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Updated: November 17, 2025
Updated: Today
Cheesman is crystal clear, cold, and brutally technical right now, but the fish are feeding if you drift clean and stay invisible. Most trout are glued to deep, slow winter shelves until midday sun warms the canyon walls. Sight fishing is still possible, but only if you creep into position without sending ripples across the flats. Expect tiny, sparse patterns and subtle takes. Winter Cheesman forces you to fish perfectly, but it will absolutely reward patience.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 150 CFS
Water Temp: Upper 30s
Air Temp: 28 to 44
Clarity: Gin clear
Crowds: Low
Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm
5 Day Weather Forecast
Sun: 30 to 44, clear
Mon: 28 to 47, clouds
Tue: 30 to 46, calm
Wed: 33 to 42, clouds
Thu: 29 to 40, light snow
Top Flies in Your Box
Take these 10. They work every winter week in Cheesman if you drift them right.
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Top Secret Midge 22
- Zebra Midge Black 20
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD40 20 to 22
- Barr’s BWO 20
- Juju Baetis 20
- Mini Leech Black 12
- Rainbow Warrior 20
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges, Black Beauty, Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge | All day in slow shelves |
| Secondary | Baetis, RS2, WD40, Barr’s BWO | Best during clouds |
| Tertiary | Scuds, Grey or Olive | Subtle but consistent in deeper troughs |
Pro Rig of the Week
Cheesman Canyon Ultra Technical Double Midge Rig
11 ft 5x or 6x
Top fly: size 22 Mercury Midge
Dropper: size 24 Black Beauty
One micro split shot
Indicator set shallow over slow winter edges
Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐
Access Points
Gill Trail to First Turnouts
Pocket water, slow troughs, consistent winter structure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mid Canyon Boulder Fields
Steep seams, spooky trout, rewarding when fished slowly.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emerald Pools Area
Deep green buckets perfect for sight fishing under midday sun.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
Artificial flies only
Catch and release
Trail can be icy
Flows steady
Trout extremely wary in clear water
FAQ
Q: Is Cheesman too technical for beginners in winter?
A: Yes. This is one of Colorado’s toughest winter fisheries.
Q: Can I sight fish this week?
A: Yes during midday sun in the flats and deeper buckets.
Q: Which tippet size works best?
A: 5x minimum, 6x for the smallest midge patterns.
Q: Do streamers work here right now?
A: Rarely. Best only in deep shadowed water.
Q: How far is the hike to the canyon water?
A: Roughly one mile from the Gill Trail parking.
Q: Best spot to avoid pressure?
A: Mid canyon boulder sections.
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.
