Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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FALL HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 1/13/2026
Current Conditions:
Cheesman has settled into the typical winter fishing pattern now. As expected with a lack of snow on the front range, the flows have bumped up a little and are at 102 cfs. We expect these flows to stay around this range through the winter. If we stay dry and warm up again, you can expect to see a small bump in the flows. The fishing has been good in here, especially for the persistent angler. You will have to change your idea on what a good day is in the canyon in the winter. If you can get into a few fish, thats a good day. The fish have started to occupy more traditional winter lies and are congregating more in areas with deeper water. 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 has been pretty stellar as well in the afternoons, if you are in the right area! If dry fly fishing is your game, move around until you find pods of fish feeding on the surface. These fish want good, clean drifts! Longer leaders and lighter tippet are a good idea. We have seen some spawning fish in the river, please avoid them and their nests (redds)
Weather:
Short Term- Warmer than average and dry. Thats the forecast. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight for our warm and dry weather. This persistent high pressure ridge has moved back into the west and will deflect any storms or weather far away from us. Temps this week will be in the upper 50's/low 60's and there is no precipitation in the forecast. Temps will cool a bit towards the end of the week, but things will be quiet and dry overall. Not good news for our record low snowpack. To look at the silver lining here, at least its going to be really nice fishing weather!
Long Term- The longer range forecast doesnt hold a lot of hope for snow, for anyone. We will have a large lull in snow which will negatively affect our overall already low snowpack. Best case scenario is we see some changes towards the very end of the month. For now, it will be more of the same. Highs will be warmer than average and we could see a fair amount of wind. Lets hope February can bring us some resolve to our sad snowpack conditions.
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:
- Foamback emerger, brown, size 22
- No Mercy midge, brown, sizes 20-22
- Pale Ale midge, tan, size 22
- Pheasant tails, size 20-22
- Blindside midge, purple, black, size 22
- Juju bee midge, olive or red, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole fly, olive, size 22
- Smokejumper, baetis, size 24
- 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
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