Fly Fishing Cheesman Canyon and Deckers on the South Platte River
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Brown trout from
Cheesman Canyon
Bald Eagles also frequent
Colorado's South Platte River in
search of a fresh trout dinner.
More Colorado Fly Fishing destinations.
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Great fly fishing is not the only
Denver attraction. Anglers also
have the opportunity to view
diverse wildlife around Deckers.
A fly fisherman probes a deep pool in Cheesman Canyon in search of a trophy trout.
The South Platte River Cheesman Canyon and Deckers Area:
This tailwater section of the South Platte River starts below Cheesman Reservoir and is
one of the most fabled stretches of western trout water. Located about one hour
southwest of Denver Colorado, and also close to Colorado Springs, this classic trout
one of the most fabled stretches of western trout water. Located about one hour
summer of 2002 saw extreme drought followed by the infamous Haymen fire that burned
southwest of Denver Colorado, and also close to Colorado Springs, this classic trout
thousands of acres in the South Platte River Basin drainage. The river ran black from
water is quickly returning to its former glory as a premier fly fishing destination. The ash
for weeks, then to add insult to injury, the following spring, flash floods choked the river
with soot and debris, while fish kills measured in the thousands. Cheesman Canyon
(accessed by the Gill Trail) was not affected as much as the lower river, although it was
affected to some extent. Today the ash and mud have been replaced by sand and
decomposed granite, which is, coincidentally, also prime trout spawning habitat. Public
and private stocking programs have supplemented residual fish stocks, and the trout
are looking very healthy. Fishing in the Canyon is now as good as ever, and the lower
South Platte River (below Deckers) is improving faster than many thought! The hatches
are great, and although the average fish is smaller than before, I would encourage
anyone to come give this fabled section of river a second chance. You might just be
surprised by this classic trout fishery so close to Denver!
Have one of our talented guides give you a fly fishing trip or lesson around the Deckers
area and rediscover a great natural resource easily accessible from Colorado Springs
and Denver!

Looking for some fun things to do in
Denver? Get outside and give fly
fishing, at nearby Deckers a try.
Fly fishing Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte River in Colorado
Beautiful rainbow trout caught fly fishing near Deckers on the South Platte