Cheesman Canyon Fly Report (Sept 29, 2025) – Trico Spinners & Technical Trout

  • September 30, 2025

South Platte River Fly Fishing Report Cheesman Canyon-1

Cheesman Canyon is sitting at 153 CFS, crystal-clear, and every trout in the canyon has its PhD in fly inspection. If you like technical sight-fishing and long drifts, this is your fall classroom. Tricos are still running the show in the mornings, while BWOs wake up when the clouds roll in. Midges remain steady, and the canyon’s picky browns are more than happy to test your patience.


Listen to the Podcast

Cheesman_Canyon_Fly_Report__Crack_the_Code_to_Catching_PhD_Trou
10:18

 

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Cheesman Canyon Dispatch


 

Conditions Summary

Guide Rating (800 x 175 px) (2)

  • Flow Rate: 153 CFS — prime for wading and sight-fishing
  • Water Temp: Mid–50s°F, safe for full-day sessions
  • Air Temp: 40s–70s°F this week
  • Clarity: Clear — fish see everything, including you
  • Best Times: 7–11 AM (Trico spinner falls), cloudy afternoons for BWOs
  • Crowds: Medium — popular pull-offs fill quickly
  • Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — challenging but rewarding


5-Day Weather Snapshot (Cheesman)

WOODLAND PARK WEATHER


Hatch Chart – September at Cheesman Canyon

Insect Group Presence
Tricos ⭐⭐⭐
BWOs ⭐⭐⭐
Midges ⭐⭐
Caddis
PMDs

Notes: Tricos drive the early bite, with BWOs rewarding anglers when clouds settle in.

 

Download the South Platte Hatch Chart

 


fly fishing in colorado (49)

 

Flies to Tie On for Cheesman Canyon

Nymphs / Emergers

  • RS2 (Sparkle Wing, gray/olive, #20–22)
  • WD-40 (black/olive, #20–22)
  • JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
  • Barr’s BWO Emerger (#18–20)
  • Zebra Midge (#22–24, black/silver)
  • Duracell Jig (#16–18, copper/black)

Dries

  • CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24)
  • Parachute Adams (#20–22)
  • Film Critic BWO (#20–22)
  • Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24)

Streamers

  • Mini Leech (black/olive, #12)
  • Slump Buster (natural, #10)
  • Baby Gonga (olive/brown, #8)
 

 


Tactical Playbook

  • Morning: Trico spinners over slicks and foam lines. Match with CDC spinners or trail emergers.
  • Midday: Nymph small baetis and midges with stealthy tightline rigs.
  • Afternoon: Clouds = BWO dry fly window. Use Parachute BWO or Film Critic.
  • All Day: Carry a Mini Leech or Baby Gonga for shadowed pools.
  • Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet are a must.


Access & Flow Zones

  • Cheesman Canyon Trailheads: Most pressured but consistent.
  • Mid-Canyon Runs: Technical pocket water with sight-fishing opportunities.
  • Downstream Meadows: Long glides for Trico spinner falls.


FAQs – Cheesman Canyon

  1. Q: Are flows stable right now?
    A: Yes, sitting steady around 153 CFS.
  2. Q: What’s the fly of the week?
    A: Sparkle Wing RS2 (#20–22).
  3. Q: Best time of day to fish?
    A: Early morning and cloudy afternoons.
  4. Q: Is Cheesman beginner-friendly?
    A: Not really — this is a technical, stealth-heavy fishery.
  5. Q: Do streamers work here?
    A: Yes, small leeches in low light can move fish.
  6. Q: How’s the hike in?
    A: Moderate; expect 30–45 minutes of trail walking.
  7. Q: What rod setup works best?
    A: 9’ 4–5 wt with long leaders and 6X–7X tippet.
  8. Q: Are crowds heavy?
    A: Medium — arrive early to beat the pressure.

Animas River (1600 x 900 px) (12)

RIVER WHISPER | SPOT FINDER | NEW!

Where to fish today! Tired of fly shops feeding you outdated, half-baked reports just to push gear? Us too. That’s why River Whisper exists—to cut through the noise and give you real, up-to-date, no-BS fly fishing reports for Colorado.

 

 

Blog Post

Related Articles

Deckers Fly Fishing Report - Trico Spinners + BWO Savagery at 165 CFS

October 6, 2025
Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly...

Deckers Fly Fishing Report (Sept 23, 2025): Tricos, BWOs & Clear Flows

September 23, 2025
Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly...