Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 6/11/2025
Current Conditions:
The flows have hovered right around 94 cfs. for a few weeks now. It appears that Denver Water is currently trying to hold back as much water as possible in order to try and fill then reservoirs all along the South Platte system. We have no idea when flows might increase but we hope to see some more water soon. The fishing has been decent, but very typical of low flows in the canyon. Its technical and the fish are a bit spooky. The dry fly fishing has been fun, and its a great time for dry/droppers here.
Water storage is looking pretty good all things considered. Cheesman reservoir is currently 91% full and projected to NOT fill up completely this year.
Hatches:
Midges, some BWO's and caddis are all prevalent right now in the canyon. We are starting to see some great dry fly fishing. Focus on on these 3 in all life stages.
Tactics:
Cover water and sight feeding fish. This area fishes best with a tactical approach. Pay attention to your depth and weight on your nymph rigs and your presentation on your dry flies. Thats more important than changing your flies! Take your time and really saturate your water with good drift. Focus not only on what patterns you are fishing, but how you are fishing them. Good dead drifts right on top of the fish will be key.
Tips:
Cover ground!!
Weather:
Short Term- It looks like the rain machine may take a little break this week. Rain chances will still be present, just not to the extent we have seen over the last few weeks. This week will be warm with temps in the 80's. Rain chances are around the 20-40% range through the week and will decrease as we head into next weekend. Temps will continue to warm and we will be in the upper 80's by Sunday.
Long Term- Looking past the weekend, it looks like we will have more of the same. Temps will remain in the 70'sand 80's and it will be beautiful. We will still have daily rain chances, but any rain should be short lived. Longer range forecasts are hinting at a drier and warmer stretch of weather as we head through June. Its summer and its definitely going to feel like it.
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:
- Jiggety Jedi, olive, size 20
- Jedi master, olive, size 20-22
- Guides choice hares ear, sizes 16-18
- Kryptonite Caddis, size 16-18
- Graphic caddis, tan, size 16
- Buckskin, sizes 16-20
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown. Size 22
- Elk Hair caddis, tan, sizes 16-18
- Parachute adams, sizes 20-24
- Stubby chubby, dark, sizes 14-16
- Chubby, yellow, green, sizes 12-14
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
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- Wooly Buggers, black, green, brown, Natural. Sizes 12-8
- Baby Gonga, brown, grey. Size 6
- Jig Streamer/leech, dark, sizes 4-8
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.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
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