.png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(2).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
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.
Listen to the Podcast!
Cheesman Canyon in the winter is not for the faint of heart—both in terms of the hike and the fishing. This legendary South Platte tailwater is running low and clear, making every trout hyper-aware of your presence. If you think you're stealthy, Cheesman will prove you wrong.
The key to success right now? Go tiny, go deep, and go slow. Trout are holding in deep pools and feeding selectively on midges and small Baetis patterns. 6X-7X tippet is a must, and light, drag-free presentations will get you into fish. While the scenery is stunning, this is a technical winter fishery, so bring patience, warm layers, and a solid game plan.
%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)
Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: 55-70 CFS (low but stable)
- Water Temperature: 36-40°F
- Clarity: Gin-clear
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Stunning but highly technical fishing)
River Flow Chart
Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| December (Previous Month) | Midges, Baetis | Black Beauty (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22) |
| January (Current Month) | Midges, Baetis, Scuds | Top Secret Midge (#20-22), Olive Scud (#16-18) |
| February (Next Month) | Midges, Baetis | Mercury Midge (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
Top 3 Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Parachute BWO (#20-22) – If you see midges or Baetis clustering in slow tailouts.
- Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – Perfect for deep winter pools.
- Streamer: Mini Leech (#10-12) – Dead-drifted for larger fish.
Tips for Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon
Seasonal Tip
Fish are ultra-spooky—stay low, wade carefully, and make long, precise casts.
Dry Fly
Very little surface action, but small BWOs or midges may bring up a few fish in slow eddies on warmer afternoons.
Nymphing
This is the name of the game—small midges, light tippet, and long leaders will yield the best results. Adjust weight frequently to stay in the strike zone.
Streamer Fishing
Low flows mean big browns aren’t chasing much—but a slowly dead-drifted leech or small sculpin could still get a reaction.
Access Points
Gill Trailhead (Lower Canyon Access)
- Description: The main access point, leading into prime pocket water and deep pools.
- Why Fish Here: Best shot at fish, but also the most pressured.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mid-Canyon Section
- Description: Requires a solid hike upriver, but offers less pressured water.
- Why Fish Here: More solitude, big trout potential.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upper Canyon (Near Dam)
- Description: Tailwater section with year-round fish activity, but very technical.
- Why Fish Here: Consistent water temps keep trout active all winter.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only—no bait fishing allowed.
- Catch-and-release only for trout.
- Private property markers: Watch for fence lines and posted signs, especially near the trailhead parking area.
- Winter hiking safety: The Gill Trail can be icy, so use caution when accessing the canyon.
If you’re looking for one of the most technical and rewarding fisheries in Colorado, Cheesman Canyon in winter is hard to beat—just bring your smallest flies and biggest patience.
