If you're checking the latest cheeseman canyon fishing report before heading out, you probably already know that this stretch of the South Platte isn't for the faint of heart. It's one of those places that can make a seasoned angler feel like a total beginner in about fifteen minutes. The fish are smart, the water is crystal clear, and the hike in will definitely get your heart rate up. But that's exactly why we love it, right?
Currently, the canyon is fishing about how you'd expect for this time of year. The water is clear, the flows are relatively stable, and the fish are being their usual, picky selves. If you aren't prepared to sight fish and use some pretty tiny bugs, you might be in for a long walk back to the parking lot.
Getting There: The Gill Trail Grind
Before you even wet a line, you've got to deal with the Gill Trail. It's a beautiful hike, but it's not exactly a stroll through the park. Depending on where you want to fish, you're looking at a decent amount of elevation gain and loss. I always tell people to pack light, but bring plenty of water. You'll be scrambling over boulders and navigating some steep dirt paths, so good wading boots with studs are basically mandatory.
The hike is part of the experience, though. There's something about descending into that canyon and seeing the massive granite boulders that makes you feel like you've really "arrived." Just remember that the further you walk from the trailhead, the less company you'll usually have. If you're looking for a bit of solitude, put in the extra mile. Your legs might hate you, but your sanity will thank you.
Understanding the Flows
One of the most important parts of any cheeseman canyon fishing report is the flow rate. The South Platte below Cheesman Reservoir is a tailwater, so the flows are controlled by the dam. Generally, anything between 100 and 400 cfs (cubic feet per second) is the sweet spot. When it's much lower than that, the fish get incredibly spooky and the water can get a bit too warm in the summer. When it's higher, some of the best pocket water becomes a bit too dangerous to wade.
Right now, the flows are holding steady, which is great for the fish. They've had time to settle into their favorite runs. Look for them in the deeper pools during the brighter parts of the day, but don't ignore those shallow riffles in the morning and evening. The fish will move up into the "skinny" water to feed when they feel safe.
What's on the Menu?
Let's talk flies. If you've fished here before, you know the drill: midges, midges, and more midges. It feels like 90% of the diet for these rainbows and browns consists of stuff you can barely see with the naked eye.
In the mornings, you'll likely see some midge activity on the surface, but the real action is usually sub-surface. A double midge rig is a classic Canyon setup. Think Black Beauty, Zebra Midge, or a Top Secret Midge in sizes 22 down to 26. Yes, size 26. It's a pain to tie on, especially if your eyes aren't what they used to be, but it's often what's required.
We're also seeing some Baetis (Blue Winged Olives) starting to show up. If you see a little bit of cloud cover move in, get ready. The fish will start looking up, and a well-placed RS2 or a Chocolate Foam Wing can be deadly. If you aren't seeing rises, don't be afraid to trail a small BWO nymph behind a slightly larger attractor.
Don't forget about the "junk" food either. Even though these fish have PhDs in entomology, they still can't resist a well-presented Leech or a Scud from time to time, especially if the water is a bit higher or off-color. A San Juan Worm can also be a lifesaver after a bit of rain.
The Technical Game: Stealth and Presentation
This isn't the kind of place where you can just chuck a bobber out there and hope for the best. Well, you can, but you probably won't catch much. Success in the canyon is all about stealth.
First off, your leader and tippet choice matters. Most guys are running 6X or even 7X fluorocarbon. It's thin, it's invisible, and it's very easy to snap. You have to be delicate when you hook into a three-pound rainbow in fast water. If you try to horse them in, you're going to lose your fly every single time.
Secondly, you need to watch your shadow. The water is so clear that if you stand right on the bank and cast a shadow over a pool, those fish are going to scatter or just shut down. Try to stay low, use the boulders for cover, and approach the water slowly. I've spent twenty minutes just watching a single fish before making a cast, just to make sure I knew exactly what it was doing.
Gear Recommendations
You don't need a heavy setup for Cheesman. A 9-foot 4-weight or 5-weight rod is pretty much the gold standard. You want something with a soft enough tip to protect that 7X tippet, but enough backbone to handle a fish that decides to run downstream.
As I mentioned before, boots with studs are a must. Those granite rocks are slicker than snot when they get wet. A wading staff isn't a bad idea either, especially if you're planning on crossing the river.
Since you're hiking in, a light chest pack or a sling pack is much better than a heavy vest. You want to stay mobile. And for the love of everything holy, bring some good polarized sunglasses. You can't catch what you can't see, and sight fishing is a huge part of the game here.
The Crowds and Etiquette
Because it's so close to Denver and Colorado Springs, Cheesman can get crowded, especially on weekends. If you see someone already fishing a hole, give them plenty of space. There's plenty of river to go around, even if it doesn't always feel like it.
The "Canyon" has a bit of a reputation for being a serious place, but most people you meet on the trail are friendly. Just follow the basic rules of river etiquette: don't "low hole" someone (stepping in right below them), and if you're moving through a section where someone is fishing, walk well behind them so you don't spook their fish.
Why We Keep Coming Back
It's easy to get frustrated at Cheesman Canyon. I've had days where I've hiked three miles, fished for six hours, and didn't even get a sniff. It happens to everyone. But then you have those days where everything clicks—the drift is perfect, the fish rises to your midge, and you manage to land a gorgeous, wild rainbow in one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado.
That's why this cheeseman canyon fishing report exists—to remind you that even when it's tough, it's worth it. There's no feeling quite like fooling a fish that has probably seen ten thousand flies in its life.
So, tie up some small midges, double-check your tippet supply, and get out there. The canyon is waiting, and even if the fishing is technical, a day spent on the South Platte beats a day anywhere else. Just remember to take a second to look up from the water and enjoy the view. It's pretty special back there.
Tight lines, and maybe I'll see you on the Gill Trail!