South Platte River Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report: Tips & Conditions

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Nestled in Colorado’s scenic wilderness, Cheesman Canyon offers a world-class fly fishing experience. Here’s everything you need to know before you head out.

Welcome to Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River Fishing Report, where the trout are as picky as your mother-in-law and just as hard to impress! This scenic stretch of the South Platte River is known for its technical challenges and breathtaking beauty. Think you’ve mastered your nymphing game? Think again—Cheesman Canyon will make you earn every strike. Load of Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Tips.

Table of Contents

Current Water Conditions

Best Fly Patterns

Fishing Tips for Cheesman Canyon

Weather and Access Updates

Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report – January 2025

Cheesman Canyon is a winter fly angler’s dream, offering unmatched beauty and technical fishing that rewards patience and precision. The canyon’s towering granite walls and serene, snow-dusted trails provide a stunning backdrop, while the gin-clear waters reveal cruising trout ready to test your skills. This isn’t a section for the faint of heart, as Cheesman’s trout are famously selective, but dial in your approach, and you’ll be rewarded with memorable catches.

Winter fishing here means focusing on the deep pools and slower runs where trout are conserving energy. With low flows and fewer anglers on the water, Cheesman Canyon provides a quiet, challenging, and highly rewarding winter fishing experience.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 40-50 CFS
• Water Temperature: 36-40°F
• Clarity: Gin clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Top-notch for experienced anglers)

River Flow Chart

Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart (Winter)

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Parachute Adams (#20-22) – Effective during rare surface activity on sunny afternoons.
• Nymph: Mercury Midge (#20-22) – A must-have for nymphing deep pools.
• Streamer: Mini Olive Leech (#10-12) – Slowly stripped for larger, opportunistic trout.

Tips Fly Fishing on Cheesman Canyon

Seasonal Tip

Winter fishing in Cheesman requires stealth, patience, and precise presentations. Focus on areas with slower currents and deeper water.

Dry Fly

Dry fly opportunities are rare but can be productive during midday hatches in sunny conditions.

Nymphing

A two-fly nymph rig with a midge and a small Baetis pattern is the go-to setup. Use fluorocarbon tippet and adjust weights to reach the strike zone.

Streamer Fishing

Streamers can entice larger trout in the canyon, especially when fished deep and slow along seams and undercuts.

Access Points

Gill Trailhead

• Description: The primary access point to Cheesman Canyon involves a moderate hike.
• Why Fish Here: Provides access to some of the most iconic pools and runs in the canyon.
• Location: Off County Road 126, near Deckers, CO.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lower Canyon Section

• Description: Easier-to-access stretches with productive holding water.
• Why Fish Here: A great option for anglers seeking slightly less technical water.
• Location: Near Cheesman Dam.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Upper Canyon Pools

• Description: Scenic water above the Gill Trailhead with consistent hatches.
• Why Fish Here: Offers solitude and a chance at the canyon’s largest trout.
• Location: Accessible by hiking upriver.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Cheesman Canyon is a Gold Medal fishery, requiring catch-and-release practices. A valid Colorado fishing license is mandatory. The area is rugged, so pack accordingly and leave no trace to preserve this pristine ecosystem.

See Colorado State Parks for Access and Colorado Division of Natural Resources for more regulations.