--- title: Cheesman Canyon Winter Fly Fishing Report - Podcast | Early February 2025 description: "Cheesman Canyon fishing report: technical challenges, tips for success, and current conditions for winter fly fishing on the South Platte River." image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(76)-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon-14#main-content) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 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[South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), - [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), - [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), - [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cheesman-canyon) # Cheesman Canyon Winter Fly Fishing Report - Podcast | Early February 2025 - February 11, 2025 ![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png) [Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel) ​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. ![Cheeseman Canyon - Dramatic cliffs of Cheeseman Canyon towering over the clear waters of the South Platte River-1](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cheeseman%20Canyon%20-%20Dramatic%20cliffs%20of%20Cheeseman%20Canyon%20towering%20over%20the%20clear%20waters%20of%20the%20South%20Platte%20River-1.png?width=810&height=810&name=Cheeseman%20Canyon%20-%20Dramatic%20cliffs%20of%20Cheeseman%20Canyon%20towering%20over%20the%20clear%20waters%20of%20the%20South%20Platte%20River-1.png) #### Listen to the Podcast! Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Podcast 23:15   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**](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fly-fishing-report-podcast) 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](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/midges-a-fly-fishermans-guide-to-match-the-hatch)and small Baetis patterns**. **6X-7X [tippet](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/understanding-fly-tippet-materials-for-successful-fly-fishing) 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. --- ## **![rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%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** [![PLACHECO - SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BELOW CHEESMAN RESERVOIR (8002908) Date: 2/11/2025 08:00:00 AM Data Provider: DWR DISCHRG: 128 cfs Stage: 1.07 ft](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-11-2025-04-01-21-7415-PM.png?width=504&height=265&name=image-png-Feb-11-2025-04-01-21-7415-PM.png)](https://dwr.state.co.us/tools/Stations/PLACHECO?params=DISCHRG) --- ### **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) | --- ## **![wolly bugger fly in black from rise beyond fly fishing company.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wolly%20Bugger%20Black-1.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=Wolly%20Bugger%20Black-1.jpg)** ## **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](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/top-blue-winged-olive-nymph-patterns-for-january-on-the-south-platte)or [midges](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-tying-the-zebra-midge-fly)**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](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/the-art-of-fly-fishing-for-brown-trout) aren’t chasing much**—but a **slowly dead-drifted leech or[small sculpin](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/choosing-the-perfect-sculpin-color-for-fly-fishing-in-colorado)**could still get a reaction. --- ### **![20240301_133454](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/River%20Only/20240301_133454.jpg?width=500&height=375&name=20240301_133454.jpg)** ## **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**.   Blog Post ## Related Articles Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. [![Cheesman Canyon fishing report: technical challenges, tips for success, and current conditions for winter fly fishing on the South Platte River.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon-2.19.2025) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cheesman-canyon) ### [Winter Fly Fishing in Cheesman Canyon: Tips for Success](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon-2.19.2025) February 19, 2025 Welcome to Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River Fishing Report, where the trout are as picky as your... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon-2.19.2025) [![South Platte River at Deckers rainbow trout caught on a olive wolly bugger. ](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(4).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-13) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/deckers), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range) ### [South Platte River at Deckers - Winter Fly Fishing Report: Jan 2025](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-13) January 27, 2025 Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-13) [![Winter Fly Fishing Report:](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(4).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-12) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/deckers), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range) ### [Fishing Report: South Platte River at Deckers 12.25.2024](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-12) December 25, 2024 Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly... 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