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Updated: 12/02/2025
Cheesman Canyon remains a cold-water test even now, with steady winter flows and brutally clear water that keeps trout shy and selective. Over the past week clarity has improved while flow has held steadier than many South Platte tailwaters, so fish are carving into seams and subtle slots. Water temps sit low, and air temps swing cold, pushing trout deep into slow pockets, but mid-day when sun hits the canyon walls, and midges stir, you’ll still find selective takes. Pressure is lighter than summer, though the most obvious holes hold the most eyes. Move quietly and fish tight. This stretch remains high-reward for skilled, patient anglers willing to play small-water tactics.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow: ~118 CFS (winter tailwater release range)
- Water Temp: Low – expect 34–38 °F (typical for winter below the dam)
- Air Temp: Generally 30s °F mornings, rising to low-to-mid 40s mid-day
- Clarity: Extremely clear / gin-clear water typical of Cheesman Canyon
- Crowds: Medium near access, tapering off deeper in canyon
- Best Window: Mid-day 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing-because the water is cold, clear, and fish are holding deep in seams and slow tails where mid-depth nymph drifts excel.
Weather
Expect crisp canyon mornings with frost and possible icy edges. Mid-day sun can warm air enough to stir midge activity-that’s your subtle window. Cloud cover or variance could offer brief Baetis/midge pulses, but evenings chill fast and fish lock down. Wind is usually light in the canyon, but if it picks up-fish deeper seams and bank-side slack water.
Recommended Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Micro Nymphs Matter in Cold Tailwaters
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Zebra Midge-Black, size 20
- WD-40 Gray Midge-size 20
- Top Secret Midge-size 22
- Mercury Midge-size 20
- Black Beauty-size 20–22
- RS2 Grey Midge Larva-size 22
- JuJu Midge (Red)-size 20
- Griffiths Gnat-size 20
- BWO Emerger / Baetis Soft-Hackle-size 20–22
- Mini Leech-Black or Olive, size 12
Pro Rig of the Week
Cheesman Winter Tailwater Double-Midge Rig
- Leader: 9–10 ft, 5–6X fluorocarbon
- Top Fly: Zebra Midge Black #20
- Dropper: WD-40 Gray #20–22 (or RS2 Grey)
- Weight: One micro split shot 8–10” above top fly
- Indicator: Micro yarn or small air-lock, subtle
- Best Water: Mid-depth seams, soft edges below boulders, tail-outs of slow runs and deep corners
Hatch Chart for December
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (black, cream, grey) | Mid-day clusters on calm, sunny windows |
| Secondary | Baetis / BWO emerger / soft-hackle | Light pulses during warm/cloudy afternoons |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones / soft-hackle scuds | Rare, occasional in deeper slower water |
Download the Full Cheesman Hatch Chart Here
Access Points
Gill Trailhead (Wigwam Club boundary)
Short hike/trail access, frequent pressure, but during cold weather you might get a window before anglers arrive.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mid-Canyon Trail Section
Requires more hiking but offers deeper pools, fewer anglers-and the biggest fish tend to flee here.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Pool below Dam Outlet / First Corridor Pools
Deep, technical water with slow runs and soft seams. Good when water is cold and fish are tight.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lower Canyon Road Pull-outs (near Deckers / Wigwam boundary)
Accessible, but water tends to be more pressured and trout spook easily. Good fallback if other spots are crowded.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
- This section of South Platte below Cheesman Dam is Gold Medal water-fly or lure only, catch-and-release. The Catch and The Hatch+1
- Heavy pressure, especially near access points and trailheads-keep a low profile, soft steps, and avoid drawing attention to holes already fished.
- Water clarity is high and trout react to shadows easily-long leaders, light tippet, soft landings are a must.
- Winter ice or cold-water releases may create slick rocks and sharp flows-remain cautious on banks and in shallow water.
FAQ
Q: Can you catch trout on flies here in December?
A: Yes-but only if you are subtle. Expect selective, slow takes on midges or BWO emergers under optimal mid-day windows.
Q: What tippet should I use?
A: 5X for dries/emergers, 6X or lighter for nymphs-clarity and cold water demand finesse.
Q: When is the best time to fish?
A: Mid-day, when sun warms the canyon and midges become active. Usually around 11 am to 3 pm.
Q: Is streamer fishing productive now?
A: Rarely-only in deeper corners or on very low-light days. Small leeches or soft hackles may work, but don’t expect big numbers.
Q: Are trout pressured heavily?
A: Yes-especially near access/trailhead pools. The deeper mid-canyon water sees fewer anglers and holds the better fish.
Q: Any special hazards in winter?
A: Watch for slick rocks, icy edges, and very cold hyporheic flows-wading safely and slowly is critical.
Photo of the Week
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
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.
