Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
Current Reports
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Report Date: 9/18/2026
Conditions:
Very low, skinny, and crystal-clear water. With the flow cut in half, trout have completely vacated shallow riffles and edge water to stack tightly in the guts of deep plunge pools, canyon slots, and shaded boulder pockets. Fish are hyper-sensitive to overhead movement, shadow casts, and heavy line impacts.
Weather:
Short-term
Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Mostly clear morning skies transitioning to afternoon cloud build-up and light wind gusts through the canyon.
Long-term
Crisp fall conditions with daytime highs around 65-70 and overnight lows dropping into the upper 30s. Overcast afternoons moving into late September will drive more concentrated BWO hatches.
Hatches:
Mornings bring sparse mayfly spinner falls in soft eddy foam lines. Midday shifts to steady midge hatches and small mayflies in deeper seams. Overcast windows spark localized olive mayfly hatches. Afternoon hours see light terrestrial activity along canyon walls alongside drifting caddis pupae.
Tactics:
For nymphing, extend your leaders and taper to thin fluorocarbon tippet and strip off bulky plastic indicators in favor of a small pinch of wool, yarn, or a stealthy dry-dropper rig. Lead with a subtle crustacean or general attractor pattern and trail a tiny midge or mayfly emerger. For surface fishing, target rising fish along foam lines using a single low-profile dry fly on long, drag-free drifts.
Tips:
Stay out of the water wherever possible and use granite boulders to break your silhouette before making a cast. Downsize split shot to micro weight to prevent spooking fish on impact. Focus exclusively on deep water and primary current seams where the remaining flow gives fish security.
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in Cheesman. There is no better way to learn an area like Cheesman Canyon than hiring one of our Orvis-endorsed professional guides!
Recommended Fly 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 18-20
- Massacre Midge Brown, size 20-22
- UV Scud Orange/Olive, size 16
- RIO Bloodworm Red, size 8
Streamer Patterns
- Baby Gonga, Black
- Flatliner, White
- Slump Buster, Olive
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
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.
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