Skip to content
719-471-2984

Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon

Current Reports

SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily

Current Conditions: 

Report Date: 7/15/2026

The flows out of Cheesman Dam have dropped just slightly in the last week. Down to 203 cfs from 250 cfs last week. This is a slight change, but the fish here notice. They will become somewhat picky (not that they aren't usually in the canyon). Clear and cold water is flowing through the canyon right now. While the flows may drop as the heat of the summer really sets in, the bottom release should maintain good cold water into the later hours of the day.

Guide Reports - Vance Williams 6/30/2026

Tough but decent. Caught some nice fish in the first hour and then it shut off. Lots of tiny brown worms in the water, sow bugs, and baetis; didn't really see any hatches.

Hatches:

Caddis and Tricos are around. You will see these bugs as the water warms up a bit. Don't be surprised to see somewhat unseasonable Midges and Blue Wing Olives on this colder waterway. Keep an eye out for the sporadic PMD activity as well.

Tactics:

These fish get fished to every day of the year. Because of this, presentation is key. When fishing dry flies, consider long light leaders (12', 6x) and ensure you are allowing for enough slack in your presentation to keep the fly from dragging when it hits. When nymphing, a dead drift is the most important thing. Followed by profile, color, and then finally specific pattern. Sometimes in Cheesman you have to hit them all just right.

Tips:

Look for feeding fish. They don’t always spook when they see you, but they can get lockjaw.

Weather:

Short term:

High sun and warm! The forecast for today is all sun and no clouds with temps in the mid 80's. Make sure you bring your sun protection and plenty of water!

Long term:  

It would appear that we have a high-pressure system inbound for the week. Temps are expected to hold in the 80s throughout the week. Look to fish the low light and early portions of the day. Keep an eye on those water temps. If it reaches the mid-60s, it can be a good idea to pack it in for the day.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!

 

Typical Nymphing Leader for Fly Fishing the South Platte River in Colorado. Developed by Anglers Covey and Orvis

Recommended Patterns

Dry Fly Patterns

  • Organza Trico Spinner, size 20-24
  • Sparkle Dun, PMD, size 16-20
  • Parachute Adams, size 20-24
  • Micro Chubbies, Cinnamon, size 12-16

Nymph Patterns

  • Buckskin Caddis, size 18-20
  • Bling Midge, size 20-22
  • Split Back PMD, size 18-22
  • Guide's Choice Hare's Ear, size 14-18
  • Massacre Midge Brown, 20-22
  • Barrs Graphic Caddis, Tan and Green, size 14-18

Streamer Patterns

  • Baby Gonga, Black
  • Flatliner, White
  • Slump Buster, Olive

Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:

Bug of the Month Videos
Bug of the Month Blog
Shop Hand-Picked Cheesman Canyon Flies

River Details

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

  1. From Angler's Covey head west on US 24 W/Cimarron St, go 16.7 miles
  2. Turn right at CO-67 towards Deckers, go 23.1 miles
  3. Slight left at the town of Deckers and CoRd 126, go 3.0 miles
  4. Parking area is on the left
Get Directions
See Points of Interest