Fly Fishing South Platte River - Cheesman Canyon

Fly fishing South Platte River Cheesman Canyon is a legendary stretch of Colorado tailwater that offers some of the most technical and rewarding fly fishing in the West. Flowing from the base of Cheesman Reservoir, this three-mile canyon section carves through towering granite cliffs and massive boulders, creating a stunning high-country setting where gin-clear water and wild, wary trout challenge even the most seasoned anglers. Known for its healthy population of trophy-sized rainbows and browns, Cheesman Canyon is a destination that demands skill, patience, and precision.

This is a fishery that rewards finesse. The canyon’s resident trout have seen every fly in the book, and its complex current seams, ultra-clear flows, and rocky pocket water require careful presentation. Long leaders, 6x to 7x tippet, and tiny flies (#20–#26) are often the price of admission. Nymphing with midges, baetis, and small emergers is a staple year-round, while dry fly fishing can be incredibly rewarding during hatches of blue-winged olives, tricos, and caddis from spring through fall. Sight-fishing opportunities are abundant when flows are low, allowing anglers to visually target fish in shallow tailouts and smooth slicks.

Cheesman Canyon is accessible only by foot, via two main trailheads: the Gill Trail from the south and the Upper Trail from the Cheesman Reservoir side. The hike ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 miles depending on your route, and elevation changes combined with rugged terrain mean anglers should come prepared for a physical outing. This added effort keeps pressure lower than more easily accessed tailwaters and enhances the feeling of solitude, even on busier weekends.

The river typically runs between 40 and 250 CFS, with optimal conditions for wading and sight-fishing in the 100–150 CFS range. Thanks to cold, consistent releases from the dam, fishing is productive year-round—even in winter—making Cheesman a rare four-season destination. During colder months, trout congregate in deeper pools and respond well to midge larva, scuds, and small egg patterns.

For fly anglers who embrace the challenge of technical water, selective trout, and the satisfaction of earning every take, fly fishing South Platee Cheesman Canyon is a true proving ground. With breathtaking scenery, wild fish, and some of the most demanding dry fly and nymph water in the Rockies, it remains one of Colorado’s most iconic and rewarding places to cast a fly.