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.

Updated 8/26/2024

While flows remain at good levels of 317 cfs, the fishing remains challenging. The resevoir is 97% full, and the water coming from the bottom is nice and cold.

PMD emergers, like a Split Case, along with smaller baetis emergers, like the Top Secret Baetis, are good natural imitations for your nymp rigs right now. Drop those off leech or scud patterns. You'll also see some midges and caddis around, but overall, hatches have been thin and sporadic.

Updated 8/8/2024

Fishing here has been a challenge as flows have ratcheted down over the past few days and now sit at 138 cfs as of Thursday. Midges, PMDs, baetis, caddis and golden stones all remain factors, although hatches have not been very consistent. 

Stealth will be key as you approach runs or feeding fish. Go with yarn indicators, which land light on the water and detect the most subtle of strikes, and 5X or 6X. We've also seen some fish eating mayflies off the surface in flat-water areas, particularly on overcast afternoons, which can make for a fun (but frustrating) challenge.

Updated 7/30/2024

Flows here bumped up slightly to 265 cfs, but remain well below the historical average. Hatches here are sporadic right now, but you'll see midges, PMDs, caddis and golden stones throughout the day here.

With the lower flows, it's time to be stealthy when approaching runs again. Lead with an attractor nymph and trail off a caddis emerger and/or a PMD or midge emerger. While nymphing is still the most productive method in the canyon right now, it's worth bringing in a dry-dropper rig as well.

Summertime in Cheesman Canyon is an exciting time of year and offers opportunities for dry fly fishing. 

Here are some effective fly patterns to consider for fishing in Cheesman Canyon during the summer:

Stoneflies: Stonefly nymphs become more active as the weather warms up. Carry patterns like Amy's Ants, Pat's Rubber Legs, Hare's Ear Nymphs, or Prince Nymphs in sizes #10 to #14.

Pale Morning Duns: PMD nymph patterns should be on all your  rigs in afternoons this time of year. Split-back PMD emergers or Mercury Pheasant Tails make for great imitations.

Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): These may hatch sporadically in spring. Carry patterns like Parachute Adams, Sparkle Duns, or Pheasant Tails in sizes #18 to #22 to imitate BWOs.

Midges: Midges are prevalent year-round, but their activity may increase in spring. Use patterns like Zebra Midges, RS2s (Rim's Semblance 2), Mercury Midges, or Disco Midges in sizes ranging from #18 to #24.

Caddisflies: Caddis activity increases as temperatures rise. Patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Stimulators in sizes #14 to #18 can be effective imitations.

As always, observe the water conditions, insect activity, and the behavior of the fish to determine the most effective patterns and presentations. Adjust your techniques throughout the day as conditions change.

Our shop staff and guides at The Blue Quill Angler are very familiar with Cheesman Canyon and can provide specific insights into recent hatches, successful patterns, and techniques tailored for spring fishing in the canyon. They often have firsthand knowledge that can greatly enhance your fishing experience.