Cache la Poudre River Fly Fishing Report – October Conditions, Hatches & Top Flies Oct 9th

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.

The Poudre in October feels like Colorado’s polite reminder that not all good things require a 4-hour drive. The air smells like pine and frost, the leaves crunch underfoot, and wild trout wait just upstream — suspicious, but still willing to listen if you say the right thing with your tippet.

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Conditions at a Glance

• Flow: 70–90 CFS ⬇ (low and stable)
• Water Temp: 46–50°F ⬇
• Air Temp: 30–65°F
• Clarity: Clear to slightly tannic in shaded canyons
• Pressure: Light (locals only midweek)
• Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
• Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
• Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Streamer Score: ⭐⭐

With flows dropping and water crystal clear, the Poudre is in its quiet, technical phase. Trout are tucking into seams and deeper slots, feeding predictably on mid-day BWOs and midges. Expect slow mornings, a strong 11–2 window, and spooky fish that demand perfect drifts.

Hatch Summary – October

• Blue-Winged Olives (BWO): #20–22; strong 11 AM–2 PM window; fish emergers or soft hackles.
• Midges: #22–26; all day; olive and black are most consistent.
• Caddis: #18; fading but possible on warm afternoons in lower canyon.
• Tricos: #22–24; rare, but still appear early on calm, sunny days.

Top Flies & Rigs for the Month

Dry Flies

1. Hi-Vis BWO Parachute (#20–22):
   Rig: Single dry or dry-dropper with RS2 dropper on 6X tippet.
   How to Fish: Dead drift mid-day during hatch; use short, precise casts to avoid lining fish.
2. Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24):
   Rig: Single fly with light leader.
   How to Fish: Target slower slicks when midges are popping; watch for subtle sips.
3. Parachute Adams (#20):
   Rig: Indicator dry with small RS2 or Zebra Midge dropper.
   How to Fish: Great in transition water when fish feed mid-column.

Nymphs

1. RS2 (Gray or Olive #22):
   Rig: Dropper fly under a small BWO dry or light indicator; 12–18” between flies.
   How to Fish: Mid-column in riffles and tailouts; let it swing naturally at the end of the drift.
2. Zebra Midge (Black/Silver #22–24):
   Rig: Trail behind RS2 or WD-40.
   How to Fish: Focus on seams and slower pools during mid-day lull.
3. Pheasant Tail (#18–20):
   Rig: Anchor fly in a two-fly nymph rig.
   How to Fish: Tick bottom occasionally, especially in faster canyon water.

Streamer

Mini Leech (Olive or Black #12–14):
Rig: 4X tippet, no indicator.
How to Fish: Short strips and slow swings in shaded edges; effective after light rain or overcast.

Tips Fly Fishing the Poudre River

• Hike higher — the farther from picnic areas, the better the fishing.

• Use 6X tippet and short leaders; fish are spooky in low water.

• BWOs pop mid-day — keep an emerger ready to switch fast.

• Cover water methodically — fall trout won’t move far to eat.

• Cloudy days are prime; sunny days demand precision.

Access Points

• Gateway Natural Area: easy access, diverse structure, great for dry-dropper rigs.
• Picnic Rock: lower canyon, steady flows, ideal for nymphing and streamers.
• Greyrock Trail Access: higher gradient water, smaller fish, but solitude.
• Above Rustic: pocket-water paradise; dry-dropper and light nymphs excel here.

Local Regulations & Landowner Notes

• Artificial flies and lures only in designated sections.
• Watch for private land between bridges — stay within public easements.
• Wading safe but slick; spikes recommended in shaded granite runs.

FAQ on this Spot

1. When’s the best time to fish the Poudre in October?
   Midday (10 AM–3 PM) when temps rise and BWOs hatch.
2. What’s the best rig right now?
   Dry-dropper: Parachute Adams #20 with RS2 or Zebra Midge.
3. How’s the crowding?
   Light — weekdays are quiet, weekends see light local pressure.
4. Can I fish streamers here?
   Yes — use small leeches or buggers in deeper canyon pools.
5. Best tippet size?
   6X for dries, 5X for nymphs, 4X for streamers.
6. Is it open year-round?
   Yes, though upper canyon freezes by late November.
7. What fish species are present?
   Wild browns, rainbows, and the occasional cutthroat hybrid.
8. Is the Poudre safe to wade right now?
   Yes — flows are ideal, but watch slick granite and loose rock.

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