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The Cache la Poudre River offers some of the most rugged fly fishing near Fort Collins, and winter pushes it into a lean, honest freestone fishery. Flowing out of the Front Range foothills, the Poudre runs cold, fast, and clear this time of year, rewarding anglers who focus on structure, depth, and timing. If you are looking for true Colorado fly fishing without tailwater crowds, Cache la Poudre fly fishing remains a solid winter option when conditions line up.
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Updated: January 19, 2026
The Cache la Poudre is locked into a stable winter pattern. Flows are low and consistent, water clarity is high, and trout are holding tight to structure and softer current. Ice is present in shaded canyon stretches early in the day, while open runs and deeper slots remain fishable through midday.
Feeding activity remains subtle and compressed into short windows, with the most consistent action occurring during calm, sunny periods.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low, steady winter flows
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings with brief midday warming
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Light overall, very light midweek
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with precise depth control
Weather
Expect hard overnight freezes throughout the canyon with slow warming late morning. Calm, sunny days fish noticeably better than windy or overcast conditions. Snowmelt influence is minimal in winter, keeping flows predictable but unforgiving.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Mercury Midge 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 24
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 24
- WD-40 20 to 24
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Stonefly Nymph (black or brown) 12 to 16
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Poudre Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn indicator or tight-line presentation
- Lead Fly: Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Weight: Light and adjustable, just enough to tick bottom
- Target Water: Soft inside bends, tailouts below riffles, and deep slots along canyon walls
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Limited activity on warmer afternoons |
| Stonefly nymphs | 14 to 18 | Useful as anchor patterns |
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
After a cold session, warm up at The Mishawaka 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
Is the Cache la Poudre Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Poudre offers reliable winter trout fishing with very light pressure. Feeding windows are short, but trout position predictably in classic freestone winter water.
How Does the Poudre Compare to Clear Creek?
The Poudre is larger, less pressured, and more forgiving. Clear Creek is tighter and more technical, while the Poudre offers more room to read water and adjust.
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