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Cheesman Canyon is one of the most technical stretches of the South Platte River near Denver, and winter sharpens that edge even further. Steep canyon walls, ultra clear water, and heavily educated trout make this a thinking angler’s fishery. When flows are stable and weather cooperates, Cheesman Canyon fly fishing can be exceptional. When it is off, the canyon does not forgive sloppy decisions.
Updated: January 5, 2025
The South Platte River at Cheesman Canyon is holding in a classic winter pattern. Low, clear water. Cold mornings. Trout glued to deep canyon lanes where current speed slows just enough to conserve energy. Feeding windows are short and deliberate, with most action occurring once sunlight reaches the water late morning.
This week’s Cheesman Canyon fly fishing report is all about precision. Midges dominate the menu, with occasional baetis nymph activity during warm, cloudy stretches. Trout are feeding, but only when drifts are flawless and depth is exact. Long leaders, light tippet, and patience are mandatory here.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low and stable winter South Platte baseflow
- Water Temperature: Cold with slight midday increase
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings, brief afternoon warming
- Clarity: Exceptionally clear
- Crowds: Light to moderate due to difficult access
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Technical winter nymphing with small midges and precise depth control
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Weather
Lake George, Colorado Weather
Expect true canyon winter conditions. Cold shaded mornings, limited sun exposure, and quick temperature drops once shadows return. Calm, sunny days fish best. Wind and heavy cloud cover dramatically shorten feeding windows.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 22 to 26
- Mercury Midge 22 to 26
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 22 to 24
- RS2 (black or gray) 22 to 24
- WD-40 22 to 24
- JuJu Baetis 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Cheesman Canyon Precision Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or micro pinch on indicator
- Lead Fly: JuJu Baetis or Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Dropper: Mercury Midge or Black Beauty 22 to 26
- Weight: One to two small BBs placed 12 to 18 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Deep canyon lanes, inside seams, slow walking speed troughs
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Limited activity during warm, cloudy afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Secondary option in deeper winter runs |
Download the South Platte Hatch Chart
Access Points
Cheesman Canyon Trailhead ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steep hike but immediate access to productive winter water.
Lower Canyon Lanes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deep, slow lanes that consistently hold winter trout.
Mid Canyon Structure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellent holding water with complex seams and depth changes.
Upper Canyon Sections ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Less pressure but more technical drifts and longer hikes.
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
Is Cheesman Canyon Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes, but only for prepared anglers. Cheesman offers consistent winter trout fishing, but feeding windows are short and presentations must be precise.
How Technical Is Cheesman Canyon Compared to Deckers?
Cheesman is more technical. Clearer water, heavier structure, and less forgiving trout demand better drift control and lighter tippet than Deckers.
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.
Q: How difficult is Cheesman Canyon in winter?
A: Very. Clear water, cold temperatures, and educated trout demand patience and precision.
Q: Is it worth hiking in during winter?
A: Yes, if conditions are safe. Pressure drops quickly and fish are more predictable.
Q: Are dry flies an option right now?
A: Rarely. Midges may bring fish up briefly on calm sunny afternoons, but subsurface is the program.
Q: Do streamers work in Cheesman Canyon in winter?
A: Occasionally, but small nymphs consistently outproduce streamers in cold clear flows.
Q: What tippet should I use?
A: 5X to your lead fly and 6X to your midge dropper is standard.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically once canyon shadows take over, often shortly after 2:30 p.m. in winter.
Companion Article for December
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
