Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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Fall Hours: 9am TO 6am DAILY
Report Date: 12/10/2024
Current Conditions:
The flows are at 132 cfs. and have been stable for a week or so. These are just about average flows for the canyon for this time of year. We do expect these flows to remain at or near this flow rate through the winter. The fishing has been a ton of fun, although pretty technical. This is a good time to pay special attention to the size of flies, indicators and your approach. Fish will concentrate a lot right now. You may see large stretches of pretty "dead water" right now. Move around until you start seeing fish and focus there.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 81% full
Hatches:
As usual for this time of year, Midges and a few BWO's are the staples. Focus on the above in all life stages. The fish have been keying in particular bugs so make sure you pay close attention to what bugs are hatching. Keep your patterns SMALL!
Tactics:
With the lower flows, anglers will need to pay attention to everything right now. Using big indicators with bad presentation could be a recipe for disaster. 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. 5x and 6x are also a good idea. These low flows will also afford some good opportunities for dry/dropper fishing. That technique can be deadly right now with its stealth. The dry fly fishing should get really good with the lower flows. A well presented midge or baetis will also take a good number of fish.
Tips:
There is a good amount of snow and ice on the trail. Use caution when hiking in and out of the canyon. We have heard of multiple people taking falls in the canyon recently. USE CAUTION!
Weather:
Short Term- This recent storm brought about 5 inches of snow to the area. After a long dry spell this is a welcome sight. Temperatures will be pretty cold today with highs in the 20's. We could also see a bit of wind making things that much colder. Things will slowly start to warm up as we progress through the week. It looks like we will enter another dry spell, but temperatures will remain right about seasonal averages. Expect temps in the 40's and 50's for highs, and into the teens/20's for lows this week. Winds will be a factor early in the week but will mellow out as we progress through the week. Winter is here.
Long Term- Longer range forecasts dont look all that particularly good for precipitation. There will be some disturbances moving through the state on Friday, but it doesnt look to really affect this area right now. Early next week (12/17 ish) another front is developing and could impact the area. As always, we will have to wait until we get closer to that time to see the exact impact. Beyond that alot of weather models are predicting some potential storms around 12/22-12/25. We very well may have a white Christmas this year. With this recent storm, statewide snowpack still remains slightly above average. This is in large due to the lower sun angle and we are not seeing really any smelting, especially at elevation.
Our snowpack as of today in the South Platte basin is a little below average at 95% of average for this time of the year. Last weeks warmer temps and ild conditions dipped us below the median for the first time this year. Dont be alarmed, this is still a good level for the overall snowpack and we will be sure to add to it in the coming weeks.
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:
- Money midge, brown, sizes 20-24
- Rojo midge, red, sizes 20-24
- Bling midge, sizes 20-24
- Jedi baetis, olive, size 22
- Barrs emerger, sizes 20-24
- Black Beauty, sizes 20-24
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, brown. Size 22
- Vis a dun, black, size 20
- Parachute adams, sizes 20-24
- Iwane dun, BWO, sizes 20-22
- Sparkle dun bwo, olive, size 20
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
- Mini dungeon, white, size 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.
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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