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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.
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If you like your trout big, spooky, and smarter than your fishing buddies, welcome to Cheesman Canyon—where technical fishing is the price of admission. March means low, clear water and highly selective fish, so long leaders, fine tippet, and flawless drifts are your best weapons. The trout here see everything, and if your presentation isn’t perfect, they’ll ghost you harder than an ex.
The good news? Baetis (Blue Wing Olives) are starting to pop, especially on cloudy afternoons, and midges remain a staple for picky tailwater trout. Dry fly opportunities are slim but possible, while small nymphs, emergers, and light streamers will do most of the heavy lifting. If you hook into one of the legendary Cheesman Canyon rainbows, just pray your 6X tippet holds.
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Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: 55-70 CFS (Low and technical)
- Water Temperature: 38-42°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear—stealth required
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Difficult but rewarding for skilled anglers)
River Flow Chart
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Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| February (Previous Month) | Midges, Baetis, Scuds | Zebra Midge (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22), Olive Scud (#16-18) |
| March (Current Month) | Midges, Baetis (BWO), Small Stones | Black Beauty (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#12-14) |
| April (Next Month) | Baetis, Caddis, Midges | Pheasant Tail (#16-20), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), RS2 (#20-22) |
Top Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) – Best fished during overcast afternoons when Baetis start emerging.
- Nymph: RS2 (#20-22) – Essential for Cheesman’s picky tailwater trout.
- Streamer: Mini Leech (#10-12) – Slow drifts through deep runs can wake up a larger brown.
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Tips for Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon in March
Seasonal Tip
Low water means trout are hyper-aware of their surroundings—approach slowly, stay low, and don’t let your shadow spook the fish.
Dry Fly
Expect limited but possible surface activity, particularly on overcast days when Baetis hatch.
Nymphing
The best method right now—stick with small midges, Baetis, and scuds fished deep with a long leader and light tippet.
Streamer Fishing
Not a numbers game here, but a well-placed streamer can trigger a territorial response from a bigger brown.
Access Points
Gill Trailhead (Lower Cheesman)
- Description: Best-known access with a moderate hike into the canyon.
- Why Fish Here: Classic Cheesman technical water, long riffles, and deep pools.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mid-Canyon Pools
- Description: Deeper holding water with limited access—requires some hiking.
- Why Fish Here: Great for nymphing and the occasional dry fly action.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upper Canyon Near the Dam
- Description: Colder, faster-moving tailwater with big fish that demand precise presentations.
- Why Fish Here: Less pressured water but requires a longer hike.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only—no bait fishing.
- Barbless hooks required.
- Catch-and-release only to preserve Cheesman’s trophy trout population.
- Be mindful of private land boundaries near the lower section—watch for posted signs.
- Winter Safety: Ice buildup on rocks can make wading dangerous—use caution when moving along the river.
If you’re looking for the ultimate technical tailwater challenge, Cheesman Canyon delivers a masterclass in precision fly fishing. Be patient, make perfect drifts, and enjoy the reward when you finally fool one of these wary trout.
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