Cheesman Canyon
Effective Patterns: #14 UV Scud (olive and orange), #14 San Juan Worm, #8 Cranefly larva, #10 Pat's Rubber Legs, #10 Pine Squirrel Leech, #20-22 Jujubaetis, #18-20 Top Secret Baetis, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro Egg, #20 Mercury Midge, #18 Buckskin, #20-22 Parachute Adams, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #10 Amy's Ant, #12 Yellow Stimulator, #20 Mathew's Sparkle Dun, and #20 Parachute Blue-Winged Olive.
Measurements
Stream Conditions & Tips from Pat Dorsey for Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon in Colorado
The picturesque boulder-filled Cheesman Canyon portion of the South Platte River is considered by many one of the most pristine fisheries in the world. This area, often times simply referred to, as “the Canyon” is an experience you’ll never forget. It’s the perfect scenario, magnificent beauty in combination with great fly fishing.
The South Platte River carves its way through a granite canyon lined with ponderosa pines, willows, fallen tree trunks, and various other assorted ground foliages. Boulders as big as Volkswagens Beetles create structure for the super-selective trout residing in the river. Mule Deer, Black Bear, Raccoons, Mountain Lyons, and Bald Eagles all add to the experience. Anglers can expect to catch mostly large rainbows supplemented with a few nice brown trout. The aforementioned “canyon” is as technical as they get, and if you can catch trout here, you can catch them anywhere in the world. This three-mile section is primarily a nymphing fishery requiring tiny midge and mayfly imitations with fine 5 and 6X tippets. Ideal flows for Cheesman Canyon are between 250 and 400 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only. All fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Cheesman Canyon is one of the best tailwaters in the country. There's a common belief among "canyon regulars" that if you can catch fish on the South Platte River, you can fool fish anywhere in the world. There's no substitution for good technique in Cheesman Canyon.
Tips & Other Information:
Cheesman Canyon is fishing tough right now. This happens every year in the fall when the flows get low. Outflows were reduced to 107 cfs recently. Hatches have been sporadic…all we’re seeing is a few midges and the occasional blue-winged olive. The best advice I can give you it to fish with smaller bugs, Baetis nymphs, and midge larva and pupa. The best fishing has been in early mornings and mid afternoon when there are a few bugs hatching. Otherwise, the fishing is pretty challenging. Revised 10/22/24
Note: Denver Water plans to keep the outflows below Cheesman Reservoir between 75-100 cfs until further notice. We’ll keep you updated as things change. Everything is subject to change based on warm weather trends, cold snaps, and precipitation.