South Platte (Cheesman) Fishing Forecast
Fly fishers plan Colorado trips on the South Platte (Cheesman) because it stacks credible wading access, recognizable insect cycles, and trout that respond when flows align. Below-dam hydrology keeps dissolved oxygen high through summer—ideal for rainbow trout and brown trout when roadside freestones climb past comfortable temperatures. River-specific intel: 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. USGS gauge 06711500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
The South Platte (Cheesman) tailwater is sitting at moderate flows with a stable 61°F°F reading. Today's rating: 6/10. Top pick: a Humpy.
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water. Multiple special regulation sections in South Park and Cheesman Canyon
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 9, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 6:02 AM
61°F
--
5 AM - 7 AM
Humpy
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
September Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis hatches prolific through summer
Hopper
Terrestrial
Grasshoppers effective on windy afternoons
Trico
Mayfly
Early morning spinner falls, tiny flies
October Caddis
Caddis
Large fall caddis, evening emergence
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
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 | 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(Now) | 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 |
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
54°F - 64°F
What Makes the South Platte (Cheesman) Unique?
Signature hatch or window
BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 38–55°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Cheesman Canyon: Hike-in access to technical Gold Medal water.
Rules anglers miss
Gold Medal water with special regulations. Check current rules.
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
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.
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.
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.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
50 - 150 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
45° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
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
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Colorado—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
Colorado River
South Platte (Cheesman) — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the South Platte (Cheesman)?
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
What flies should I bring to the South Platte (Cheesman)?
For the South Platte (Cheesman) (tailwater), carry: Trico, RS2, Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge, BWO.
What water temperature is best for trout on the South Platte (Cheesman)?
On the South Platte (Cheesman), trout hold between 45° and 60°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the South Platte (Cheesman)?
Yes — you need a valid Colorado fishing license to fish the South Platte (Cheesman). Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Artificial flies and lures only. Catch-and-release in some sections..
What hatches should I watch for on the South Platte (Cheesman) in September?
BWO is the signature hatch on the South Platte (Cheesman) in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
Ready to Fish the South Platte (Cheesman)?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast