.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).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")
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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: January 12, 2025
The South Platte River at Cheesman Canyon is locked into a classic winter canyon pattern. Flows are low and stable, water clarity is exceptional, and trout are holding deep in slower canyon lanes and protected seams. Feeding activity is subtle and concentrated into short midday windows when sunlight reaches the water.
This week’s Cheesman Canyon fly fishing report is about restraint. Midges dominate the food supply, with limited baetis activity during calm afternoons. Trout are present and feeding, but only when presentations are clean and drifts are perfectly controlled.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Stable winter canyon flows
- Water Temperature: Cold and consistent
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings with brief midday warming
- Wind: Generally sheltered but variable near canyon mouths
- Clarity: Clear to ultra-clear
- Crowds: Light overall due to access difficulty
- Best Window: Late morning through early afternoon
- Fishing Type Focus: Deep winter nymphing with precise depth control
Weather
Expect cold starts and limited sunlight early. Cheesman fishes best on calm, sunny days when direct light reaches the water. Cloud cover shortens feeding windows, and snowmelt is minimal, keeping flows predictable but unforgiving.
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 | 18–26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18–22 | Limited, best during mild or overcast periods |
| Stonefly nymphs | 14–18 | Useful as an anchor in deeper pockets |
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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