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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: February 9, 2026
Current River Overview
Cheesman Canyon in winter strips fly fishing down to fundamentals. Clear freestone flows, steep walls, and limited holding water mean trout live in very specific places and rarely move far to feed. The canyon feels empty until you slow down enough to see the structure that actually matters.
This is not water to fish quickly or casually. Focus on deep pockets below boulders, soft inside seams, and tailouts that offer depth without heavy current. When the sun reaches the canyon floor late morning, trout feed briefly and deliberately. Miss that window and the canyon shuts down fast.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 52 CFS. Winter freestone flows compress trout into deep pockets and canyon seams.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 42 °F
Wind: 4 to 8 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Overall Rating: Quiet, technical canyon fishing for patient anglers
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐️
- Nymph Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Streamer Score: ⭐️⭐️
Weather
Expect cold mornings and a narrow window of improved activity as the canyon gets sun. Wind is less of a problem here than the open meadow, but it still affects your drift and your ability to keep light rigs under control. The best sessions are the ones where you can slow down and keep your presentations short and accurate.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Thread Frenchie 18 to 20
Fish deep through short canyon seams. - Zebra Midge 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom in pockets. - Black Beauty 22 to 24
Use when trout refuse larger profiles. - RS2 gray 20 to 22
Effective when fish suspend slightly. - Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift through soft inside edges.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Small Pat’s Rubber Legs black 14 to 16
Drift tight to boulders and banks. - Stonefly Nymph brown or black 14 to 16
Fish slow near structure. - Flashback Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
Use in deeper canyon runs.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech black 12
Short strips through deeper pools. - Sculpzilla olive 10
Swing slowly through tailouts.
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
Cheesman Canyon Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Secondary on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 16 to 18 | Opportunistic in deeper slow water |
Download the South Platte 2026 Hatch Chart
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Access Points – Cheesman Canyon
Upper Canyon Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Steep entry with defined winter pocket water.
Middle Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Deep seams and boulder structure.
Lower Canyon Exit | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Softer edges holding fish late in the window.
South Bank Trail Section | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Limited access but lighter pressure.
Upper Rim Drop In | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Technical approach with fewer reliable lies.
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
