Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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FALL HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 11/17/2025
Current Conditions:
The flows from Cheesman are pretty much right around seasonal averages. Current flows are at 132 cfs and have been stable for about 2 weeks. The river has been fishing pretty good, but definitely on the technical side. Nymphing has and will be the most productive method right now. The dry fly fishing has been hit and miss, and will really depend on the exact area you are fishing. Still, its a great option if you see that opportunity. The main focus should be on your presentation right now. These fish want good, clean drifts! Longer leaders and lighter tippet are a good idea. The fish are starting to group up a little more. This is typical during the winter months and normal. The fish are feeding voraciously during pronounced hatches. We have seen some spawning fish in the river, please avoid them and their nests (redds)
Weather:
Short Term- After a long period of not having much to talk about regarding the weather, we are finally getting some interesting (and seasonal) weather around here! A quick system made its way through the state last night and brought some colder temps and some snow (for some). The high country was able to get a few inches of snow but not much happened in this area. Today will be cooler but still pretty nice by November standards. Temps will stay in the 50's today and we could see a good amount of wind. On Tuesday and Wednesday, temps will rebound nicely and it will be quite nice. Highs will be in the 60's and the wind looks to be calm. On Thursday afternoon and into Friday, some more changes will again be coming to the area. Right now precipitation chances are in the 80% range, and we will likely see some sort of precipitation. This will likely start out as rain and change to snow overnight. The storm wont last all that long and things should clear up pretty fast.
Long Term- Going into the weekend, we will warm up a bit again and conditions will be very pleasant. Temps will be pleasant with high temps in the mid 50's. As we head towards Thanksgiving, longer range forecasts are pointing at another system moving through the area. The jury is still out on exact details, but there will be a lot of moisture in this system. Depending on where this storm tracks will determine how much, or little snow we will see. As nice as it is to have had really nice weather this time of year, we desperately need the moisture and snow. Statewide snowpack is dismal right now and it will be great to finally get some chances at getting some snow.
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:
- RS2, grey, sizes 20-24
- Egg patterns, all colors, sizes 14-16
- Jedi Master, olive, size 22
- Pheasant tails, size 20-22
- Blindside midge, purple, sizes 20-22
- Daysaver baetis, olive, size 22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Barrs vis a dun, olive, size 22
- Neils BWO, size 22
- 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
- Humdinger, brown, size 4
- Baby Gonga, yellow, size 6
- Poacher, olive, 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