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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. Beginning high in the Rockies, the river carves its way down through Poudre Canyon, offering anglers a variety of water types—from pocket water and riffles to deep pools and runs. Home to wild brown and rainbow trout, the Cache la Poudre attracts fly fishers of all skill levels. With accessible stretches near Fort Collins, the Poudre provides the rare experience of fishing in a pristine, natural environment just minutes from town.
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Cache la Poudre River Fishing Report – November 2024
November brings a quiet charm to the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. As temperatures drop, flows hold steady at around 80-100 CFS, making the river perfect for wading and stealthy approaches. The water is crystal clear, giving anglers excellent visibility and making it prime for sight fishing. While hatches have slowed, midges and Blue Wing Olives are still on the menu, keeping the trout active during the warmer midday hours.
This stretch is known for wild browns and rainbows, especially in the canyon, with pocket water, riffles, and deeper runs that offer a variety of fishing styles. Anglers focusing on nymphing will find success, while those casting small dries in calm pools might be rewarded with a few eager risers. Streamer fishing is also productive, especially in the morning and late afternoon, drawing out the bigger fish from deeper pools.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 40-80 CFS
- Water Temperature: 38-42°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
River Flow Chart
Source: Colorado Division of Natural Resources River Flow Station Report
Cache la Poudre River Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| March | Midges, Baetis (BWO) | Zebra Midges (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) |
| April | Midges, Baetis, Caddis | Black Beauty (#18-22), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18) |
| May | Baetis, Caddis, Stoneflies | Blue Wing Olive (#18-20), Pheasant Tail (#16-18) |
| June | Caddis, Stoneflies | Elk Hair Caddis (#16), Golden Stonefly (#8-12) |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Yellow Sally (#14-16), PMD Emerger (#18-20) |
| August | Tricos, Caddis, Terrestrials | Trico Spinner (#22-24), Parachute Hopper (#10-12) |
| September | BWOs, Midges, Caddis | BWO Parachute (#18-22), Black Ant (#18-20) |
| October | BWOs, Midges | Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
| November | BWOs, Midges | BWO Emerger (#18-22), Black Beauty (#20-24) |
| December - February | Midges | Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24), WD-40 (#18-22) |
Top 3 Flies for the Week
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- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) – Perfect for those midday hatches in calm waters.
- Nymph: Pheasant Tail (#16-18) – A reliable option in deeper runs and riffles.
- Streamer: Black Woolly Bugger (#8-10) – Great for early morning and late afternoon, targeting larger trout.
Tips Fly Fishing on the Cache la Poudre River
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Seasonal Tip
November fishing rewards patience and subtlety. Stick to midday for the warmest activity levels, and use a stealthy approach to avoid spooking trout in clear water.
Dry Fly
Focus on late-morning BWOs. Smaller dries in slow-moving pools and tailouts can bring trout to the surface when they’re least expecting it.
Nymphing
A nymph rig with a Pheasant Tail and Zebra Midge is effective in riffles and runs. Use light tippet and present flies gently, especially in the clearer stretches.
Streamer Fishing
Early morning or late afternoon streamer fishing with a Black Woolly Bugger can tempt the bigger trout from deeper water. Try slow retrieves near structure for the best results.
Access Points
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Gateway Natural Area
- Description: Close to Fort Collins, with easy access and varied water types.
- Why Fish Here: Convenient access with riffles, deep pools, and plenty of trout activity.
- Location: North of Fort Collins, CO. Google Maps Link
- Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Poudre Canyon – Picnic Rock
- Description: Scenic spot with ample parking and access to good runs and pools.
- Why Fish Here: Known for beautiful views and a mix of riffles and deeper sections, ideal for nymphing and dries.
- Location: Along Poudre Canyon Road.
- Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Upper Mishawaka
- Description: A quieter stretch with pocket water and runs.
- Why Fish Here: Great for nymphing, with fewer anglers and a variety of water types.
- Location: Further up Poudre Canyon.
- Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
As a Wild and Scenic River, the Cache la Poudre is highly protected, with catch-and-release strongly encouraged along most sections. Use barbless hooks, respect private property boundaries, and only fish at designated access points. Remember to carry a valid Colorado fishing license and observe any local rules posted to preserve the river’s natural beauty and fish population.
