South Platte River Fly Fishing Guide: Cheesman Canyon & Deckers

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Midge fishing	Year-round (best Nov-Mar)	80-200 CFS ideal; sizes #20-26
BWO/Baetis	Mar-May, Sep-Nov	Overcast afternoons; sizes #18-22
Trico hatch	Late Jun-Aug	Deckers section; early morning; sizes #20-24
Summer dries	Jun-Sep (PMDs, caddis, hoppers)	200-400 CFS ideal; sizes #14-18
Guided trips	Book by February for summer	$450-600/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shop	South Platte Fly Shop	Woodland Park; guided trips available
Fly shop	Angler's Covey	(719) 471-2984, Colorado Springs

Current Conditions

Overview

The South Platte River below Cheesman Dam is one of Colorado's most celebrated trout fisheries, and one of its most demanding. This Gold Medal tailwater runs through a granite canyon studded with ponderosa pines, holding brown and rainbow trout that have seen more flies than most fish in the state. If you can fool a Cheesman Canyon trout on a size 24 midge, you can catch fish anywhere.

The river flows roughly 60 miles southwest of Denver through Pike National Forest, passing through distinct sections that each fish differently. Cheesman Canyon is the crown jewel: a three-mile stretch of catch-and-release water where the trout are large, educated, and unforgiving of sloppy presentations. Downstream, the Deckers section offers slightly more accessible fishing with its own set of challenges and rewards.

This is not a river that rewards casual effort. Colorado Parks and Wildlife designates Cheesman Canyon as Gold Medal water, meaning it sustains a trout population of at least 60 pounds per acre, with a significant percentage of fish over 14 inches. The crystal-clear water, technical hatches, and pressured fish make this a graduate-level fishery. Come prepared, stay humble, and you will be rewarded.

Location and Access

Getting There

Cheesman Canyon and Deckers sit in the Pike National Forest, roughly an hour southwest of Denver and 55 minutes from Colorado Springs. From Denver, take US-285 south to Pine Junction, then CO-126 south through the forest. From Colorado Springs, take CO-67 northwest through Woodland Park to Deckers.

The road (CO-126/CO-67) is paved but narrow and winding. In winter, it can be icy, especially north of Deckers. Check road conditions before driving, particularly November through March.

Cheesman Canyon Access

The Cheesman Canyon trailhead sits on CO-126, about 5 miles upstream from Deckers. Parking fills early on weekends, often by 7 or 8am in summer. The trailhead parking lot is small, and overflow parking along the road shoulder is limited.

From the parking lot, it is a 1.5-mile hike down to the river. The trail splits into a high route and a low route, both reaching the water at different points along the roughly 5-mile fishable stretch. The trail is moderately steep with some rocky sections. It is not difficult, but it does add 30-45 minutes each way to your day, and you will feel it on the climb out at the end.

There is no vehicle access to the river in Cheesman Canyon. You are hiking in, so pack accordingly: bring water, lunch, and sun protection.

Deckers Access

The Deckers section is far easier to reach. Multiple pulloffs and access points line CO-67 through the Deckers area, including Deckers Bridge, Trumbull, and the Scraggy View picnic area. You can park and fish within minutes.

This convenience comes with a trade-off: Deckers gets crowded, especially on weekends and warm-weather days from May through October. Arrive early or fish midweek to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder casting.

Regulations

Regulations vary by section, and it is critical to know which water you are standing in.

Cheesman Canyon (Cheesman Dam downstream to upper boundary of Wigwam Club):

• Gold Medal water
• Catch-and-release only
• Artificial flies and lures only
• No bait

Deckers section (Wigwam Club downstream to Scraggy View):

• Gold Medal water
• Artificial flies and lures only
• Bag limit: 2 trout, 16-inch minimum

A valid Colorado fishing license is required, plus a Habitat Stamp ($12.76) for anglers 18-64. Check the current CPW South Platte regulations before each trip, as rules can change year to year.

Flow Windows

The South Platte below Cheesman Dam is a tailwater, meaning flows are controlled by releases from the reservoir. This gives it more consistent flows than freestone rivers, but release schedules can change with water demand and drought conditions.

Condition	CFS Range	What to Expect
Low/technical	60-100	Ultra-clear, spooky fish. Every footstep matters. Requires long leaders (12+ ft) and 6X-7X tippet.
Ideal wading/fishing	100-250	Sweet spot for most anglers. Good wading, fishable clarity, and active trout.
Good fishing, stronger flows	250-400	Historically ideal range. More forgiving presentations, fish spread out.
High but fishable	400-600	Wading gets tricky. Target edges and softer water. Bigger nymphs produce.
Caution	600+	Wading is hazardous in many spots. Fish from the bank or pick protected side channels.

In practice, recent years have seen drought-reduced flows, with the river often running 80-150 CFS rather than the 250-400 range that was historically normal. Low flows concentrate fish in deeper pools and make them pickier. Track conditions on RiverReports before you drive.

Key Sections

Cheesman Canyon

The canyon is the marquee section, and for good reason. Three miles of granite-walled canyon hold exceptional numbers of large, wild trout. CPW electrofishing surveys have documented 3,700 to 3,900 trout per mile, with fish up to 21 inches. The species mix runs about 70% brown trout and 30% rainbow trout in the lower canyon, shifting closer to 50/50 in the upper stretches.

The water is so clear you can often spot individual fish and sight-nymph to them. This is both the appeal and the challenge. These trout see dozens of anglers per week, and they will refuse anything that looks slightly off. Plan on fishing #20-26 patterns on 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet, with leaders 9-12 feet long.

Focus on seams, shelves, and transition points near undercut boulders. The fish hold in specific feeding lanes and will not move far for food. Your drift needs to be dead-on. Pat Dorsey, one of Colorado's most respected South Platte guides, notes that if you can catch fish in Cheesman Canyon, "you can fool fish anywhere in the world."

Deckers

The Deckers section runs from the Wigwam Club boundary downstream through the town of Deckers. It fishes differently than the canyon: more riffles and pocket water, slightly less technical, and a 2-fish bag limit (16-inch minimum) rather than catch-and-release.

Do not mistake "less technical" for easy. These fish are still pressured, and the Deckers stretch produces excellent nymphing, particularly in the deeper runs and along the edges of faster currents. The Trico hatch from late June through August is a highlight, with clouds of tiny mayflies bringing fish to the surface in the early morning.

Deckers also offers good streamer fishing in the deeper pools, especially during fall when brown trout become more aggressive ahead of the spawn.

Dream Stream and Eleven Mile Canyon

Upstream of Cheesman Reservoir, the Dream Stream (between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs) is legendary for large trout that migrate between the reservoirs. It fishes differently, more like a spring creek than a canyon tailwater, and is worth a side trip if you are in the area.

Eleven Mile Canyon, below Eleven Mile Dam heading downstream toward Lake George, offers scenic canyon fishing with good access from the road. Regulations and character differ from the Cheesman/Deckers sections, so check CPW rules for the South Platte for each stretch.

Hatches and Flies

The South Platte is a midge-and-mayfly river. If you are not comfortable fishing small patterns (#20 and below), this river will push you to learn.

Year-Round: Midges

Midges are the backbone of South Platte fishing. They hatch every month of the year, and on many winter days they are the only game in town.

Key patterns: Black Beauty (#22-26), Zebra Midge (#20-24), RS2 (#20-24), Griffith Gnat (#20-24), Miracle Midge (#20-24), Bling Midge (#20-22)

Spring and Fall: Baetis (BWOs)

Blue-winged olives are the second pillar of South Platte fishing. They hatch most reliably on overcast, drizzly days from March through May and again September through November.

Key patterns: Juju Baetis (#20-22), Stalcup's Baetis (#20-22), Barr's Emerger BWO (#20-22), Parachute BWO (#18-22), RS2 (#20-22)

Summer: Tricos, PMDs, Caddis, and Terrestrials

Summer opens up the menu. Trico hatches peak from late June through August, especially near Deckers. PMDs and caddis come off sporadically. By July, hopper-dropper rigs work well in the Deckers stretch.

Key patterns: Trico Spinner (#20-24), Pheasant Tail (#18-22), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Hopper patterns (#10-14), Copper John (#14-16)

Fall: Streamers and Spawn

Brown trout spawn in October and November, and the weeks before the spawn see aggressive streamer takes. This is the one time of year when you can size up to a #6 and strip something meaty through the deeper runs.

Key patterns: Woolly Bugger (#6-8), Poacher, Baby Gonga, Micro Eggs (#18), Blood Midges (#20)

Scud Note

Dorsey's UV Scud (#14-16) in olive is a year-round producer, particularly in the Deckers section where aquatic vegetation supports a healthy scud population. It is one of the few larger patterns that consistently works on this river.

Seasons

Winter (November-March)

Winter fishing on the South Platte is cold but rewarding. Fewer anglers, stable low flows, and consistent midge hatches make this a great time for those willing to brave temperatures that drop into the teens. The fish feed most actively between 10am and 3pm, when water temperatures climb a few degrees.

Dress in layers, bring hand warmers, and consider studded wading boots for icy streamside rocks. Ice shelf buildup can limit wading access, so plan to cover less water and work each run more thoroughly. The trailhead road to Cheesman Canyon can be snow-packed; check conditions before committing.

Spring (April-June)

Spring is transition time. Baetis hatches intensify through April and May, and water temperatures rise enough to expand the daily fishing window. Flows increase as snowmelt begins, though the dam buffers the South Platte from the dramatic runoff spikes that blow out freestone rivers.

By late May, expect rising flows and potentially off-color water. The window between ice-out and runoff (April through mid-May) can be outstanding. By late June, flows typically settle and summer patterns begin.

Summer (July-September)

Peak season. Trico hatches bring fish to the surface in the early morning near Deckers. PMDs and caddis offer midday action. Hopper-dropper rigs become viable by mid-July.

The trade-off: crowds. Deckers in particular gets hammered on summer weekends. Arrive early, fish midweek when possible, or hike deep into Cheesman Canyon to find less-pressured water.

Fall (September-November)

Many regulars consider fall the best time on the South Platte. Crowds thin after Labor Day, BWO hatches return, and brown trout begin staging for the spawn. Streamer fishing picks up in October, and the combination of fall foliage and fewer anglers makes for exceptional days on the water.

Water temperatures drop through October, so the active feeding window narrows. Plan to be on the water by 10am and fish through the afternoon warmth.

Gear and Tackle

Rod: A 9-foot 4-weight or 5-weight is the standard South Platte setup. Some anglers downsize to a 3-weight for dry fly work in the canyon.

Leader and tippet: Long leaders (9-12 feet) are essential in Cheesman Canyon. Taper down to 5X, 6X, or even 7X fluorocarbon tippet. The clear water and educated fish punish heavy tippet.

Line: Floating weight-forward line covers 90% of South Platte fishing.

Wading: Felt-sole wading boots grip best on the granite boulders, but check current Colorado regulations on felt soles (they have been debated due to invasive species concerns). A wading staff is smart insurance in the canyon, where the rocks are slick and the current deceptive.

Optics: Polarized sunglasses are not optional. Sight-fishing is a core technique here, and quality amber or copper lenses make a significant difference in spotting fish and reading structure.

Net: Rubber-mesh catch-and-release net. Required practice in Gold Medal water.

Hazards and Safety

Wading hazards: The granite boulders in Cheesman Canyon are slick, and the current can be stronger than it looks, especially at higher flows. Wade carefully, use a wading staff, and never cross water you are not confident about. A fall in January means a hypothermia emergency.

Wildlife: The canyon hosts mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, raccoons, and rattlesnakes. Store food properly, keep your distance from wildlife, and watch where you step during warmer months.

Sun and heat: The canyon walls trap heat in summer. Bring more water than you think you need, wear sun protection, and remember you have a 1.5-mile uphill hike back to the car.

Road conditions: CO-67 north of Deckers can be icy November through March. The road to the Cheesman Canyon trailhead may be snow-packed and impassable without four-wheel drive.

Crowding: Deckers gets genuinely crowded on summer weekends. Be courteous, give other anglers space, and do not wade through water someone else is fishing.

Where to Stay and Eat

Deckers itself is a tiny unincorporated community: a general store, Flies & Lies fly shop (which also rents cabins), and not much else. There are no restaurants, gas stations, or hotels in town.

Camping: Several Pike National Forest campgrounds line CO-67 near Deckers, including Lone Rock and Indian Creek. These are first-come, first-served during much of the year and fill fast on summer weekends.

Nearby towns:

• Woodland Park (30 min south): Full services, restaurants, grocery stores, and the South Platte Fly Shop
• Pine/Conifer (25 min north): A few restaurants and basic services
• Colorado Springs (55 min): Full city amenities, airport, the Angler's Covey fly shop at 295 S 21st Street

Pack food and water for the day. Streamside lunches are part of the South Platte experience.

Paddling and Floating

While the South Platte is primarily a wading fishery, the Deckers section does see kayakers, tubers, and paddleboarders, particularly in summer.

The signature feature is the Deckers Chutes, a Class II+/III- rapid where the river squeezes through large boulders. Outside the Chutes, the Deckers section is mostly Class II, suitable for experienced beginners in kayaks at flows around 400-600 CFS. The entrance into the main chute is the most technical move, requiring navigation around rocks to line up the correct route.

Cheesman Canyon is not floatable. The boulder-choked canyon, low flows, and lack of boat access make it exclusively a wading fishery.

Note for anglers: If you are wading during peak paddling season (July-August), expect occasional kayakers and tubers. Be aware of your surroundings and give right-of-way to boats moving downstream.

Guided Trips

If this is your first time on the South Platte, or if you want to level up your small-fly game, a guided trip is money well spent. The technical demands of this fishery mean that local knowledge about specific runs, current hatches, and seasonal patterns saves hours of frustration.

Several outfitters run guided trips on the Cheesman/Deckers sections:

• Colorado Trout Hunters specializes in the Deckers area with year-round guided trips
• Flies & Lies in Deckers offers full and half-day trips with local guides
• South Platte Fly Shop in Woodland Park runs trips on multiple South Platte sections
• Angler's Covey in Colorado Springs is Orvis-endorsed and one of two outfitters permitted to guide in Cheesman Canyon
• Mile High Angler guides on various sections including Cheesman and Deckers

Expect to pay $450-600 per day for 1-2 anglers. Book well in advance for summer dates, ideally by February or March.

Fish Population Data

CPW electrofishing surveys provide a snapshot of the fishery's health. During one survey of a 300-foot section, biologists collected an estimated 600-700 fish, including specimens up to 21 inches. Historical surveys have documented 3,700 to 3,900 trout per mile in the canyon, with the fishery peaking at around 5,500 fish per mile during its peak years.

The species breakdown shifts through the canyon. The lower stretches run roughly 70% brown trout and 30% rainbow trout. The upper canyon is closer to 50/50. Cutthroat trout and cutbow hybrids appear occasionally throughout.

The Hayman Fire in 2002 devastated parts of the watershed, and populations took years to recover. Pat Dorsey's reporting on the post-fire recovery documented the slow return of trout to pre-fire densities. The catch-and-release regulations in Cheesman Canyon have been critical to maintaining these numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to fly fish on the South Platte River?

Cheesman Canyon and Deckers are the two premier sections. Cheesman Canyon is catch-and-release only with technical midge and BWO fishing. Deckers offers slightly easier wading with good brown and rainbow trout populations.

Is the South Platte River stocked?

Cheesman Canyon is entirely wild trout — no stocking. Deckers receives limited supplemental stocking, but the majority of fish are wild browns and rainbows sustained by the tailwater conditions below Cheesman Dam.

What is the best flow for fishing the South Platte?

The ideal wading range is 100-250 CFS for most anglers. Below 100 CFS is ultra-technical, requiring long leaders and tiny flies. Above 400 CFS makes wading challenging. Check real-time flows on RiverReports before your trip.

Using RiverReports

Track South Platte River flows on RiverReports to plan your trips. The site shows real-time CFS data from gauges below Cheesman Dam and near Deckers, plus historical averages so you can see how current flows compare to typical conditions.

When to go based on flows:

• Below 100 CFS: Ultra-technical. Experienced anglers only. Long leaders, tiny flies, stealth approaches.
• 100-250 CFS: The sweet spot for most wading anglers. Good visibility, manageable current.
• 250-400 CFS: Historically ideal. Fish spread out, presentations slightly more forgiving.
• Above 400 CFS: Check flows carefully. Wading can be challenging. Target bank edges and softer pockets.

Bookmark the Cheesman Canyon gauge page and check flows the morning of your trip. Conditions on the South Platte can change when reservoir release schedules shift, and a flow that was perfect yesterday might be different today.