Seasonal Report:
About Fly Fishing at Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte River 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.
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.
SPRING HATCHES – SUGGESTED NYMPHS AND STREAMERS
Midges: #20-22 Black Fly Larvae, #20-22 Manhattan Midges, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22-26 Top Secret Midge, #20-24 Medallion Midges, #20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury Flashback Black Beauty, #20-22 Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty, #20-22 Minute Midge, #20-22 Periwinkle, #20-22 Pearl Jam, #20-22 Brassie, #20-22 Buckskin, and #20-22 Chironoflash.
Blue Winged Olives: #20-22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #20- 22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Jujubaetis, and #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emergers
Caddis: #16-18 Buckskin, #18 Graphic Caddis, #14-18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #16 Mercury Cased Caddis, and #16-18 Tungsten Bead Mercury Cased Caddis
Streamers: #6 Lunch Money, #10 Olive Crystal Bugger, #10 White Crystal Bugger, #10 Pine Squirrel Leech, #6-10 olive, black, rust, and gray Meat Whistle, and #6-8 olive and rust Slumpbuster
SPRING HATCHES – RECOMMEDED DRY FLIES
Midges: #22-26 Parachute Adams, #22-24 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Matt’s Midge, and #20-24 Hi Vis Griffith Gnat
Blue Winged Olives: #22-24 Parachute Adams, #22-24 Barr’s Visa Dun, #20-24 Blue Dun, #20-24 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun, #20-24 Cannon’s Snowshoe Dun, and #20-24 Hi Vis Baetis
Caddisflies: #16-18 Elk Hair Caddis, #14-18 Puterbaugh Caddis, and #14-18 Goddard Caddis