Trouts Fly Fishing

Reporter: Cody Hoeckelberg

Flow Conditions:

Water Clarity: clear

Current Fishing Conditions:

If you're looking for a challenging, but rewarding day on the water, look to Cheesman Canyon.  The infamous and picturesque landscape of this famed stream will undoubtedly produce a memorable day.  The fishing will put your angling skills to the test, but the pay off can be great!

With flows below 100 cfs you will have to work hard for your fish, and STEALTH IS KEY! By the time you see the fish he has probably already seen you, working upstream will be the ticket and wear neutral colors. On the bright side it makes for some execellent sight fishing oppurtunities in the canyon. If you hike in from the bottom lot start trekking towards the dam and go past the Narrows to find solitude and fish that dont get bothered as much as the lower canyon. The Midges, and Baetis will be the main hatches but Nymphing a Golden Stonefly as a point fly with a Barrs BWO Merger as your second bug will surely produce fish.  With the flows as low as they are Dry-Dropper Rigs will be your best option for having the most delicate presentation to the weary Cheesman fish.

Avoid fishing during the heat of the day! With low flows the fish of Cheesman Canyon are very stressed and can easily go belly up if not properly taken care of. Just because the trout swims of on his own doesnt mean that he wont get into a current and be to exhausted to stay right side up! Practice good ethics, be a good sportsmen.

 

Nymphs:  Eggs, Scuds, Worms, Barrs Emerger 20-22, Mercury Midge 18-22, Pheasant Tail 18-24, Bling Midge 18-22, Capt'n Hook 20-22, Cheesman Emerger 20-22, Mercury Baetis 20-22

Dries:  Parachute Adams 20-22, Brooks Sprout Midge 20-24, Adult Midge 18-24

Streamers:  Slump Buster, Wooly Bugger, GB Bouface, Sculpzilla

Seasonal Overview:

Fishing in Cheesman Canyon will be heavily influenced on river levels for the coming weeks.  Anything above 100 cfs will produce good fishing conditions, while sub 100 cfs flows are going to consolodate the fish and make them a bit spooky.  Be watching for big jumps in river flows, as these can be IDEAL times to be in the canyon.  Lastly, be watching for sustained warmer weather as this will bring the bugs to life, and the fish as well.

Current Hatches: BWO's, Baetis, Midges, Eggs, Worms, Scuds

Recommended Flies

Dries: Parachute Adams 16-22, Parachute BWO 16-22, Griffiths Gnat 16-22, Tailwater Humpy 16-20, Gulper Special 18-20 Nymphs: Eggs, Worms, Scuds, Barrs Emerger 18-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, Biot Mayfly Emerger 18-20, RS2 18-22, Bling Midge 20-22 Streamers: Slump Buster, Sculpzilla, Crystal Bugger, Sculpin Leach, Marabou Leach, Clousabou

Tips & Tricks

Try fishing the middle and upper canyon.  These sections get a lot less preasure and can produce some great fishing on the right day.

Recommended Products:

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