Cheesman Canyon Fly Report (Sept 29, 2025) – Trico Spinners & Technical Trout

Cheesman Canyon is sitting at 153 CFS, crystal-clear, and every trout in the canyon has its PhD in fly inspection. If you like technical sight-fishing and long drifts, this is your fall classroom. Tricos are still running the show in the mornings, while BWOs wake up when the clouds roll in. Midges remain steady, and the canyon’s picky browns are more than happy to test your patience.

 

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Cheesman Canyon Dispatch

• Flow Rate: 153 CFS — prime for wading and sight-fishing
• Water Temp: Mid–50s°F, safe for full-day sessions
• Air Temp: 40s–70s°F this week
• Clarity: Clear — fish see everything, including you
• Best Times: 7–11 AM (Trico spinner falls), cloudy afternoons for BWOs
• Crowds: Medium — popular pull-offs fill quickly
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — challenging but rewarding

Notes: Tricos drive the early bite, with BWOs rewarding anglers when clouds settle in.

 

 

 

Nymphs / Emergers

• RS2 (Sparkle Wing, gray/olive, #20–22)
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20–22)
• JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (#18–20)
• Zebra Midge (#22–24, black/silver)
• Duracell Jig (#16–18, copper/black)

Dries

• CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24)
• Parachute Adams (#20–22)
• Film Critic BWO (#20–22)
• Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24)

Streamers

• Mini Leech (black/olive, #12)
• Slump Buster (natural, #10)
• Baby Gonga (olive/brown, #8)

 

• Morning: Trico spinners over slicks and foam lines. Match with CDC spinners or trail emergers.
• Midday: Nymph small baetis and midges with stealthy tightline rigs.
• Afternoon: Clouds = BWO dry fly window. Use Parachute BWO or Film Critic.
• All Day: Carry a Mini Leech or Baby Gonga for shadowed pools.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet are a must.

• Cheesman Canyon Trailheads: Most pressured but consistent.
• Mid-Canyon Runs: Technical pocket water with sight-fishing opportunities.
• Downstream Meadows: Long glides for Trico spinner falls.

1. Q: Are flows stable right now?
   A: Yes, sitting steady around 153 CFS.
2. Q: What’s the fly of the week?
   A: Sparkle Wing RS2 (#20–22).
3. Q: Best time of day to fish?
   A: Early morning and cloudy afternoons.
4. Q: Is Cheesman beginner-friendly?
   A: Not really — this is a technical, stealth-heavy fishery.
5. Q: Do streamers work here?
   A: Yes, small leeches in low light can move fish.
6. Q: How’s the hike in?
   A: Moderate; expect 30–45 minutes of trail walking.
7. Q: What rod setup works best?
   A: 9’ 4–5 wt with long leaders and 6X–7X tippet.
8. Q: Are crowds heavy?
   A: Medium — arrive early to beat the pressure.