Current Conditions
Recent Reports
About Cheesman Canyon
Jim Cannon of the Blue Quill Angler states “…anytime is the right time to fish Cheesman Canyon, it can be fished all year”. The boulder-filled Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River is considered by many to be one of the most pristine fisheries in the world.
In 1976, it became the first section of river in Colorado to be protected with catch and release regulations. The Canyon is an unforgettable fly fishing experience. A roughly 1.5 mile hike from the parking lot to the river’s edge presents the angler with three miles of beautiful canyon with Bald Eagles a flight, a river filled with enormous boulders and superb river banks to fish. It is a perfect day trip alone, with family or fishing buddies.
This three-mile section is fished most successfully with nymphs and anglers can expect to catch large rainbows and good-sized browns within the close company of other fisherman. The Canyon is best fished on overcast days with good presentation only 2 or 3” away from the fish’s nose. It has been said “if you can catch fish in The Canyon, you can catch them anywhere”.
The best reviews from our clients come in the spring when blue-winged olives start to show themselves on a regular basis (late March through late May). Flows are perfect that time of year from 100-300 cfs.
Pat Dorsey’s Fishing Report: Cheesman Canyon – South Platte
/in Cheesman Canyon, Fishing Reports /by 8twhb6fNxqt7w9MCheesman 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.
Current Conditions
Clarity: Excellent
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent flows and reliable hatches of midges, PMD’s, Tricos, and sporadic golden stoneflies
Tips and Other Information:Cheesman Reservoir is currently at 85 percent full, but dropping fast due to downstream demand. Anglers should prepare for reliable hatches of midges, PMD’s, BWO’s, sporadic golden stoneflies, and Tricos. Look for the flows to remain high until Denver Water completes their maintenance project on the Roberts Tunnel.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #22-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #20-22 JujuBaetis, #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20 Mercury Flashback PT, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #20-22 Griffith Gnat, #20-22 Matt’s Midge, #20-22 Sparkle Dun, #24 Stalcup’s Trico CDC Biot Comparadun, and #20-24 Parachute Adams.