Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – July 2025: PMDs, Tricos, and Tactical Nymphing

  • July 15, 2025

South Platte River Fly Fishing Report Cheesman Canyon-1

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)

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

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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