Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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FALL HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 2/6/2026
Current Conditions:
The flows out of Chessman have been higher than average for almost 2 weeks now. over a week now. Current flows are at 145 cfs. These are great flows for this time of year. For perspective, average winter flows in this area are about 80-100 cfs, so this is quite a bit more water. The river is clearing and visibility is way better. We typically dont see the flows come up all that much this time of year. This is in response to increased downstream water demand due to our dry and mild weather. This flow bump should really kick things into a different gear, as long as it lasts a little bit. Looking at our forecast, they should stay well above average flows. The fishing was great over the weekend and should continue. Even with the increase in water, still focus on the softer and deeper areas of the river. The river is technical and attention to detail is key to success. Nymphing has and will be the most productive method right now. The dry fly fishing can be good as well in certain areas. Again, look for the slower tailouts for fish eating on the surface. These fish want good, clean drifts! Longer leaders and lighter tippet are a good idea.
Weather:
Short Term- The dry and mild weather stretch will continue in the short term. We will have some absolutely gorgeous temps over the next several days. Highs will get into the 60's and feel very spring like. Morning lows will be chilly and will take a bit to warm up. This winter has been extremely mild, and this will continue through the weekend and into next week. Then we may see some changes on the horizon.
Long Term- We have been in a stubborn and persistent high pressure across most of the west this winter. As we have been tracking, it looks like we may finally see this pattern lose hold. As we get into next week, the overall pattern will shift a bit. This should allow us to be more in line for incoming storm systems through most of February. Temps will cool to more seasonal averages, and we should at least see the overall storm pattern shift to start favoring Colorado. This first wave will come through on Thursday 2/12. This first part will just bring wind, but the high country should get some snow. Temps will be in the 40's and morning lows will be colder. It looks like we will finally have something positive to talk about regarding snow. Lets hope these storms do develop and we can add to our record low snowpack. Fingers crossed!
This is an area we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in Cheesman. There is not better way to learn an area like Cheesman Canyon than hiring one of our Orvis endorsed professional guides!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Slapshot scud, orange, size 16
- No Mercy midge, brown, sizes 20-22
- Pale Ale midge, tan, size 22
- Money midge, size 22
- Scud bomb, rainbow, size 14
- Juju bee midge, red, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole fly, olive, size 22
- Parachute Adams, sizes 22-24
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Wooly buggers, black, brown, sizes 8-12
- Poacher, black, olive, size 8-10
- Baby Gonga, yellow, size 6
Slow retrieves!!
Standard nymph rig set up for the South Platte:
Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
Cheesman Canyon is one of the most technical and rewarding tailwater fisheries in Colorado. A half-hour hike from Gill trailhead through some hilly terrain gets you to the base of the canyon where the trail splits into a high road and low road. This stretch of the river is catch and release only and is known for holding large rainbows. Almost the entire length of the river that runs through this gorgeous boulder-filled canyon is loaded with deep pocket water and fast runs that provide different challenges depending on where the fish are located. Most of the time the fish are hanging close to undercut boulders and other structure.
Before going to Cheesman, load your box with these patterns: Cheesman Emergers #22-24, Amy's Ants #10-14, hoppers #8-10, Murphy's Bubbleback Midge #20-24, Blindside Midges #20-22, Dorsey's Top Secret and Medallion Midges #22-24, Stonefly nymphs #14-18, Caddis larva #16-20, Tan and orange scuds #14-18, Sparkle Wing RS-2's #18-22, BWO Barr's Emergers #20-22, Copper Johns, Black Beauty #22-24, and Stalcups baetis #20-22.
This is an area we specialize in and are permitted to guide in, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you're interested in working with one of our Orvis- Endorsed guides to conquer Cheesman.
My favorite stretch of the South Platte. What can I say: technical, challenging, humbling, and rewarding. It is often said that if you can catch fish in Cheesman Canyon, you can catch fish anywhere.
Jon Easdon, Guide and Director of Services
Accessibility: There is a 1.5 mile trail from the parking lot on Co 126 to the river. At the river the trail splits into a high and a low section that runs approximately 5 miles upstream from the Wigwam Club (posted) to Cheesman Dam.
Elevation: 6,600 ft
Distance: 42.5 miles from Colorado Springs / 55 minutes .
Season: Fishable all year depending on flows
Fish species: Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Cutbow trout
Fishing Regulations: Catch and release, flies and lures only
Techniques & Tips: Fishing is technical and calls for 9-12 foot leaders and fine tippets - 5X to 6X
Camping: Not in the canyon, though there is camping nearby at Lone Pine and Wigwam Campgrounds on Co 126.
Kids: Yes, but parts of the trail going down to the river can be very steep.
Additional Information: Cheesman Canyon can be crowded, especially in the summer. The further upstream you walk, the fewer crowds you will encounter.
South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon.
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Directions - 42.8 miles - 55 Minutes
- From Angler's Covey head west on US 24 W/Cimarron St, go 16.7 miles
- Turn right at CO-67 towards Deckers, go 23.1 miles
- Slight left at the town of Deckers and CoRd 126, go 3.0 miles
- Parking area is on the left