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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. This is not casual fishing, but when conditions align, Cheesman consistently produces some of the most rewarding winter trout fishing on the Front Range.
If you are looking for fly fishing near Denver that demands focus and delivers quality fish, Cheesman remains one of the best proving grounds in Colorado.
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Updated: 01/26/2026 08:43
Current River Overview
Cheesman Canyon is in classic winter mode: clear water, steady tailwater character, and trout staged in slower seams, soft buckets, and inside cushions where they can feed without spending calories. Midges are the primary menu item. The bite is most consistent midday when sun hits the canyon and the water column warms just enough to create a short feeding window.
This is not a pattern game right now. It is a depth, drift, and stealth game.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow (CFS): 147
- Water Temp (°F): No Data
- Air Temp (°F): 25.3
- Wind (mph): 10.2
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Medium
- Hatch: Midges
- Best Times: Midday
- Confidence: 25%
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐️
- Nymph Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Streamer Score: ⭐️⭐️
Weather
Expect cold mornings and a narrow window of improved activity as the canyon gets sun. Wind is less of a problem here than the open meadow, but it still affects your drift and your ability to keep light rigs under control. The best sessions are the ones where you can slow down and keep your presentations short and accurate.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20–24
- RS2 (gray or black) 20–22
- WD-40 20–22
- Top Secret Midge 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18–20
Pro Rig of the Week: Cheesman Canyon Precision Rig
- Indicator: Very small yarn or dry dropper style indicator
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail or WD-40 18 to 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- Weight: One small BB or split micro shot 12 inches above lead fly
- Target Water: Slow inside seams, protected canyon edges, and deep winter lanes
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Secondary on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 16 to 18 | Opportunistic, especially in deeper slow water |
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 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
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