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The Cache la Poudre doesn’t need to shout - it whispers. October here is quiet, golden, and perfectly balanced between crisp mornings and blue-winged afternoons. The crowds are gone, the trout are wild, and the water sounds like someone exhaling after a long summer.
The Poudre is in that perfect shoulder season groove right now. Flows have leveled out, clarity is sharp, and the crowds have all but disappeared. Cold nights and crisp mornings make for quiet water early, but by late morning, trout start sliding out of cover and feeding steadily on midges and BWOs.
This week is all about small flies, long leaders, and patience. The canyon feels wide open, the cottonwoods are turning, and the fish are happy if you keep your steps light.
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 110 to 150 cfs and steady through the canyon
- Water Temperature: 42–48 °F
- Air Temperature: Highs in the mid 50s °F lows in the low 30s °F
- Clarity: Clear to lightly tinted near town
- Crowds: Low throughout most sections
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Cool and dry conditions with light wind in the canyon. Expect sunny afternoons and cold mornings with frost near the waterline.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | All day in slow water and tailouts |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Short mid-day window under light cloud cover |
| Tertiary | Stoneflies #14–16 golden and yellow | Nymphs are active in riffles even if adults are absent |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Run a 9-foot 5x leader with a #18 Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear and a #20 Black Beauty 18 inches below on 6x tippet. Add one small split shot above the lead fly and keep the indicator minimal—target seams along cutbanks and deep pocket water below boulders. Fish short and accurately — the current moves fast, and trout won’t chase far.
Top Flies for the Month
Dry Flies
- Parachute Adams #18 for BWOs and general searching
- Griffiths Gnat #22 for midges in calm edges
- Stimulator Yellow #14 for prospecting mid-morning
Nymphs
- Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #18 for all-day consistency
- Black Beauty #20 for clear , slow water
- Pheasant Tail #18 for active riffles and drop-offs
Streamers
- Thin Mint Bugger #10 slow strip through pockets
- Mini Leech Olive #12 in shaded banks
- Sculpzilla White #8 when water colors slightly after the weather
Tips for Fly Fishing on the Cache la Poudre
- Seasonal Tip: Fish hold deep in the canyon now. Focus on slower inside seams and pools with cover.
- Dry Fly: Look for short mid-day windows of rising fish under cloud cover.
- Nymphing: The most consistent method. Adjust weight frequently to stay in the strike zone.
- Streamer Fishing: Best during overcast days when trout chase small bait patterns.
Access Points
- Gateway Natural Area easy access and moderate current ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Poudre Canyon Mile Marker 107–110 deep runs and wild browns ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Legacy Park in Fort Collins has quick local access after work ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only within the canyon. Catch and release encouraged. Respect private property lines near bridges and residential areas closer to town.
FAQ on This Spot
What are the current flows and clarity like
Around 120 cfs clear with a light tint near town.
When is the best time to fish this stretch
Late morning through mid-afternoon.
What flies are producing right now
Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, Black Beauty, Pheasant Tail.
Can I wade or should I float
Wading is best done carefully near pocket water.
What species can I expect here?
Wild browns and rainbows with strong mid-size fish in the canyon.
Any local shops or guides nearby
Yes, Fort Collins-based outfitters run guided trips and daily walk-ins.
Stop Here After the River
After a long day on the Poudre, grab a seat at Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing in Old Town Fort Collins. It’s the kind of spot where wet waders and mountain flannels blend right in. Order the Poudre Pale Ale and a Black and Bleu Burger, an d watch the downtown glow come to life.
https://coopersmithspub.com
