South Platte - Cheeseman Canyon

About South Platte - Cheeseman Canyon

South Platte - Cheeseman Canyon is a highly technical, gold medal tailwater fishery renowned for its exceptionally educated brown and rainbow trout, typically ranging from 12 to 18 inches. Access requires a 30-minute hike along the Gill Trail, which winds through steep granite canyon walls, offering stunning scenery. Anglers will find success primarily nymphing with very small flies, sizes #22 and smaller, as the trout are easily spooked by larger presentations. Key insect activity includes midges and sporadic Blue Wing Olives, making midge nymphs, emergers, and dries particularly effective. While the canyon can get crowded, hiking further upstream often reveals less pressured water, and the smart trout, though picky, are not overly spooky, allowing for careful presentations.