Flowing through Colorado’s stunning Front Range, the Cache la Poudre River is a rugged, scenic waterway known as Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River.

Cache la Poudre River Fly Fishing Report – August 6, 2025

Wild, Cold, and Full of Opportunity

The Cache la Poudre is in prime late-summer form—steady 185 CFS flows with clear water and cold temps that keep the trout feeding all day. While midday sun will slow surface action, mornings are producing steady takes on PMDs, caddis, and Tricos, with terrestrials playing a bigger role as August rolls on.

The canyon water is your friend right now—pocket water, riffles, and deep seams are stacked with fish. Dry-dropper rigs are the most versatile option, but a tight-line nymph approach will crush in faster runs. If you’re looking for a break from pressured metro rivers, the Poudre is worth the drive.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast

We break down August tactics for the Cache la Poudre—covering hatch timing, pocket-water strategies, and why ants and beetles are now top-tier players. If you fish the Poudre, don’t miss this one.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 185 CFS
• Water Temp: 56–60°F mid-morning
• Air Temp: 62–82°F
• Clarity: Clear
• Best Times: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – dusk
• Crowds: Light to moderate
• Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cache la Poudre Hatch Chart

Flies to Try – Cache la Poudre (August)

Nymphs

TDJ Sunken Trico 20–22 | Frenchie 18 | Pheasant Tail 18–20 | Hare’s Ear 16–18 | UV Midge (black) 20–22 | Juju Baetis 20–22 gray | Pat’s Rubber Legs 10–12 (early/late)

Pro Tip: In pocket water, a tungsten beaded Frenchie or Pat’s will get you down fast without loading the rig with split shot.

Dries

Parachute Adams 18–22 | CDC Biot Trico Spinner 20–22 | Amy’s Ant 14 | Black Beetle 16 | Elk Hair Caddis 14–16 | Sparkle Dun PMD 18–20

Pro Tip: Prospect shady banks with ants and beetles between hatch windows.

Streamers

Mini Bugger (olive or black) 10–12 | Thin Mint 10 | Sculpzilla olive 8–10

Streamer Note: Mornings and evenings are best—target undercut banks and deeper slots.

Tips for Fishing the Poudre

• Seasonal Tip: Focus on shaded pockets after 10 AM when the sun gets high.
• Dry Fly: Watch for Trico spinner falls from 7:30–9:00 AM.
• Nymphing: Two-fly rigs with a small tungsten anchor fly work best in faster water.
• Streamer Fishing: Low-light and cloud cover are your best friends here.

Access Points

Local Regulations

• Barbless hooks recommended
• Catch-and-release encouraged
• Be aware of recreational traffic in popular spots

FAQs – Cache la Poudre River Fly Fishing

Q: What’s the best rod setup?
A: A 9’ 4–5 weight for most applications, or a shorter 3-weight for pocket water.

Q: Is wet wading safe here in August?
A: Yes—flows and temps are perfect for wet wading right now.

Q: What’s the top fly this week?
A: Amy’s Ant along shaded banks or a CDC Trico Spinner early.

Q: Can you fish it all day?
A: Yes, but midday surface action slows. Switch to nymphs or small streamers.

Q: How bad are the crowds?
A: Light to moderate—weekdays are best.

Q: Is the upper canyon worth it?
A: Absolutely. Fewer people and great small-water action.

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