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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 16, 2026
Current River Overview
Cheesman in February is clear, technical, and brutally selective. The water is stable and beautiful, but trout are holding deep and feeding only when conditions align. Long leaders and perfect drifts matter more here than almost anywhere else on the South Platte.
This is not a numbers stretch right now. It is a precision stretch. The best fishing has been during the late morning to early afternoon warming window. Before that, trout sit tight and punish drag instantly. Fish it slow. Fish it clean. Adjust depth before changing patterns.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 125 CFS. Stable canyon tailwater flow with defined deep runs and narrow seams.
Water Temperature: 38 °F
Air Temperature: 42 °F
Wind: 3 to 8 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low to Medium
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Technical winter canyon fishing for disciplined 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
- Black Beauty 22 to 24: Fish deep in narrow canyon seams.
- Zebra Midge black 20 to 22: Drift tight to bottom in defined runs.
- RS2 gray 20 to 22: Fish slightly above bottom in softer lanes.
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24: Productive in pressured technical water.
- Miracle Nymph 20 to 22: Fish tailouts with subtle weight.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20: Fish during mild afternoon warming.
- Split Case BWO 18 to 20: Drift through slower inside seams.
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 18: Fish slightly off bottom in transition water.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech black 12: Strip slowly through deeper slots.
- Sculpzilla olive 8 to 10: Fish near boulder structure midday.
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 20 to 26 Primary winter food source Baetis 18 to 20 Secondary on mild afternoons Scuds 16 to 18 Present in slower canyon pockets 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.
Gill Trail Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Classic canyon structure and depth.
Cheesman Dam Trail | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Deep runs with technical seams.
Upper Canyon Bends | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined inside seams holding fish.
Lower Canyon Tailouts | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Walking speed tailouts fish well midday.
Far Downstream Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure, more technical drifts.
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
