A group of us when into Cheesman Canyon last week and the canyon was true to form. On a cold overcast and gusty day we caught fish and we had to work for every one. Eggs, midges and black RS2's were the menu of the day. It seemed as if most of the fish were hiding and the fish were did find were not overly interested in feeding. It took a perfect drift and the right bug to close the deal.
It is these kind of days that make us respect Cheesman more than any other fishery in the state and with the exception of the Rail Road Ranch on the Henry's Fork maybe more than any other river in the Rockies. Cheesman will test your nymphing skill at the hightest level. The fish are plentiful but they are not pushovers. Fishing and guiding for many years tends to make you expect that you can catch fish anywhere in any conditions. The reason all of our guides must pass a test in the canyon is because even the best anglers and guides are challenged in Cheesman to be better, pay more attention and maintain an unwavering faith throughout the course of a day that you will be able to figure it out.
mattieb