---
title: Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report 12/18/25
description: Updated Cache la Poudre fly fishing report near Fort Collins Colorado with winter flows, clarity, weather, best flies, access points, and cold-season trout strategy.
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---

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# Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report 12/18/25

- December 18, 2025

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

 

A cold, clear winter canyon where trout stack in deep troughs and feed lightly during short midday windows.

![Poudre River Fly Fishing Report near Fort Collins Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spring%202025%20River%20Report%20Banners/Poudre%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20near%20Fort%20Collins%20Colorado.png?width=1000&height=563&name=Poudre%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20near%20Fort%20Collins%20Colorado.png)

Updated: December 15, 2025

The **Cache la Poudre River** is firmly in winter mode from the lower canyon through the upper stretches. Cold overnight temperatures push trout into deeper slots, tailouts, and slower walking-speed lanes where they can conserve energy. Midday warmth remains the key trigger, and most consistent action happens when the sun reaches the canyon floor.

This week’s update for **Poudre River fly fishing** emphasizes depth and restraint. Midges dominate the food supply, with baetis nymphs showing up sporadically during mild afternoons. Skip fast shallow riffles and focus on deeper canyon runs, pocket tails, and inside seams where fish are stacked tight.

#### Listen to the Audio Overview

Catching\_Cache\_la\_Poudre\_Winter\_Trout

4:21

 

---

## Conditions Summary

![rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 2 trout. So challenging fishing conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(4).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(4).png)

**Flow:** Low to moderate winter freestone flow  
**Water Temperature:** Low to mid 30s  
**Air Temperature:** High 30s to low 40s during the day, colder mornings  
**Clarity:** Clear  
**Crowds:** Very light in winter, occasional hikers near pullouts  
**Best Window:** 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  
**Fishing Type Focus:** **Winter freestone nymphing** with small midges and controlled drifts

---

### Weather

[FORT COLLINS WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/40d59n105d08/fort-collins/?unit=us)

 

Fort Collins Colorado Weather

Cold mornings give way to brief midday warmth, especially on calm sunny days. Light cloud cover can extend midge activity slightly. Wind funnels through the canyon at times and can shorten feeding windows quickly.

---

## Top Flies in Your Box This Week

- **Black Beauty** 20 to 24
- **Zebra Midge** (black or red) 20 to 22
- **Mercury Midge** 20 to 22
- **RS2** (black or gray) 20 to 22
- **WD-40** 20 to 22
- **Juju Baetis** 18 to 22
- **Small Pheasant Tail** 18 to 20
- **Mini Leech** (black or olive) 12 to 14

> #### Pro Rig of the Week: Poudre Winter Seam Rig

- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: **Small Pheasant Tail** 18 to 20 or **RS2** 20
- Dropper: **Black Beauty** or **Zebra Midge** 20 to 22
- Weight: One small to medium split shot adjusted to depth
- Target Water: Deep canyon seams, pocket tails, and slow winter runs

 

---

## Hatch Chart for December

| Hatch Type | Size | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Midges | 20 to 26 | The primary winter food source; modest midday activity. |
| Baetis | 20 to 22 | Rare but possible on bright afternoons. |
| Winter Stones | 14 to 16 | Low activity; mostly a nymph attractor. |

 

---

## Access Points

- **Gateway Natural Area** ⭐⭐⭐⭐  
  Deep holding water; steady winter structure with excellent troughs.
- **Lower Mishawaka Area Pullouts** ⭐⭐⭐  
  Shaded in winter but holds depth and consistent slow water.
- **Sportsman’s Corridor Pullouts** ⭐⭐⭐⭐  
  Multiple deep bends; very light pressure in December.
- **Poudre Canyon Road Mile 107 to 110** ⭐⭐⭐  
  Mixed pocket water transitioning to deeper shelves.
- **Upper Canyon Bends Near Picnic Rock** ⭐⭐⭐⭐  
  Good winter depth with reliable greenwater seams.

---

## **Stop Here After the River**

**![Photo](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOBGodI5vafsiEbmpapKmJdglmHjbYFpONeYoln=s1360-w1360-h1020-rw)**

After a cold session, warm up at [**The Mishawaka**](https://www.themishawaka.com/)in the canyon. Grab a burger, a seat by the fire, and a local IPA while you watch the light fade over the river. It’s the best way to thaw out and swap stories with whoever else was crazy enough to fish in November.

---

## Local Regulations and Notes

- Ice shelves vary by day; avoid stepping on thin edge ice.
- Respect canyon closures and roadside safety restrictions.
- Standard trout regulations apply throughout most canyon segments.
- Flows can shift slightly after warm spells; always check before heading out.

---

## FAQ

**Q: Is the Cache la Poudre worth fishing in winter?**  
A: Yes. Clear water, low pressure, and predictable trout positioning make it a solid winter freestone option.

**Q: How technical is winter fishing here?**  
A: Moderately technical. Depth control and water selection matter more than fly choice.

**Q: Are dry flies an option right now?**  
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate winter success.

**Q: What rod setup works best on the Poudre in winter?**  
A: A 4 or 5 weight with a balanced leader for freestone nymphing.

**Q: Does wind affect the canyon much?**  
A: Yes. Canyon wind can shorten feeding windows quickly.

**Q: When does the bite shut down?**  
A: Typically once shadows cover the river, often by mid-afternoon.

---

> ## Companion Article for This Month
> 
> [Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado: The Only December Guide You Need](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-west-slope-fly-fishing)

 

 

 

 

 

 Blog Post

## Related Articles

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### [Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report Poudre Canyon 12/10/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-poudre-canyon-12/10/25)

 December 10, 2025

 A cold, clear winter canyon where trout stack in deep troughs and feed lightly during short midday windows.

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-poudre-canyon-12/10/25)

[![View of Cache la Poudre River winding through Poudre Canyon with golden autumn foliage and clear waters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Poudre%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20near%20Fort%20Collins%20Colorado%20.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-12/31/25)

[River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Colorado Front Range](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-front-range), [Cache la Poudre River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/cache-la-poudre-river), [Fly Fishing near Fort Collins](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/fly-fishing-near-fort-collins), [Most Popular](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/most-popular)

### [Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report 12/31/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-12/31/25)

 December 31, 2025

 The Cache la Poudre River is one of the most honest winter freestones in northern Colorado. Cold, clear water, natural...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-12/31/25)

[![View of Cache la Poudre River winding through Poudre Canyon with golden autumn foliage and clear waters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Poudre%20River%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20near%20Fort%20Collins%20Colorado%20.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-1/6/25)

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### [Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report 1/6/25](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-1/6/25)

 January 6, 2026

 The Cache la Poudre River offers some of the most rugged fly fishing near Fort Collins, and winter pushes it into a...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-fly-fishing-report-1/6/25)

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