South Platte - Cheesman Canyon - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon - Water Flow Chart
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon - Weather report & radar
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning & Afternoon | #20-22 | Black Beauty, Thread Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-18 | Yuk Bug, Black Stonefly | |
| February | Midges | Morning & Afternoon | #18-20 | Emerger Midge, Red Larva |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-18 | Yuk Bug, Lead Wing Coachman | |
| March | Midges | Morning & Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Mercury RS2 |
| Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | Parachute BWO, Sparkle Dun BWO | |
| April | Midges | Morning & Afternoon | #20-22 | Griffiths Gnat, Midge Cluster |
| Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Comparadun, Adams | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon & Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO emerger, BWO nymph | |
| June | Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | #14-16 | Parachute PMD, Comparadun PMD |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-22 | Trico spinner, Trico emerger |
| August | Tricos | Morning | #20-22 | Trico spinner, Trico emerger |
| September | Tricos | Morning | #20-22 | Trico Dun, Trico Spinner |
| Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Nymph, BWO Sparkle Dun | |
| October | Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Dun, BWO Emerger |
| November | Midge | Morning & Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| Blue-winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Dun, BWO Emerger | |
| December | Midges | Morning & Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon Access Points
Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte River is a dream destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts. It is advisable to start early to avoid crowds and secure the best spots. Here are the prime access points:
- Gill Trail: Park at the trailhead off Jefferson County Road 126, and descend about a mile to the river. It offers excellent catch-and-release fly fishing stretches.
- Cheesman Dam: Access from this point is more challenging due to steep terrain, but it leads to less crowded fishing areas.
- Deckers: Downstream from Cheesman Canyon, Deckers offers easier access, but you need to arrive early as it’s popular.
All spots are beaming with trout such as Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat. Please note that the entire Cheesman Canyon stretch is a Gold Medal Water, implying artificial flies and lures only and catch-and-release for all trout.
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon Fishing Spots
The South Platte – Cheesman Canyon is an iconic fly fishing destination. It offers some of the finest spots renowned for record-breaking trout and an exceptional fishing experience.
- The Gill Trail: It gives easy access to the river, providing a great spot for fly fishing.
- Sportsman’s Paradise: Known for its unbelievable number of trout, it lies below Cheesman reservoir.
- The Cheesman Dam: Boasting deep holes that house large fish, this spot is accessible via a rigorous hike.
- Ouzel Picnic Area and Campgrounds: A slightly less challenging area to reach, offering excellent pockets and runs for fishing.
Each location on the South Platte – Cheesman Canyon offers its unique challenges and rewards, making this area a must-visit for all avid fly fishermen.
South Platte – Cheesman Canyon Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This is a primary target for fly-fishermen on the South Platte – Cheesman Canyon due to its plenitude.
- Rainbow Trout: Renowned for their spectral colors and fight, they’re a popular and abundant target.
- Brook Trout: Usually smaller than brown and rainbow trout, but they offer a spirited fight.
- Cutthroat Trout: The only trout native to Colorado and popular due to its beautiful colors and rarity.
- Mountain Whitefish: Although not fished for as often, they offer a solid fight and are abundant.
- Arctic Grayling: These fish, although not native, can provide a challenging catch in the South Platte – Cheesman Canyon.
- Coaster Brook Trout: A unique variation of brook trout that tend to be larger with spectacular colors.
- Palomino Trout: A golden variation of the rainbow trout, prized for their rare occurrence.
About the South Platte – Cheesman Canyon
Revel in the engrossing history of the stunning South Platte – Cheesman Canyon. Sitting comfortably in the lush landscape of Colorado, this canyon is a proud bearer of a rich past. Its history can be traced back to the arrival of the Ute tribe, the oldest residents of Colorado. They left their footsteps on the sands of time, nurturing the land for many generations.
The canyon truly came into prominence in the 19th century during the Gold Rush when the discovery of gold in South Platte River led to a population boom.
- The South Platte River was also the place where famous ‘Pikes Peak Gold Rush’ started in 1859.
- Likewise, it was home to the ingenious Cheesman Dam, the world’s tallest dam at the time, in 1905.
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