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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
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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 |
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.
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
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