South Platte (Cheesman) Fishing Forecast
Tailwater with big trout
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water. Multiple special regulation sections in South Park and Cheesman Canyon
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 4:43 AM
38°F
--
1 AM - 3 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for South Platte (Cheesman)
Cheesman Canyon
Hike-in access to technical Gold Medal water.
Deckers
Road access to productive river section.
Spinney Mountain
Access below Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
How to Fish South Platte (Cheesman): Tips & Tactics
Cheesman Canyon is Colorado's most technical trout water. Fish see constant pressure and demand perfect presentations. Use 6X-7X tippet and size 20-24 flies.
Best Times of Day
The Trico hatch in late summer offers incredible dry fly action - fish early morning before 10 AM. Midday midge fishing is productive year-round. Evening BWO hatches can be excellent.
Recommended Techniques
Approach fish slowly and make accurate first casts. Long, drag-free drifts are essential. Sight fishing to specific trout is the primary method.
Water Conditions
Optimal flows are 50-150 CFS. Higher flows from dam releases can turn off surface feeding. Clear water demands ultra-light tippets.
Fly Selection
Trico patterns in sizes 20-24 are essential for summer. RS2 and Mercury Midges work year-round. BWOs produce during spring and fall.
Local Knowledge
Arrive early for parking - the lot fills quickly on weekends. The hike into the canyon is moderate but worth it. This is arguably Colorado's most challenging trout water.
Local Tips
Local fly shops in Denver and Bailey provide current conditions. The canyon requires preparation and skill but rewards patience.
When is the Best Time to Fish South Platte (Cheesman)?
Spring
Early season offers fewer crowds. Fish midges and BWOs.
Summer
Trico hatches bring technical fishing. Morning hours are best.
Fall
Brown trout spawn. Streamers become effective in the canyon.
Winter
Year-round fishing with midge focus. Fish during warmest hours.
Recommended Equipment for South Platte (Cheesman)
Rod
8.5 to 9-foot, 3 or 4-weight for technical fishing.
Line
Floating line, often with long leaders.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 6X-7X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. The hike in can be warm.
Essential Flies
South Platte (Cheesman) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Artificial flies and lures only. Catch-and-release in some sections.
Special Regulations
Gold Medal water with special regulations. Check current rules.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited - artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near South Platte (Cheesman)
Local Fly Shops
- Flies and Lies - Denver
- Blue Quill Angler - Evergreen
- Trout's Fly Fishing - Denver
Guide Services
- South Platte Fly Fishing
- Blue Quill Guide Service
- Colorado Trout Hunters
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
50 - 150 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
45° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
Colorado River
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