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Cheesman is running 153 CFS with crystal-clear water, and the canyon trout are in full PhD mode. Fall mornings bring Tricos and BWOs, while afternoons demand stealthy nymph rigs. The water is technical, the fish are selective, and the pressure is medium — so pack long leaders, light tippet, and patience.
If you want a master class in presentation, this is the classroom.
Listen to the Podcast
Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Cheesman Canyon Dispatch
Tiny bugs, glass-clear water, and trout that know your fly box better than you do. We cover the patterns and rigs that actually fool fish in the canyon this week.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 153 CFS — stable and wadeable, perfect for technical work
- Water Temp: Mid-40s°F — safe for trout, stable mornings
- Air Temp: 40s°F at dawn, warming into 70s midday
- Clarity: Crystal clear — stealth required
- Best Times: 7–11 AM (Tricos/BWOs) and 4–7 PM (evening bugs)
- Fishing Pressure: Medium — expect company, but canyon spacing helps
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — technical, not forgiving, but rewarding
Hatch Chart – September at Cheesman
| Insect Group | Presence |
|---|---|
| Tricos | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BWOs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Midges | ⭐⭐ |
| Caddis | ⭐⭐ |
| PMDs |
|
Notes: Tricos dominate the morning spinner falls, with BWOs sliding in on cloudy days. Midges and caddis keep the subsurface game alive.
Flies to Tie On
Nymphs / Emergers
- WD-40 (#22)
- RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
- JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
- Zebra Midge (#22-24)
Dries / Terrestrials
- Blue Wing Olive (#20)
- CDC Trico Spinner (#22-24)
- Parachute Adams (#20-22)
- Ant/Beetle (#18, subtle)
Streamers
- Mini Leech (#12, black/olive)
- Slumpbuster (#12-14)
- Thin Mint Bugger (#12)
Tactical Playbook
- Morning (7–11 AM): Fish Trico spinners and BWO emergers on long leaders; micro-droppers behind dries.
- Midday: Double-nymph rigs with WD-40s, RS2s, and baetis patterns in slots and seams.
- Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs and caddis on cloudy days; terrestrials near the banks.
- Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders, 6X/7X fluoro, perfect drifts only. Cheesman fish won’t forgive sloppy work.
Access & Flow Zones
- Cheesman Trailhead: Primary access — mile-long hike to start fishing.
- Upper Canyon: Technical, spooky fish, best for sight-fishing.
- Mid Canyon Pockets: Dry-dropper potential in broken water.
- Lower Canyon: Deeper runs, more forgiving for nymphing.
FAQs – Cheesman Canyon
Q: Are streamers working here?
A: Only in low light — keep them small and natural.
Q: Do I need to match exact bugs?
A: Yes. Trico and BWO imitations in small sizes are critical.
Q: Is pressure bad?
A: Medium. You’ll see anglers, but canyon spreads people out.
Q: What’s the best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt with a long leader. Leave the heavy streamer rods at home.
Q: Is the hike worth it?
A: Absolutely. It’s technical, challenging, and iconic Colorado fishing.
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