.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
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.
.png?width=900&height=900&name=unnamed%20(62).png)
Updated: February 2, 2026
Current River Overview
Cheesman Canyon strips the South Platte down to fundamentals in winter. Clear water, exposed structure, and trout that refuse to move far for a meal. The canyon is quiet right now, not because it is unfishable, but because it demands patience, clean drifts, and a willingness to work deep water slowly.
This is not a place to cover ground. Pick one deep slot or long seam and commit to it. Ignore shallow riffles and fast edges entirely. When the sun reaches the canyon floor late morning, fish settle into predictable holding water and feed just enough to reward disciplined nymphing.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)
Flow: 85 CFS. Flows remain steady below Cheesman Lake and favor deep-slot holding water.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 48 °F
Wind: 8 to 14 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Technical winter fishing with low pressure and defined opportunities
- 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
Zebra Midge: Fish deep through canyon slots with long drifts.
Black Beauty: Run as a dropper in slow inside seams.
RS2 gray: Effective when fish suspend slightly off bottom.
Mercury Midge: Use when trout refuse darker patterns.
Top Secret Midge: Fish tight to structure in slower lanes.
Barrs Emerger: Drift through tailouts late morning.
Pheasant Tail: Fish slightly above the midges.
Split Case BWO: Use during mild, calm afternoons.
Mini Leech black: Slow strip through deep slots.
Woolly Bugger olive: Short swings in softer canyon edges.
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 |
Access Points
Gill Trail Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Deep canyon slots with reliable winter holding fish.
Lower Cheesman Trail | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Long seams and tailouts fish best midday.
Upper Canyon Pools | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Deep pools reward slow technical nymphing.
Middle Canyon Runs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Productive water with longer hikes required.
Trailhead Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Easy access, fewer prime winter holding lanes.
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
