Cheesman Canyon
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches of midges.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22-26 Black Beauty, #22-26 Top Secret Midge, #20 Rainbow Warrior, #20 Pale Olive Larva, #22-24 Bling Midge, #20 Red Larva, #20 South Platte Brassie, #20 Buckskin, #24 RS 2, #24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro Egg, #18 Red Flossy Worm, #22-24 Matt's Midge, #22 Pat's Midge, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, and #24-26 Parachute Adams.
Measurements
Stream Conditions & Tips from Pat Dorsey for Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon 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.
Tips & Other Information:
Class is back in session in Cheesman Canyon. Nothing comes easy in the “canyon” this time of year…you’ll earn every fish you catch. It’s time to concentrate your efforts in the slow, deep pools where trout overwinter. Trailing two midge patterns (one larva and one pupa) off an attractor is a great strategy for this time of year. Late afternoon often brings out some surface feeders in areas like the Family Hole and Ice Box, so make sure you bring plenty of surface offerings to imitate newly hatched midges.