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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: Feb 10, 2026
The Poudre in winter feels big, cold, and quiet in a way Front Range creeks never do. Freestone flows drop, structure sharpens, and trout settle into deeper canyon bends and protected seams that hold heat and food. It looks intimidating, but the river becomes very honest if you read it correctly.
This is not water to fish fast or shallow. Skip wide riffles and focus on depth created by boulders, canyon walls, and inside bends. When the sun reaches the river late morning, trout feed deliberately and briefly. Pick the right run and fish it thoroughly. Move too fast and you miss the only real window of the day.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Cache la Poudre Conditions
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Flow: 95 CFS. Typical winter freestone flows compress trout into deep canyon seams and inside bends.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 38 °F
Wind: 6 to 14 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Quiet winter fishing with strong structure driven opportunities
Weather
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
Fish deep through canyon seams and tailouts. - Black Beauty 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom behind boulders. - Thread Frenchie 18 to 20
Subtle profile for clear freestone water. - RS2 gray 18 to 22
Effective when fish suspend slightly. - Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift through soft inside edges.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Small Pat’s Rubber Legs black 12 to 14
Drift tight to canyon walls and banks. - Stonefly Nymph brown or black 12 to 14
Fish slow through deeper runs. - Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Use when trout respond to light flash.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12
Slow strip through deeper pools. - Sculpzilla olive or tan 8 to 10
Swing slowly along canyon edges.
Pro Rig of the Week: Poudre Winter Freestone 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
Cache la Poudre Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Winter stoneflies | 12 to 16 | Present near banks midday |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Occasional on warmer days |
Access Points – Cache la Poudre
Lower Canyon Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Deep seams and reliable winter holding water.
Picnic Rock Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Defined canyon bends with depth.
Mishawaka Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Protected edges that fish well midday.
Upper Canyon Pull Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Less pressure with technical structure.
Narrows Section | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Fast water with limited winter holds.
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
