Welcome to Cheesman Canyon, 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.Cheesman Canyon is showing classic fall conditions this October, with selective trout and technical fishing challenges. Current flows are at 125-174 CFS, providing great wading conditions and clear visibility but also demanding precise techniques. With water temperatures around 52°F, trout are active during late mornings through early afternoons, particularly in pools and along seams where currents slow.
This scenic stretch of the South Platte requires finesse and patience, but with the right approach and small flies, anglers can expect rewarding catches of brown and rainbow trout.
Streamers like Woolly Buggers and Slumpbusters (sizes #6-10) can also be productive, especially when stripped along deeper pockets or undercuts where larger trout lie.
Source: Colorado Department of Natural Resources
Nymphing is Cheesman Canyon's most reliable and productive method, where the trout are often found feeding subsurface. Given the river's depth variations and fast currents around boulders and seams, getting your flies down to the fish is crucial.
Two-Fly Nymph Rig: Use a two-fly nymph rig with a heavier attractor fly (like Pat’s Rubber Legs or a San Juan Worm) as your point fly, followed by a smaller, more natural nymph (such as an RS2, Zebra Midge, or Blue Wing Olive Emerger) as a dropper. This setup allows you to cover multiple water columns and imitate different food sources, increasing your strike chances.
Adjusting Depth and Weight: Constantly adjust the depth and weight of your nymph rig to match the changing conditions. Use enough split shot to get your flies down quickly in deeper runs and riffles. Pay attention to the speed of the current and ensure your flies drift naturally just above the riverbed, where fish are most likely feeding
Strike Indicators: Use a strike indicator to detect subtle takes, which can be challenging to notice in the faster currents. Position your indicator at about 1.5 to 2 times the water depth you’re fishing to maintain the proper depth for your flies.
Dry fly fishing can be highly effective during the right conditions, especially when there are active hatches.
Targeting Rising Fish: Look for rising trout in softer water, such as back eddies, seams, and slower pools. Present your dry flies with a delicate, drag-free drift. Patterns like the Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun, and Mole Fly in sizes #18-24 can be effective, particularly during Blue Wing Olive (BWO) and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches(
Timing Your Casts: During hatches, trout can be very selective, focusing on specific stages of the insects. Match the hatch closely, and be prepared to change flies frequently if you see refusals. Timing your casts to coincide with natural drifts can help avoid spooking the fish.
A dry-dropper rig is a versatile setup that allows you to cover both surface and subsurface feeding zones. This is particularly effective in Cheesman Canyon’s pocket water and faster runs.
Setup: Use a high-floating dry fly, such as a Chubby Chernobyl or a hopper pattern, and tie a small nymph or emerger (like an RS2 or Zebra Midge) as a dropper underneath. This combination allows you to fish both a dry fly and a nymph simultaneously, covering different depths and types of feeding behavior
Presentation: Focus on casting into pocket water, seams, and near boulders where trout often hold and feed. A good presentation with a dry-dropper rig can tempt trout to strike either on the surface or just below it.
While not as commonly used as nymphing or dry fly tactics, streamer fishing can produce aggressive strikes, especially from larger trout looking for a big meal.
Streamer Retrieval: Use streamers like Woolly Buggers, Slump Busters, or Mini Dungeons in sizes #6-10. Cast these flies into deeper pools, undercut banks, or along rock ledges, and retrieve them with a mix of short, erratic strips and longer pulls to mimic the movement of small baitfish or crayfish
Timing and Conditions: Streamer fishing is particularly effective during low light conditions—early morning or late evening—or when there is cloud cover. It can also be productive when water clarity is slightly off-color due to rain or runoff, making the trout less cautious and more likely to chase larger prey.
Understanding and reading the water is crucial in Cheesman Canyon, where the fish are often found in specific, predictable areas.
Focus on Productive Zones: Target areas where the current slows, such as behind large rocks, along seams, and in deeper pools. Trout use these areas to conserve energy while feeding on drifting insects.
Watch for Subtle Signs: Look for subtle clues like bubbles, surface disturbances, or slight changes in watercolor, which can indicate feeding fish or active seams.
Conditions in Cheesman Canyon can change quickly, especially with afternoon rains that can increase flows and affect water clarity. Adaptability is key.
Stay Flexible: Be prepared to change tactics, flies, and locations based on the current conditions. If fish aren’t responding to one approach, switch it up. Try a different fly pattern, adjust your presentation, or move to a new spot in the canyon.
Early Start: Given the crowds and fishing pressure, especially on weekends, start early to find the best water and avoid the rush.
For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.