Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report: Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado’s Legendary Waters

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Welcome to Cheesman Canyon, where the trout are as picky as your mother-in-law and just as hard to impress! This scenic stretch of the South Platte River is known for its technical challenges and breathtaking beauty. Think you’ve mastered your nymphing game? Think again—Cheesman Canyon will make you earn every strike.

Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report – December 2024

Cheesman Canyon remains a crown jewel for winter fly fishing in Colorado. With flows between 50-75 CFS, the South Platte is running low and crystal clear, requiring technical skill and a stealthy approach. The trout here—trophy-sized browns and rainbows—are as educated as they come, holding primarily in deeper pools and slower runs. Water temperatures hover around 36-40°F, concentrating fish in warmer, sunlit areas during midday.

Mid-morning to mid-afternoon is the sweet spot for active fish, with midge hatches dominating the scene. Occasional Blue Wing Olives add variety on warmer days, while nymphing small patterns remains the bread and butter. Cheesman Canyon’s dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and challenging trout make it a winter destination worth every ounce of effort.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 50-75 CFS
• Water Temperature: 36-40°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Current Conditions Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Challenging yet rewarding; perfect for skilled anglers seeking solitude and technical fishing.

River Flow Chart

Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24) – Great for sporadic midges on calm, sunny afternoons.
• Nymph: Zebra Midge (#20-24) – A go-to for deeper runs and pools.
• Streamer: Black Leech (#10-12) – Perfect for targeting aggressive trout in shaded areas.

Tips Fly Fishing on Cheesman Canyon

Seasonal Tip
Winter demands precision and patience. Approach pools carefully, and use long leaders with fine tippet (6x or 7x) to outwit wary trout.

Dry Fly
Sunny afternoons can bring sporadic rises. Look for trout sipping midges in slow-moving water and present Griffith’s Gnats delicately.

Nymphing
Double rigs with Zebra Midges and Black Beauties are essential. Use split shot to ensure your flies drift naturally in deeper holding water.

Streamer Fishing
Work smaller streamers like Black Leeches along structure and in shadowed pools. Slow retrieves are key for enticing larger trout.

Access Points

Gill Trailhead

• Description: The primary access point to Cheesman Canyon, involving a moderate hike.
• Why Fish Here: Provides access to some of the most iconic pools and runs in the canyon.
• Location: Off County Road 126, near Deckers, CO.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lower Canyon Section

• Description: Easier-to-access stretches with productive holding water.
• Why Fish Here: A great option for anglers seeking slightly less technical water.
• Location: Near Cheesman Dam.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Upper Canyon Pools

• Description: Scenic water above the Gill Trailhead with consistent hatches.
• Why Fish Here: Offers solitude and a chance at the canyon’s largest trout.
• Location: Accessible by hiking upriver.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Cheesman Canyon is a Gold Medal fishery, requiring catch-and-release practices. A valid Colorado fishing license is mandatory. The area is rugged, so pack accordingly and leave no trace to preserve this pristine ecosystem.