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Cheesman Canyon is the most technical stretch of the South Platte River, and winter removes any margin for error. Cold, ultra-clear water, deep granite pockets, and limited sunlight compress feeding windows and reward only precise presentations. This is demanding fishing, but for anglers willing to slow down and fish deliberately, Cheesman remains one of the most consistent winter producers on the South Platte.
Updated: December 17, 2025
The South Platte River at Cheesman Canyon is holding in a classic winter tailwater pattern. Bottom-release flows from Cheesman Reservoir keep water temperatures stable and clarity extremely high. Trout are stacked deep in predictable slots, pocket tails, and winter troughs where they can feed efficiently without moving far.
This week’s Cheesman Canyon fly fishing report emphasizes execution. Midges dominate the food supply, baetis nymphs show briefly on mild afternoons, and depth control matters more here than anywhere else on the system. Cheesman does not reward experimentation. It rewards discipline.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Stable winter tailwater release
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s and consistent
Air Temperature: High 20s to low 40s depending on sun exposure
Clarity: Ultra clear
Crowds: Light in winter, heavier on calm weekends
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Highly technical winter nymphing with precise drifts and light tippet
Weather
Cheesman Canyon Colorado Weather
Cold mornings dominate the canyon. Brief midday warming occurs when sunlight reaches the river corridor. Cloud cover can extend feeding windows slightly, while wind and shade shorten already limited opportunities.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 22
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
Pro Rig of the Week: Cheesman Canyon Precision Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal pinch-on indicator
- Lead Fly: RS2 20 or Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 22
- Weight: One to two micro split shots adjusted carefully
- Target Water: Deep pockets, pocket tails, and canyon trough
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Short activity on mild afternoons |
Download the South Platte Hatch Chart
Access Points
Gill Trail – Lower Canyon Entrance
Steady access to deep winter buckets and classic Cheesman runs.
⭐ 5.0
Mid-Canyon Pullouts (via Gill Trail)
Technical sight-nymphing in clear light; best on sunny days.
⭐ 4.7
Upper Canyon Pools
Colder, darker, and tougher but holds some of the largest fish.
⭐ 4.6
Hayman Regrowth Section
Open terrain, easier casting, softer winter edges.
⭐ 4.4
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 stretches
- Watch 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
