Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report – Tactical Hatches, Dry-Fly Delight & Canyon Secrets

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 Fly Fishing Report – July 9, 2025

The Poudre is hovering in that sweet post-runoff window where it’s clear enough to sight fish but still lively enough to keep trout hooked. With water levels dropping from peak and morning clarity on lockdown, this wild-and-scenic canyon is serving up hungry browns, rainbows, and cutbows right to your feet—if you sneak in before the weekend floaters take over.

Forget generic “good fishing” blurbs. We’re diving into morning calm zones, midday dry-dropper tactics, and canyon-held structure you won’t see on any guide-shop posts. Prepare for tight drifts, smaller tippet, and bug timing that’ll make your reel sing.

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Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 400–450 CFS at Canyon Mouth, 177 CFS through Fort Collins
• Water Temp: 48–54°F
• Air Temp: High 70s–mid‑80s°F
• Clarity: Clear in mornings, slightly stained afternoons
• Best Times: 6:30–11 AM & after 6:30 PM
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate — steeper in canyon, busy downstream
• Wind: Light AM breeze, occasional midday gusts

River Flow Chart

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Source: Colorado DWR & USGS

Poudre Hatch Chart (June, May, April)

Top 3 Flies for the Month

• Dry Fly: Yellow Sally (#14–16) – fish seams and foam lines from bridge shadows to canyon pools
• Nymph: PMD emerger (#18–20) – pair with stonefly or worm dropper in deep seams
• Streamer: Olive Sparkle Minnow (#10–12) – slow strips near undercut banks in low light

Tips Fly Fishing the Poudre

• Seasonal Tip: Water is cooling fast—fish are moving into post-runoff patterns. Focus morning sessions in calm, clear stretches.
• Dry Fly: Afternoon foam lines are gold. Circlecast into slicks and let fat dries ride downstream.
• Nymphing: Go short and tight with a dry-dropper rig. Heavy emerger plus stonefly offers serious bite variety.
• Streamer Fishing: Best under cloud or early/late light. Work twitch-pause retrieves along shelves.

Access Points

1. Canyon Mouth

• Description: Steep canyon entrance with glass-clear morning water
• Why Fish: High concentration of rising trout before cleanup crews arrive
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Big South Bridge Pullout

• Description: Classic riffle-pool combo with structure on both sides
• Why Fish: Midday clarity holds; perfect for dry-dropper rigs
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

3. Narrows Campground

• Description: Short walk through trees to pocket water and tailouts
• Why Fish: Low crowd pressure, especially after 6 pm
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔥 Hot Spots

• Under No Name Bridge: Pocket water and current seams – PMDs trigger hungry takes
• Foothill Shelf by Big South: Perfect dry-dropper terrain with stonefly dropper options
• Lower Canyon Tailouts: Ambush point for streamer anglers during low light windows

Local Regulations & Landowner Notes

• Standard CO regs apply – artificial flies only, catch & release in special zones
• Canyon sections remain wild – no livestock trespass, stay below high-water mark
• River access along Hwy 14 – respect private driveways and posted signs

FAQ on the Poudre

Q: Is tubing an issue?
A: Yes  especially after noon. Hit the canyon early or head upstream.

Q: Should I drop tippet size?
A: Yes 4×–5× is ideal. Low water and clear conditions call for finesse.

Q: Are stoneflies still around?
A: Golden Stones are peaking, especially near bridge riffles between June and early July.

Q: Can I sight fish here?
A: Absolutely clear water makes it possible, but you’ll need stealth and precise drifts.

Q: Is camping allowed near river?
A: Yes, in Forest Service campgrounds like Narrows and Rist Canyon. Seasonal showers common.