Let me start by saying, no matter what, you can’t have a bad day in the canyon.  That said, it is one of the hardest places to fish in the world.  Many say it is the most technical fishery in the country and for good reason.  It’s a steep canyon so access is tricky.  Once you get to the clear water, the fish are spooky and require perfect drag free drifts through the multi and cross currents that the large granite boulder create.  Mainly a nymph fishery these fish are indicator and split shot shy and require small flies to have success.  Pretty much all the tough aspects of a river are rolled up into one on the Canyon (or as I like to call it, the Chedda).  Cheeseman canyon is popular but requires a hike to access keeping the less adventurous out.  There are some days in the canyon that are lights out and even if you spend your whole day not catching a fish, the water is gorgeous and you’ll see more fish than you do in most other rivers.  The canyon gives you a birds eye view to the fish and I often spend half the day just watching the trout feed from the big boulders above.  Fish range 12-18” in this section and can get much bigger than that if you know where to look.

One the more famous, popular, challenging and enjoyably frustrating places to fish for a day.  Close to Denver, you can make it in little over an hour and after a 30 minute hike from the lower lot, you can be in the canyon sighting fish all day long.  Exceptionally size and incredibly educated, these trout will put you to the test, but make you feel like the best angler in the world when you have a good day in Chedda Canyon!

More Details About Fly Fishing Cheeseman Canyon on the South Platte River in Colorado

Cheeseman Canyon, located on the South Platte River in Colorado, is widely considered one of the best fly fishing destinations in the state. This stunning canyon features crystal-clear water, breathtaking scenery, and abundant trout populations that make it a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.

One of the great things about Cheeseman Canyon is that it offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. In the winter, the fish are less active, but they can still be caught using small midges and baetis nymphs. As spring arrives, the fishing begins to pick up, and fish can be caught using larger nymphs and streamers. In the summer, dry flies and terrestrials become effective, and you can expect to catch plenty of fish on topwater patterns. In the fall, fish become more aggressive as they prepare for winter, and streamers can be particularly effective.

When it comes to fly selection in Cheeseman Canyon, there are a few patterns that are known to be particularly effective. In the winter and early spring, small midge and baetis nymphs are a go-to choice. In the summer, you’ll want to have plenty of dry flies and terrestrials in your box, including grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. As fall arrives, streamers become more effective, and patterns like the Woolly Bugger and Sculpin can produce great results.

Presentation is key when fly fishing in Cheeseman Canyon. Because the water is so clear, fish can be spooked easily if you’re not careful. You’ll want to approach the water carefully and make sure that you’re not casting a shadow over the area you’re fishing. When presenting your fly, be sure to use a drag-free drift, as this will increase your chances of catching fish. You may also want to consider using a longer leader to give your fly a more natural presentation.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Cheeseman Canyon is a popular fishing destination, and it can get crowded during peak fishing seasons. If you’re planning to fish here, try to arrive early and be prepared for other anglers. By being respectful and following good fishing etiquette, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable fishing experience in this beautiful canyon.

Other Fly Fishing Sections of the South Platte River Near Cheeseman

The South Platte River is one of the most fished rivers in the state, not just because of it’s quality fishing, but because it flows through a huge part of the state and offers several year-round tailwaters to fish and other great opportunities all year round.  Below are a few other areas you can explore around Cheeseman Canyon. There will come a time where it gets crowded and the lot to cheeseman is full.  Remember these other options and you’ll always find some fishable water.

Wildcat Canyon of the South Platte River

A tough hike in and out, wildcat canyon has a lot of fishable water that remains fairly untouched throughout the year.  Most people don’t fish it because of the name (which is accurate, lots of cougars up here) and because it’s a long hike and there is ample fishing closer.  You either pass over eleven mile canyon and dream stream or you pass over cheeseman canyon and deckers, all of which are world-class fisheries.  Stuck in the middle it’s likely the canyon holds good fish, but few make the effort.  Browns and rainbows live here and they range from 12” to 16” most of the time with a few getting bigger.  Plan accordingly before access this rugged section and be in good shape to make the trip for the day.  Not a great idea to get stuck in cougar town overnight.

Deckers Tailwater

On the other side of the wigwam club private water below cheeseman, Deckers section begins and continues to the confluence with the north fork of the south platte.  This section has a ton of fish and is only an 60-90 minutes from the front range.  The proximity to Denver makes this place often pretty crowded, but with some driving, you can find open water.  There are miles of fishable water and the fish are plentiful.  There are more fish above the bridge in deckers most times, but there are also 3x the amount of crowds.  Fishing downstream of the bridge often yields more fish.  I’ve seen some real beasts down there too, so don’t overlook these sections.  There are a lot of 18”+ fish in the river that are worthy of a picture or two.  Practice good catch and release here as the fish get pressured hard.  It’s a fun and challenging place to fish for the day.