---
title: Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – October Conditions & Top Flies
description: Low flows, clear water, and picky trout. Cheesman Canyon in October demands stealth, finesse, and the right flies to fool the canyon’s smartest browns.
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---

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# Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report – October Conditions & Top Flies

- October 8, 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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Cheesman in October is like fishing through a whisper — every cast matters and the trout hear EVERYTHING. You’ll earn every strike here this month, but when one smacks your emerger in a quiet seam? That’s the kind of day you remember.

---

#### 🎧 Listen to the Podcast

 

Cheesman\_Canyon\_Intel\_\_Navigating\_Gin-Clear\_Flows,\_Tiny\_Flies,\_ (1)

5:29

## Conditions at a Glance

![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:** ~120 CFS below Cheesman Dam ⬇
- **Water Temp:** ~50 °F (holding steady)
- **Air Temp:** 35–68 °F
- **Clarity:** Very clear
- **Pressure:** High (trailheads see traffic, canyon narrows)
- **Best Times:** 10 AM to 3 PM — when BWOs hatch and trout move
- **Dry Fly Score:** ⭐⭐☆
- **Nymph Score:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **Streamer Score:** ⭐⭐

Flows are low and forgiving, but clarity is brutal — even a tiny drag or flash kills your chances. BWOs dominate the hatch window, and midges fill the gaps. Fish smart, move quietly, and let your flies do the whispering.

[DECKERS WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/39d25n105d23/deckers/?unit=us)

 

---

## Hatch Chart – October

| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BWOs | #20–22 | 10 AM–3 PM | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft-hackle swings | The marquee hatch — trout key hard to it on cloudy or shaded days |
| Midges | #22–26 | All day | Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge, WD-40 under indicator | Go-to when nothing else is happening |
| Tricos | #22–24 | 8–10 AM (warmer mornings) | CDC Spinner, Trico Comparadun | Fading, but still shows up on warm, calm starts |

### 📥 Download the Full South Platte Hatch Chart PDF 

 

 

## Top 3 Flies for the Month

1. **Dry Fly:** Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22 or CDC Trico Spinner #22–24
2. **Nymph:** RS2 #22, Barr’s BWO Emerger #20–22, Black Beauty / Zebra Midge #24
3. **Streamer:** Mini Leech #10, Thin Mint Bugger #12

 

 

---

### Tips Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon

- Approach slow and quiet — shadows, gear noise, splash… they all kill it.
- Use long leaders, fine tippets (6–7X), and subtle indicators or emerger rigs.
- Favor mid-column presentations during BWOs — emerger or soft-hackle often wins.
- Midge rigs shine when the hatch is off.
- On cloudy or dusk light, swing small leeches or soft hackles near structure.
- Walk past the obvious holes — the less pressured water often hides better fish.

---

## Access Points

| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gill Trailhead | Main access | Near the canyon’s heart — high traffic | Limited | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Upper Canyon | Above dam area | More solitude, hidden runs | Moderate | Easy | Steep hike |
| Lower Canyon | Toward Deckers confluence | More forgiving water & structure | Good | Moderate | Moderate |

---

### Local Regulations & Landowner Notes

1. Artificial flies and lures only.
2. Catch-and-release encouraged, especially on larger browns.
3. Stay on trails and respect private property near access points.
4. Weekends see heavy use — consider midweek or early starts.

---

### FAQ on this Spot

**When is lunch-hour fishing best?**  
Aim for 10 AM to 3 PM — that’s your BWO window.  
**Drys worth throwing?**  
Yes — but only to rising trout during strong hatch moments.  
**What’s my go-to nymph rig?**  
RS2 + Emerger or small midge dropper, subtle split shot, long leader.  
**Do streamers ever work?**  
Occasionally — near structure or in low light.  
**Best trailhead for solitude?**  
Upper Canyon or farther down; Gill gets busy.  
**What tippet sizes are safe bets?**  
6–7X for dries & nymphs; 5X for small streamers.  
**How spooky are trout now?**  
Extremely — even shadows and bright gear kill chances.  
**Era of fish size?**  
Expect 14–18″ browns, with occasional bruisers pushing the seam lines.  
![Animas River (1600 x 900 px) (12)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Animas%20River%20(1600%20x%20900%20px)%20(12).png?width=800&height=450&name=Animas%20River%20(1600%20x%20900%20px)%20(12).png)  
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### [Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Report 12/18/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report-12/18/25)

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