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Cheesman Canyon is the most technical stretch of the South Platte River near Denver, especially in winter. Low clear water, heavily pressured trout, and steep canyon walls create a fishery that rewards patience and precision.
Updated: March 4, 2026
Cheesman Canyon is fishing like Cheesman Canyon. The water is low, clear, and full of trout that see more flies than most rivers in Colorado. Success here right now depends almost entirely on presentation.
Mornings are quiet, but once the canyon warms the trout begin feeding on midges and early Baetis activity. Long leaders, light tippet, and perfect drifts matter far more than constantly switching flies.
This is classic technical South Platte fishing. Fish slow seams carefully and expect the best action during the middle of the day.
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Conditions Summary
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• Flow: 140 CFS. Stable tailwater flow with long glides and technical seams.
• Water Temperature: 37°F
• Air Temperature: 63°F
• Wind: 5 to 12 mph
• Clarity: Extremely clear
• Crowds: Moderate for the canyon, lighter midweek
• Primary Hatch: Midges with early Baetis activity
• Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Overall Rating: Classic technical tailwater fishing
Weather
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Hatch: Midges
Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
Drift deep through the slower canyon seams.
Black Beauty 20 to 24
A reliable dropper when trout are feeding near the bottom.
Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Flash can trigger fish in the ultra-clear water.
Rojo Midge 20 to 22
A good color change when fish begin refusing darker midges.
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
JuJu Baetis 18 to 20
A strong lead fly during the midday feeding window.
CDC Biot Baetis 18 to 20
Slim profile that fools pressured trout.
RS2 Gray 18 to 20
Fish slightly higher in the drift when trout start lifting.
Attractor and Movement Trigger
Rainbow Warrior 18 to 20
A subtle attractor when trout begin feeding higher in the water column.
Perdigon Olive 16 to 18
Excellent lead fly for reaching depth quickly.
Mini Leech Olive 10 to 12
Slow strip along deeper canyon bends can move larger trout.
Pro Rig of the Week: Cheesman Canyon Technical Rig
Indicator: Small yarn indicator or tight-line setup
Lead Fly: JuJu Baetis 18
Dropper: Top Secret Midge 22
Weight: One small split shot above the lead fly
Target Water: Slow seams, deep glides, and transition lanes
Cheesman trout inspect everything. Focus on drag-free drifts more than fly selection.
South Platte Hatch Chart – March
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary hatch throughout the day |
| Baetis | 18 to 20 | Increasing during mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 16 to 18 | Present in slower seams |
Download the South Platte 2026 Hatch Chart
Access Points – Cheesman Canyon
Upper Canyon Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Steep entry with defined winter pocket water.
Middle Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Deep seams and boulder structure.
Lower Canyon Exit | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Softer edges holding fish late in the window.
South Bank Trail Section | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Limited access but lighter pressure.
Upper Rim Drop In | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Technical approach with fewer reliable lies.
Gill Trail Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Classic canyon structure and depth.
Cheesman Dam Trail | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Deep runs with technical seams.
Upper Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined inside seams holding fish.
Lower Canyon Tailouts | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Walking speed tailouts fish well midday.
Far Downstream Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure, more technical drifts.
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 stretchesWatch 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
