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/east-river), [Crested Butte Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/crested-butte-fly-fishing) ### [East River Fly Fishing Report - Fly Fishing Near Crested Butte Winter 2025](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/east-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-crested-butte-2025) February 6, 2025 The East River, flowing from Emerald Lake through Crested Butte, offers some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. This... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/east-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-crested-butte-2025) [![ Read the Eagle River fly fishing report for October 2024. Find out about current conditions, fly recommendations near Vail, Colorado.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/image-png-Oct-30-2024-02-51-36-5223-PM.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.24.2024) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/eagle-river), [Fly Fishing Vail Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-vail-colorado), [Vail Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/vail-fly-fishing) ### [Eagle River Fly Fishing Report | Fly Fishing Near Vail Colorado 10.25.2024](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.24.2024) October 27, 2024 Eagle River Fly Fishing Report The Eagle River near Vail is showing off this October, offering perfect conditions for... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.24.2024) [![ Read the Eagle River fly fishing report for October 2024. Find out about current conditions, fly recommendations near Vail, Colorado.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(57).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.08.24) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/eagle-river), [Fly Fishing Vail Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-vail-colorado), [Vail Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/vail-fly-fishing) ### [Eagle River Fly Fishing Report | Fly Fishing Near Vail Colorado 10.07.2024](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.08.24) October 8, 2024 Eagle River Fly Fishing Report The Eagle River near Vail is showing off this October, offering perfect conditions for... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing-near-vail-colorado-10.08.24) Check all articles [![Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png "Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)")](https://www.risebeyondflyfishing.com) #### Wonder | Wander  At Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, our mission is to equip you with the tools and expertise to confidently traverse the beautiful Colorado waters. Tread lightly, pack out your shit, and leave it better than it was without changing how it's supposed to be. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards. Enjoy the Rise.  ### Colorado Fly Fishing Spots & Hatch Charts - [See Today’s River Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [Colorado River Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [South Platte Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fly-box) - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - [Yampa Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) #### Colorado Fishing Reports - [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-at-waterton-canyon-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report) - [Clear Creek](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-clear-creek-colorado) - [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers) - [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [Poudre River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-river-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-green-mountain) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-arkansas-river-middle-basin) ### Company & Resources - [River Report Sign Up](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/the-river-report) - [River Whisper App](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - Terms and Conditions - [Colorado Parks and Wildlife Resources](https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx) - [Spotify Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Audible Podcast](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Rise-Beyond-Colorado-Fly-Fishing-Report/B0DTQZWTB2) - [iHeart Radio Podcast](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) #### Shop Small Batch Flies - [Subscription Fly Boxes](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/fly-box-subscription) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) --- - Terms and Services - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - [Bantam.Digital](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/Bantam.Digital) Powered by Bantam.Digital [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.pinterest.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tymothe Meskel", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-12T12:50:22.879Z", "datePublished" : "2025-07-15T04:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – July 2025: PMDs, Tricos, and Tactical Nymphing", "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" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-july-2025-pmds-tricos-and-tactical-nymphing", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png" }, "name" : "Rise Beyond" } } ```