Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Sedalia, Colorado
Sedalia sits at the northern edge of the Pike National Forest, putting anglers within a short drive of some genuinely varied water.
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Sedalia sits at the northern edge of the Pike National Forest, putting anglers within a short drive of some genuinely varied water. The South Platte River corridor is the main draw, with Cheesman Canyon offering demanding fly fishing at 6,800 feet for brown trout and rainbow trout in tight, technical runs that reward experienced casters. Downstream access points like South Platte River #13A, Meadows Group Campground, and Lone Rock Campground give you more casual river fishing without the canyon's steep approach. If you prefer still water, Wellington Lake and Cheesman Lake are the two main lake options in the area, while Clay Creek Pond is a smaller, lower-pressure spot worth knowing about. The mix of river and lake fishing means you can put together a multi-day trip without repeating yourself, and campgrounds like Indian Creek Equestrian Campground and Lone Rock keep you close to the water. That said, this stretch of the South Platte gets real pressure on weekends, especially in summer, so timing and access planning matter more here than in more remote Colorado drainages.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do you need to fish Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte?
Cheesman Canyon is rated expert difficulty. The canyon walls are steep, wading is technical, and the fish are heavily pressured and selective. If you're still building your fly fishing skills, the more open river access points like South Platte River #13A or Meadows Group Campground are better starting places before you commit to the canyon.
What species can I expect to catch near Sedalia?
Brown trout and rainbow trout are the documented species in the Cheesman Canyon section of the South Platte River. The lake and pond listings — Wellington Lake, Cheesman Lake, and Clay Creek Pond — don't specify species in the available data, so check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current stocking information on those waters before you go.
When is the best time of day to fish the South Platte in this area?
Early morning before other anglers arrive is consistently productive on this stretch, which sees significant weekend pressure. On warm summer days, fish tend to move into faster, oxygenated water by midday, so early starts and late evenings are your best windows. In fall, midday can actually fish well as water temperatures rise into a comfortable range for trout activity.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license, and are there special regulations on this stretch of the South Platte?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required. The South Platte through Cheesman Canyon has historically carried special regulations including flies-and-lures-only and catch-and-release or slot-limit rules, but regulations can change season to season. Always verify the current rules directly with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip rather than relying on what applied the previous year.
Can I camp close to the fishing access points near Sedalia?
Yes. Meadows Group Campground, Lone Rock Campground, and Indian Creek Equestrian Campground all appear in the same access corridor as the river fishing listings, putting you within easy walking or driving distance of the water. Lone Rock in particular is a popular base for South Platte anglers. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends, as these sites fill up.
