Winter Fly Fishing in Cheesman Canyon: A Guide to Success

Cheesman Canyon, nestled in the South Platte River basin of Colorado, is a world-renowned fly fishing destination. Known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant trout population, and technical fishing, Cheesman Canyon provides anglers with one of the most rewarding and challenging fishing experiences in the West. Winter is a particularly special time to visit the canyon. The solitude, peaceful surroundings, and the sight of rising trout amidst snow-draped scenery create a unique and magical experience.

However, winter fly fishing in Cheesman Canyon demands preparation, technique, and an understanding of the river’s dynamics. This article dives into the ins and outs of winter fishing in Cheesman Canyon, with a focus on proven Umpqua fly patterns, strategies for targeting trout in cold water, and the tips you need to make the most of your time on this iconic stretch of river.

Why Cheesman Canyon?

Cheesman Canyon is revered among anglers for its beauty and challenging conditions. The water here is clear, cold, and full of wary trout—perfect for those who love technical fly fishing. Here are a few reasons why winter is an excellent time to fish this stretch of the South Platte:

1. Less Pressure: Winter brings fewer anglers to the river, offering a quieter, more peaceful experience.

2. Stable Water Conditions: The flow is typically regulated by the Cheesman Reservoir dam, providing consistent fishing conditions even in the coldest months.

3. Selective Trout: The canyon’s trout are known for their selective feeding, which challenges anglers to refine their techniques and presentations.

4. Active Winter Hatches: Midges dominate the winter menu, but Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and other small insects make appearances during warmer stretches.

What to Expect in Winter

Water Conditions

Winter flows in Cheesman Canyon are generally low, with water clarity resembling glass. Trout hold in slower, deeper pools to conserve energy, often rising subtly to sip midges or picking off nymphs in the drift.

• Water Temperature: Typically ranges between 38–45°F in winter.

• Flows: Winter flows often range from 50–150 CFS, creating technical fishing conditions with slower currents.

Trout Behavior

Trout are cold-blooded, meaning their activity levels are directly affected by water temperature. In winter, trout feed less aggressively and tend to stay close to the riverbed or the edges of slower pools. The key is understanding their feeding zones and using flies that mimic their natural prey.

Essential Umpqua Patterns for Winter Fishing in Cheesman Canyon

Umpqua flies are among the most trusted in the industry, and their patterns are highly effective in the technical waters of Cheesman Canyon. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have flies for winter:

1. Midges

Midges make up the majority of a trout’s diet in winter. These tiny insects are available year-round and hatch prolifically in Cheesman Canyon.

• Umpqua Griffith’s Gnat (Size 20-24): Perfect for imitating adult midges during surface activity.

• Umpqua Zebra Midge (Size 20-24): A versatile subsurface pattern that works in slow drifts.

• Umpqua JuJu Midge (Size 20-24): Effective in various colors like black, red, or olive to match the hatch.

2. Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)

BWOs become active during warmer winter afternoons. These small mayflies often produce short but intense feeding windows.

• Umpqua Parachute Adams (Size 18-22): A staple for dry fly presentations when trout are rising.

• Umpqua Sparkle Dun (Size 18-22): Imitates emerging BWOs during a hatch.

• Umpqua RS2 (Size 20-22): A versatile emerger pattern for subsurface presentations.

3. Nymphs

Nymphing is often the most productive approach in winter.

• Umpqua Mercury Pheasant Tail (Size 18-22): A great generalist pattern that mimics small mayfly nymphs.

• Umpqua Perdigon Nymph (Size 18-20): A tungsten beadhead nymph for getting down quickly in deeper runs.

• Umpqua Top Secret Midge (Size 20-24): A proven killer for Cheesman’s selective trout.

4. Streamers

Though less common in winter, streamers can trigger aggressive strikes from larger trout, especially in deep pools.

• Umpqua Slump Buster (Size 6-10): Perfect for targeting aggressive fish in slower water.

• Umpqua Thin Mint (Size 8-12): A great option for winter when trout are less active but still respond to baitfish patterns.

Tactics and Techniques for Winter Success

Fishing Cheesman Canyon in winter requires precision, patience, and the right techniques. Here’s how to approach the canyon’s technical waters:

1. Nymphing: The Go-To Winter Method

Nymphing is the bread and butter of winter fly fishing, particularly in Cheesman Canyon. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Leader Setup: Use a long leader (9–12 feet) with a 5X or 6X tippet for stealth.

• Indicator Nymphing: Pair an Umpqua Zebra Midge with a Mercury Pheasant Tail on a two-fly rig. Adjust your strike indicator to keep your flies bouncing near the riverbed.

• Euro Nymphing: Umpqua Perdigon Nymphs work exceptionally well for tight-line Euro nymphing. Their tungsten beads sink quickly, allowing you to cover deep feeding zones.

2. Dry Fly Fishing: Targeting Rising Trout

Though less common, dry fly opportunities can be found in the canyon during warmer afternoons. Look for subtle rises in slower water and be prepared to downsize your flies.

• Dry-Dropper Setup: Pair an Umpqua Parachute Adams with an RS2 dropper to target both surface and subsurface feeders.

• Presentation: Use delicate casts and focus on achieving drag-free drifts. The trout in Cheesman Canyon are quick to reject unnatural presentations.

3. Streamer Fishing: Triggering Aggressive Strikes

Streamers can work during winter, especially for larger trout holding in deep pools or along structure.

• Slow Retrieves: Fish streamers like the Umpqua Thin Mint or Slump Buster with slow, methodical retrieves.

• Swinging Streamers: Cast across the current and let the fly swing naturally through the water column.

Reading the Water: Where to Find Winter Trout

Trout behavior in Cheesman Canyon during winter is predictable if you know where to look. Understanding the water types and how trout position themselves is crucial.

1. Deep Pools

• Why Fish Here: Trout conserve energy in slower, deeper pools during winter.

• Best Flies: Nymphs like the Top Secret Midge or Mercury Pheasant Tail fished near the bottom.

2. Seams

• Why Fish Here: The transition between fast and slow water provides an easy feeding lane.

• Best Flies: Dry-dropper setups with a Parachute Adams and an RS2 can target trout feeding near the surface or just below.

3. Tailouts

• Why Fish Here: Trout often hold in the slower water at the end of a pool, especially during midge hatches.

• Best Flies: Griffith’s Gnat or JuJu Midge patterns fished delicately on a 6X tippet.

4. Structure

• Why Fish Here: Boulders, logs, and undercut banks offer protection and ambush points.

• Best Flies: Streamers like the Thin Mint can entice larger trout hiding in these areas.

Tips for a Successful Winter Trip

Fishing Cheesman Canyon in winter requires preparation and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your day:

1. Check the Flows: Visit the USGS website to check current flow levels. Flows between 50–150 CFS are ideal for winter fishing.

2. Dress Warmly: Layering is essential for staying comfortable in winter conditions. Don’t forget fingerless gloves and a waterproof jacket.

3. Pack Light: The hike into Cheesman Canyon is rugged, so pack efficiently. Bring only the essentials: flies, tippet, a net, and snacks.

4. Use Polarized Sunglasses: Spotting subtle rises or underwater movement is easier with good optics.

5. Plan for Solitude: Cheesman is remote, and cell service is spotty. Let someone know your plans before heading out.

A Day in Cheesman Canyon: Putting It All Together

Picture this: You arrive at Cheesman Canyon on a crisp winter morning. The snow glistens under the soft light, and the river flows gently, its clarity revealing trout holding in the depths. You set up a nymph rig with an Umpqua Zebra Midge and a Mercury Pheasant Tail, casting into a deep pool. With careful mending, your indicator dips, and you hook into a strong rainbow trout.

Later in the day, as the sun warms the canyon, you notice subtle rises in a slow seam. Switching to a dry-dropper rig with a Parachute Adams and RS2, you land a beautiful brown trout sipping emergers just below the surface.

As the sun sets, you tie on an Umpqua Thin Mint streamer and swing it through a tailout. The line tightens, and you feel a powerful strike—a larger brown trout has been lurking in the shadows. The fight is exhilarating, the culmination of a day spent adapting to Cheesman Canyon’s challenges and unlocking its secrets.

You release the trout and pause to take in the quiet beauty of the canyon. Snow-dusted cliffs frame the river, and the sounds of rushing water and occasional bird calls fill the crisp air. It’s moments like these that make winter fly fishing in Cheesman Canyon unforgettable.

The Reward of Winter Fishing in Cheesman Canyon

Winter fly fishing in Cheesman Canyon isn’t easy—it’s technical, demanding, and often requires layers of patience and persistence. But for those willing to embrace the challenge, the rewards are immense. The solitude, the stunning landscape, and the satisfaction of fooling selective trout in clear, cold water are unparalleled.

By preparing with the right flies, honing your techniques, and reading the water, you’ll not only improve your skills but also deepen your connection to this remarkable fishery. Umpqua’s proven patterns, from the trusty Zebra Midge to the reliable Parachute Adams, ensure you’re equipped to handle the canyon’s discerning trout.

So, whether you’re nymphing deep pools, casting dries to rising trout, or swinging streamers in search of aggressive browns, Cheesman Canyon in winter offers a unique opportunity to experience fly fishing at its finest.

“-Until next time—fly fish your water, your way.”

JRO