.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
hovering around 6 cfs through town and slightly higher in the canyon, this river has shifted to winter mode. Fish are stacked in deeper seams, midges dominate, and every drift needs to be clean.
Expect calm mornings, bright sun, and trout that make you earn it.
“When the water gets skinny, patience gets thicker.”
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)
- Flow Rate: ~6 cfs and stable
- Water Temperature: 38–42 °F
- Air Temperature: Highs in the 40s °F, lows near 20 °F
- Clarity: Glass-clear in most sections
- Crowds: Very light
- Best Times to Fish: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Stable weather ahead with crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. Minimal wind expected, making for pleasant mid-day conditions and consistent water clarity.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active through mid-day, especially near deeper runs |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Short, mid-morning windows |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones #14–18 | Rare, but a strong dropper option in canyon sections |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 10-foot 5x leader to a #20 Black Beauty, with an 18-inch 6x dropper to a #22 Top Secret Midge. Add a small shot 8 inches above the lead fly, and use a subtle yarn indicator.
Focus on depth control — fish sit low this time of year, hugging the soft seams and slower edges near structure.
Pro Tip: Fish slow, fish small, and don’t move much. One well-placed drift beats ten sloppy ones.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color / Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beauty | #20–22 | Black | Late-season staple |
| Top Secret Midge | #22–24 | Brown / Cream | Consistent producer |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey / Olive | Effective during short BWO hatches |
| Zebra Midge | #22 | Red / Black | Always solid in clear water |
| Pheasant Tail | #18–20 | Natural | Year-round performer |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Olive / Black | Good in deeper canyon pockets |
| Egg Pattern | #16 | Peach / Pink | Works below browns still cleaning redds |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple / Red | Great in low light |
| Micro Mayfly | #20 | Brown | Reliable dropper fly |
| Sparkle Sculpin | #8 | Olive | Productive streamer for deeper runs |
Tips Fly Fishing the Poudre
- Seasonal Tip: Focus on tailouts and deeper runs — fish avoid fast water this time of year.
- Presentation: Tight-line or light-indicator rigs work best. Slack kills your drift.
- Timing: Midday warmth brings activity. Early morning is slow and frozen.
- Gear: 9-foot 4 or 5 weight with fluorocarbon tippet for stealth and sink rate.
Access Points
- Gateway Natural Area — deep structure and reliable flow ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Poudre Canyon (Highway 14) — cold, clear, and technical, but great winter holding water ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Lower Poudre Near Fort Collins — slower and shallower, best on warmer afternoons ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only. Catch and release strongly encouraged. Stay off redds and avoid wading across shallow gravel where trout may still be holding after spawn.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Around 6 cfs, ultra-clear, and ideal for small-fly sight fishing.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Late morning through early afternoon when water warms a few degrees.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Midges, small mayflies, and the occasional leech in deeper pockets.
Q: Can I wade or should I stay on the bank?
A: Wading is fine but stay light — flows are low and fish are skittish.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Mostly wild browns with some rainbows near town sections.
Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Fort Collins fly shops carry current midge patterns and provide up-to-date flow info.
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.
