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The Cache la Poudre River is one of the most honest winter freestones in northern Colorado. Cold, clear water, natural flows, and minimal pressure reward anglers who understand winter structure and timing. This is true Poudre River winter fly fishing: quiet canyons, classic pocket water, and trout that feed only when conditions allow.
Updated: December 18, 2025
The Cache la Poudre River through Poudre Canyon is settled into a stable winter freestone pattern. Flows are low for the season, clarity is high, and trout are holding in deep pockets, slow inside seams, and winter troughs where current softens. Feeding windows are short but predictable, especially on calm sunny days when the canyon warms briefly.
This week’s Poudre River fly fishing report emphasizes water selection over fly rotation. Midges dominate the food supply, with occasional Baetis nymphs active during mild afternoons. The Poudre rewards anglers who move efficiently, fish the best water, and avoid fast broken current that forces trout to expend energy.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter freestone flow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: High 20s to upper 30s during the day
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Very light in winter
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter freestone nymphing with short controlled drifts
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Weather
Fort Collins Colorado Weather
Cold mornings dominate the canyon, with brief midday warming when sunlight reaches the river. Calm days fish best. Wind and snow events can shorten feeding windows but often improve fishing once flows settle.
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 pinch-on indicator
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: One small split shot placed close to the flies
- Target Water: Deep pockets, pocket tails, and slow winter seams
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Short activity on mild afternoons |
| Leeches | 10 to 14 | Effective in deeper winter pockets |
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
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
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