South Platte – Cheesman Canyon

South Platte – Cheesman Canyon

Oh great...another fishing post about Cheesman, not Cheeseman, Canyon.  You're probably thinking: "I bet you're going to say how technical it is.  How big the fish are.  How smart the fish are".  And yep, all of that is true.  Cheesman is a graduate program disguised as a trout stream. Below Cheesman Dam, the South Platte River slides through a granite canyon you can only reach on foot after a mile+plus hike in: gin-clear, Gold Medal water full of wild trout who have seen every fly in your box and are deeply unimpressed.  You can walk over 3 miles to get to the dam itself, but keep in mind it's 3 miles back.

Fishing the soft edges at Cheesman
Fishing the soft edges at Cheesman
Cheesman Canyon is super technical
Cheesman Canyon is super technical
Walking & fishing is technical at Cheesman
Walking & fishing is technical at Cheesman
This rainbow at a Pink Albert Dry Fly
This rainbow at a Pink Albert Dry Fly
This run empties to a deep pool at Cheesman
This run empties to a deep pool at Cheesman
There are healthy fish at Cheesman
There are healthy fish at Cheesman
This rainbow ate the Pats Rubber Legs at Cheesman
This rainbow ate the Pats Rubber Legs at Cheesman
The hike in to Cheesman gets you warm
The hike in to Cheesman gets you warm
365 days fishing at Cheesman, especially in winter snow squalls
365 days fishing at Cheesman, especially in winter snow squalls
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Why I love fishing here

  1. Sight fishing
    1. You'll spot trout holding in slow, glassy water, which is thrilling right up until one ignores your fly six drifts in a row. Hook one here and you've earned it.
  2. Stunning views
    1. If I am feeling like I need to get away...without cell service...this is where I like to go.  It's physically demanding, but every moment is worth it.
  3. It's also an easy day trip from Denver
    1. which explains the company on weekends, and sometimes weekdays. You can fish it all year round and winter itself is super special.

The fishing

Small flies, long leaders, light tippet, and stealth.  The fish really aren't afraid of you. Midges and BWOs are the staples, with PMDs, caddis and tricos joining in summer. Have you heard of the phrase "Perfect Drift"?  Well, you need it to keep these fish honest.  

When to go

It's a tailwater, so it fishes year-round. Calm winter days can be quiet and excellent for midges popping off. Spring and fall bring the best BWO hatches. Summer trico mornings will test your eyesight and your patience in equal measure.

Guide's note

The hike in is short but rocky, and your legs will file a formal complaint on the way out. If you want easier access to the same river, Deckers is just downstream with road access. Special regulations apply here, so check the current CPW rules before you go.

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