--- title: Cheesman Canyon Is Low, Clear, and Brutal Right Now Here’s How to Still Catch Fish description: November 2025 Cheesman Canyon report featuring the latest flows, clarity, hatch activity, and the exact flies and rigs producing in tough, ultra-clear conditions. image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-is-low-clear-and-brutal-right-now-heres-how-to-still-catch-fish#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 Is Low, Clear, and Brutal Right Now Here’s How to Still Catch Fish - November 18, 2025 ![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png) [Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel) Updated: November 17, 2025 ![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=1000&height=563&name=South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png) Cheesman Canyon is in its late-fall prime, but only if you bring your A-game. With flows holding at 132 CFS and the water running glass-clear, trout are sitting deep, tight to structure, and inspecting every drift like it owes taxes. The cold mornings shut things down early, but as sunlight reaches the canyon walls, the river wakes up and fish begin feeding steadily on midges and small baetis. This is the season where perfect angles, perfect mends, and real patience get rewarded. Afternoons are the window you plan for. Once temps slide into the 40s and the canyon gets some warmth, the midges lift, BWOs trickle, and trout shift into a more predictable rhythm. You will see fish, but you will not fool many unless your presentation is clean. This is classic Cheesman: slower, deeper water, thin tippet, tiny flies, and earned satisfaction. #### Listen to the Audio Overview Cheesman\_Canyon\_Fly\_Fishing\_Precision\_Demands 3:59 --- ## Conditions Summary ![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 Rate:** 132 CFS **Water Temperature:** low to mid 40s in the afternoon **Air Temperature:** 20s to upper 40s **Clarity:** very clear **Crowds:** moderate near trailhead, lighter further in **Best Times:** 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. **Fly Fishing Type Scores** Dry Fly: ⭐ Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐ Streamer: ⭐⭐ **Seasonal Notes** - Clear water forces micro presentations - Small midge clusters in sun pockets - BWOs on calm, cloudy afternoons - Canyon shadows slow mornings - Fish holding in deep green lanes and along boulder seams --- ## Five Day Weather Forecast [DECKERS WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/39d25n105d23/deckers/?unit=us) Cheesman Canyon Corridor Day 1: High 50, low 28, sunny Day 2: High 55, low 32, partly cloudy Day 3: High 53, low 30, cloudy Day 4: High 45, low 22, colder Day 5: High 42, low 18, cold with possible flurries --- ## Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart Current Month: November **Primary Hatch: Midges** - Stages: larva, pupa, emergers - Colors: black, brown, olive - Sizes: 20 to 24 **Secondary Hatch: Blue Wing Olives** - Stages: nymphs, emergers - Sizes: 18 to 22 **Tertiary Activity** - Eggs drifting from late brown redds - Small leeches in deep runs   --- ## Pro Guide Rig (One rig a Cheesman guide would actually use) **Leader:** 10 ft 5x fluoro **Tippet:** 5x to lead fly, 6x to dropper **Weight:** very small shot placed 8 inches above lead fly **Lead Fly:** size 16 apricot egg or red worm **Dropper Fly:** size 22 Top Secret Midge or size 22 Mercury Midge How to fish it: High stick through boulder seams, drift short, reset often. Fish are deep and inspecting everything. Keep flies low and slow. --- ## Top 10 Flies 1. Top Secret Midge 20 to 24 2. Mercury Midge 20 to 22 3. Zebra Midge 20 to 22 4. RS2 gray or olive 20 to 22 5. Juju Baetis 18 to 20 6. Foam Wing Emerger 20 to 22 7. WD40 20 to 22 8. Egg pattern apricot 14 to 16 9. Red San Juan Worm 14 to 16 10. Micro Leech olive 10 to 12     --- ## Tips Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon **Seasonal Tip** Treat this as winter tailwater mode. Slow, deep, technical, patient. **Dry Fly Tips** - Only possible on calm, warm afternoons - Single small midges or BWOs on long leaders **Nymphing Tips** - Precise depth control matters - Place weight lightly for slow drift contact - Move often and change angles **Streamer Tips** - Small, sparse leeches only - Slow retrieves along deep edges --- ## Access Points ### 1. Gill Trailhead Why Fish Here: Immediate canyon access Crowds: Moderate Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Excellent starter water for the day ### 2. Mid Canyon Why Fish Here: Best pockets, deeper lanes, fewer anglers Crowds: Light to moderate Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Your best chance at bigger fish ### 3. Near the Dam Why Fish Here: Deep, stable winter water Crowds: Moderate Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Notes: Best for micro nymphing   --- ## Local Regulations and Notes - Artificial flies only - Avoid redds at all times - Respect narrow access trail and yield - Pack out everything --- ## FAQ Q: Is Cheesman fishing well right now A: Yes but only for technical anglers. Clear water means small flies and perfect presentations. Q: What’s the best time of day A: Midday after canyon warms up. Q: Do I really need 6x A: Yes for midges. Fish will refuse heavier diameters. Q: Are streamers worth it A: Yes in deeper wintering pockets but keep them very small. Q: How far should I hike A: Half mile to one mile to reach less pressured water. Q: What flows fish best A: 100 to 180 CFS is excellent for Cheesman. --- ## Stop Here After The River **The Hangout at Deckers – Deckers, CO** A real, family run spot sitting right across from the Platte. This is where you go when you want actual food after a cold day in canyon water. They grind the meat for their burgers, cut the fries in house, and keep the menu simple but dialed for hungry anglers. Order a **Hangout burger with hand cut fries** and one of their **local draft beers** or a **house cocktail**, then sit on the patio and watch the river slide by while you debrief the day. Website: [https://www.deckershangout.com](https://www.deckershangout.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Blog Post ## Related Articles [![south platte river reports near waterton canyon colorado river conditions. ](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Waterton%20Canyon%20-%20Scenic%20view%20of%20Waterton%20Canyon%20with%20the%20South.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-tricos-bikes-stealth-tactics-sept-17-2025) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/waterton-canyon), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) ### [Waterton Canyon Fly Fishing Report – Tricos, Bikes & Stealth Tactics (Sept 17, 2025)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-tricos-bikes-stealth-tactics-sept-17-2025) September 17, 2025 Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River isn’t just another spot on the map, it’s a rite of passage for fly fishing... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-tricos-bikes-stealth-tactics-sept-17-2025) [![Cheesman Canyon fishing report: technical challenges, tips for success, and current conditions for winter fly fishing on the South Platte River.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-south-platte-river-smart-trout-and-cold-water-perfection-this-week) [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 South Platte River: Smart Trout and Cold Water Perfection This Week](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-south-platte-river-smart-trout-and-cold-water-perfection-this-week) November 5, 2025 Cheesman Canyon is a test of patience and precision. The flows are steady, the water is glass clear, and the fish are... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-south-platte-river-smart-trout-and-cold-water-perfection-this-week) [![south platte river reports near waterton canyon colorado river conditions. ](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Waterton%20Canyon%20-%20Scenic%20view%20of%20Waterton%20Canyon%20with%20the%20South.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/12/26) [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/waterton-canyon), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular), [Denver Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/denver-fly-fishing), [Best Fly Fishing Near Denver Today](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/best-fly-fishing-near-denver-today), [Fly Fishing Near Denver](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-denver) ### [Waterton Canyon Fly Fishing Report 1/12/26](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/12/26) January 12, 2026 Waterton Canyon is one of the most accessible stretches of the South Platte River near Denver, and winter pushes it... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/waterton-canyon-fly-fishing-report-1/12/26) 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" : "2025-11-25T14:05:51.680Z", "datePublished" : "2025-11-18T10:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Cheesman Canyon Is Low, Clear, and Brutal Right Now Here’s How to Still Catch Fish", "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/South%20Platte%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20Cheesman%20Canyon-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-is-low-clear-and-brutal-right-now-heres-how-to-still-catch-fish", "@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" } } ```