SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily

Report Date: 8/21/2026

Conditions:

The flows have bumped back up for us! This is a welcome change following the slight gradual decrease that was seen over the last couple of days. With higher flows, the subsurface bug life gets flushed out a bit, and the fish settle back into feeding lies. The water coming from the dam is nice and cold and helps to offer some reprieve from what has otherwise been low, clear, and warming water. Now is an excellent time to get yourself down into Cheesman Canyon

Shop Report:

Oscar Wilson - 8/10/2026

The canyon fished really well! Saw some trico activity and sparse Caddis. Nymphing produced a few solid fish for us. There was a need to get your nymphs deep to find the fish. Things turned off mid-morning. Fish early!

Weather:

Short term -

A fresh rain system has moved into the Deckers/Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River. Expect cloudy and potentially wet weather for today. It will remain warm with temperatures set to hit 84 degrees.

Long term - 

The rest of the week has more of the same from today in store. All week, they are calling for rain starting in the early afternoon hours and remaining until later in the day. With Colorado coming off a record drought, rain is just what the doctor ordered! As we enter next week, the temps begin to cool slightly and should sit comfortably in the mid 70's throughout.

Hatches:

Hatches in the canyon have been sparse but are there. A mix of bugs right now. From Tricos and Caddis to the usual Midges and Blue Wings. Depending on weather conditions and water flows, what you see will change. We also feel the hatches in Cheesman and downstream may have been negatively affected by the 2023 landslide, to which we are now seeing the results.

Tactics:

Not a day goes by that the Cheesman Canyon fish do not see an angler. Because of this, presentation is key! When fishing dry flies, consider long light leaders (12', 5x or 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:

These fish can turn off when they see anglers coming around. Stay stealthy and keep a low profile when you approach. Fishing faster water can mitigate this need. If they see you, they will not spook, but they can get lockjaw.

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!