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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 17, 2026
The Cache la Poudre River in February is classic Front Range freestone water. Lower winter flows shrink the river into tight canyon pockets, slower seams, and deeper slots that hold trout if you fish deliberately.
If you are checking this Cache la Poudre fly fishing report expecting easy winter numbers, slow down. The Poudre rewards short drifts, clean depth control, and patience. Midday warming improves activity, but structure is the real key right now.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Cache la Poudre Conditions
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Flow: 115 CFS. Low winter freestone flow concentrating trout into pocket water and defined canyon seams.
Water Temperature: 35 °F
Air Temperature: 40 °F
Wind: 4 to 11 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Productive winter canyon fishing with focused pocket structur
Weather
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge black 18 to 22: Fish deep in tight canyon pockets.
- Black Beauty 18 to 22: Drift tight to bottom in slower seams.
- RS2 gray 18 to 20: Fish slightly above bottom in softer lanes.
- Thread Frenchie 16 to 18: Productive in transition water.
- Copper John red 16: Fish deeper slots with moderate weight.
Secondary Hatch: Winter Stoneflies
- Small Stonefly Nymph 14 to 16: Drift behind boulders and structure.
- Pat’s Rubber Legs black 12 to 14: Fish deeper canyon slots.
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18: Fish inside seams.
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech olive 10 to 12: Strip slowly through deeper pools.
- Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10: Fish near undercut banks midday.
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 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Small stoneflies | 12 to 16 | Common in canyon pocket water |
| Baetis | 18 to 20 | Occasional mild afternoon activity |
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.
Gateway Natural Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Reliable depth transitions and pocket lanes.
Lower Canyon Near Fort Collins | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Broader water requiring careful depth control.
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
