Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report December 2025 | Winter Flows, Hatches, Access, and Best Flies

Updated: December 8, 2025

Cheesman Canyon continues to show classic early-winter behavior: low but stable flows, very clear water, and trout glued to deeper granite buckets. Week over week, flows are unchanged, clarity improved slightly, and fish are sliding into slow winter metabolism. Expect extremely technical presentations, tiny bugs, and long leaders. The midday window remains the only consistent period where fish lift even slightly in the column.

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Conditions Summary

• Flow: ~150 CFS, stable week over week and seasonally low
• Water Temperature: Mid 30s to low 40s with minimal warming except midday
• Air Temperature: Low 20s to mid 40s depending on canyon sun exposure
• Clarity: Very clear; stealth and long tippet essential
• Crowds: Light to moderate depending on day and weather
• Best Window: 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. when canyon sunlight hits the water
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are holding deep and eating exclusively tiny winter bugs

Weather

Expect bright but cold canyon mornings with warmth only when sun angles directly hit the water. Afternoon winds remain sporadic, and shaded sections hold cold air much longer. Once the canyon slips back into shadow, feeding slows immediately.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

1. Top Secret Midge 22–24
2. Black Beauty 20–26
3. Mercury Midge 20–22
4. Manhattan Midge 22–24
5. RS2 (black/gray, foam wing) 20–22
6. Zebra Midge (black/red) 20–24
7. Flashback PT 20
8. WD-40 20–22
9. Red Larva 18–20
10. Small Mini Leech 12–14 (rare use)

Pro Rig of the Week: The Canyon Razor Drift

• Indicator: Small white yarn or ultra-light pinch
• Lead Fly: Top Secret Midge 22
• Dropper: RS2 black 22–24
• Weight: One small BB, 12 inches above lead fly
• Target Water: Deep granite buckets, slow inside seams, and the soft shelves along canyon walls

Hatch Chart for December

Access Points

Gill Trail – Lower Canyon Entrance
Steady access to deep winter buckets and classic Cheesman runs.
⭐ 5.0

Mid-Canyon Pullouts (via Gill Trail)
Technical sight-nymphing in clear light; best on sunny days.
⭐ 4.7

Upper Canyon Pools
Colder, darker, and tougher but holds some of the largest fish.
⭐ 4.6

Hayman Regrowth Section
Open terrain, easier casting, softer winter edges.
⭐ 4.4

Stop Here After the River

Bud’s Bar-Sedalia
Old-school, cash-only, unapologetic Colorado. This is the place guides hit when they want something simple and perfect after a long day on the South Platte. Order the single cheeseburger with onions, grab a side of chips, and take in the atmosphere that hasn’t changed in decades. It’s loud, it’s honest, and it hits the spot after hiking in and out of canyon water all day.

Local Regulations & Notes

• Artificial flies only in main stretches
• Watch for ice shelves in shadowed canyon walls
• Respect trail closures and posted signage
• Fish are extremely selective; micro-adjust drifts and weight often

FAQ

Q: Is Cheesman Canyon good in December?
A: Yes, but it’s ultra-technical. Clear water and small bugs dominate.

Q: Do fish rise in winter here?
A: Very rarely; only occasional midge clusters on warm, still days.

Q: What is the best technique right now?
A: Two-midge nymph rig with light weight and long, drag-free drifts.

Q: Is the hike difficult in winter?
A: Some sections are icy; traction helps significantly.

Q: Where are trout holding most consistently?
A: Deep buckets, slow inside seams, and canyon-wall shelves.

Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make?
A: Too much weight and rushing through good water.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy & Behavior Guide

Photo of the Week

Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters

Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte