Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report Near Fort Collins Colorado: Winter Conditions, Flows, and Tactics

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

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.

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Conditions Summary

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 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

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

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