Where to Go South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
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SPRING HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Report Date: 4/1/2026
Current Conditions:
The flows dropped pretty good out of Cheesman recently. The current flows are at 70 cfs. and more like winter flow rates. These lower flows will increase the technical aspect of the canyon. These flows will concentrate the fish more. Look for areas that have deeper holding water around. It would be a good idea to ditch the indicators and go back to smaller terminal tackle as well. The river is running clear and visibility is great. The fish are transitioning out of "winter mode" and are starting to occupy more places in the river. The river is technical and attention to detail is key to success. Nymphing has and will be the most productive method right now. The dry fly fishing can be good as well in certain areas. Again, look for the slower tailouts for fish eating on the surface. These fish want good, clean drifts! Longer leaders and lighter tippet are a good idea.
Weather:
Short Term- We will experience some more seasonally appropriate weather this week. Today will be much cooler and we could even see some precipitation here. Temps are still relatively warm, so we do expect that precipitation to fall in the form of rain. We have a pretty decent storm system rolling through the mountains right now that is bringing much needed moisture to the high country. Thursday will warm up nicely and then we will cool off again on Friday. There will be another pretty potent mountain storm during this time as well, and should help out our snowpack a bit. Friday and through the weekend look gorgeous with plenty of sun and temps in the 60's.
Long Term- After the weekend and the start of next week, we will have another active week of weather. Precipitation chances are very good Tuesday through Friday. The precipitation chances will increase as we get towards the end of next week. Temps overall will still be great with highs in the 60's. The high country will also get some decent and meaningful precipitation during this time. Longer range forecasts are not showing any significant weather after about the 11th right now. But as we are all aware, that can change. Even though these incoming storms are likely too little too late, any snow or moisture in general is only going to help our snowpack/water situation this year. April is starting out very active, lets all hope that carries through the rest of the month!
While March felt like summer, April will feel like spring. We will have a chance to add a little more snow to our dwindling snowpack over the next 2 weeks.
This is an area we offer guided fly fishing trips. We are one of two outfitters permitted to operate in Cheesman. There is not better way to learn an area like Cheesman Canyon than hiring one of our Orvis endorsed professional guides!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Foamback emerger, black, size 22
- Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22
- Top Secret, purple or brown, size 22
- Wader midge, sizes 20-22
- Blindside midge, purple, size 22
- Frenchie, sizes 18-20
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole fly, olive, size 22
- Parachute Adams, sizes 22-24
- Neils BWO, olive, sizes 20-22
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Wooly buggers, black, brown, sizes 8-12
- Poacher, black, olive, size 8-10
- Baby Gonga, yellow, size 6
Slow retrieves!!
Standard nymph rig set up for the South Platte:
Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
Cheesman Canyon is one of the most technical and rewarding tailwater fisheries in Colorado. A half-hour hike from Gill trailhead through some hilly terrain gets you to the base of the canyon where the trail splits into a high road and low road. This stretch of the river is catch and release only and is known for holding large rainbows. Almost the entire length of the river that runs through this gorgeous boulder-filled canyon is loaded with deep pocket water and fast runs that provide different challenges depending on where the fish are located. Most of the time the fish are hanging close to undercut boulders and other structure.
Before going to Cheesman, load your box with these patterns: Cheesman Emergers #22-24, Amy's Ants #10-14, hoppers #8-10, Murphy's Bubbleback Midge #20-24, Blindside Midges #20-22, Dorsey's Top Secret and Medallion Midges #22-24, Stonefly nymphs #14-18, Caddis larva #16-20, Tan and orange scuds #14-18, Sparkle Wing RS-2's #18-22, BWO Barr's Emergers #20-22, Copper Johns, Black Beauty #22-24, and Stalcups baetis #20-22.
This is an area we specialize in and are permitted to guide in, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you're interested in working with one of our Orvis- Endorsed guides to conquer Cheesman.
My favorite stretch of the South Platte. What can I say: technical, challenging, humbling, and rewarding. It is often said that if you can catch fish in Cheesman Canyon, you can catch fish anywhere.
Jon Easdon, Guide and Director of Services
Accessibility: There is a 1.5 mile trail from the parking lot on Co 126 to the river. At the river the trail splits into a high and a low section that runs approximately 5 miles upstream from the Wigwam Club (posted) to Cheesman Dam.
Elevation: 6,600 ft
Distance: 42.5 miles from Colorado Springs / 55 minutes .
Season: Fishable all year depending on flows
Fish species: Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Cutbow trout
Fishing Regulations: Catch and release, flies and lures only
Techniques & Tips: Fishing is technical and calls for 9-12 foot leaders and fine tippets - 5X to 6X
Camping: Not in the canyon, though there is camping nearby at Lone Pine and Wigwam Campgrounds on Co 126.
Kids: Yes, but parts of the trail going down to the river can be very steep.
Additional Information: Cheesman Canyon can be crowded, especially in the summer. The further upstream you walk, the fewer crowds you will encounter.
South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
Directions - 42.8 miles - 55 Minutes
- From Angler's Covey head west on US 24 W/Cimarron St, go 16.7 miles
- Turn right at CO-67 towards Deckers, go 23.1 miles
- Slight left at the town of Deckers and CoRd 126, go 3.0 miles
- Parking area is on the left