Cheesman Reservoir
CO
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Reservoir
About Cheesman Reservoir
Cheesman Reservoir, a popular manmade lake near Deckers, Colorado, offers excellent fly fishing opportunities along the South Platte River. This accessible location, about a 90-minute drive southwest of Denver, is known for its populations of rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and northern pike. Anglers can target fish in the Goose Creek Arm of the lake or the tailwater below the historic Cheesman Dam. The area provides easy access via maintained trails, with picnic facilities available at the trailhead parking lots.
Cheesman Reservoir Hatch Chart
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Quick Actions
Regulations
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Seasonal Closures: This water has seasonal closures. Check local regulations for specific dates.
Trip Planning
Best fishing typically occurs during spring and summer. Check water conditions before heading out.
See what insects are emerging on Cheesman Reservoir's hatch forecast — including active hatches, water temperatures, and which patterns to have in your box this month.
Get IdentaFly on your phone
Hatch forecasts, river gages, fly scanning, and your journal — built for on-stream use. Be prepared before you get to the water. Free on the App Store and Google Play.
Conditions Report
Read tips and insights about recent conditions for Cheesman Reservoir — gathered from on line sources.
Read the Conditions ReportWater conditions (CO DWR)
Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.
Data sourced from Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDSS)
Access
Seasons
Terrain
Water
Fish Species
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Kokanee salmon
Brook Trout
Pike
Regulations
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Seasonal Closures: This water has seasonal closures. Check local regulations for specific dates.
Fishing Styles
Methods
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Float Friendly
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Wade Friendly
Land Ownership
Public Forest Service
Public Blm