October Fly Fishing on the Cache la Poudre: What hits when the weather turns?

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 crowds are gone, the canyon’s glowing, and the Poudre’s whispering that perfect fall rhythm again.
Cold mornings, clear runs, and trout that suddenly remember midges taste pretty good.
If you like peace, color, and smart fish, this is your weekend water.

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Conditions Summary

Flows are holding steady near 90 CFS through the canyon, with clear water and cool temps around 44–48 °F. Pressure has dropped significantly now that the leaf-peepers are gone, and the fishing window runs late morning through early afternoon. BWOs and midges dominate, and trout are stacked in slower seams and deeper tailouts.

• Flow: ~90 CFS (steady)
• Water Temp: 44–48 °F
• Air Temp: 30–60 °F
• Clarity: Clear
• Pressure: Light
• Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
• Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
• Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Streamer Score: ⭐⭐

The upper canyon is running colder and clear; mid-canyon stretches fish best. Expect spooky trout and small-bug patterns to outperform attractors.

October Hatch Chart

• Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) #20–22, 11 AM–3 PM, fish emergers and duns during clouds
• Midges #22–26, all day, zebra and mercury midges work well
• Light Caddis #18–20, occasional, swing soft hackles near edges

Top 3 Dry Flies for October

• Parachute BWO #20–22 – Best mid-day when clouds move in
• Griffith’s Gnat #22–24 – Subtle midge clusters for calm water
• Parachute Adams #20 – Reliable search fly for pocket water

Top 3 Nymphs for October

• RS2 (Gray or Olive #20–22) – Ideal BWO imitation
• Zebra Midge (Black or Red #22–24) – All-day producer
• WD-40 (Olive #20–22) – Fish as a trailer under an RS2

Streamer of the Month

Slumpbuster #10 (Natural or Olive) – Swing tight to structure during low light or late afternoon.

Tips for Fishing the Poudre River

• Target mid-day warmth for the best bite window
• Long leaders and subtle drifts matter in clear water
• Avoid early morning chill; the fish won’t move until the sun hits the water
• Nymph deep seams and pocket water in mid-canyon
• Use natural colors and small flies; these trout are wary
• Watch for moose near the upper canyon pullouts

Access Points

• Picnic Rock: easy access, good mid-day hatch activity
• Upper Canyon (Mishawaka): great pocket water, colder mornings
• Lower Poudre (Bellvue area): warmer water, more active mid-day fish
• Indian Meadows: quiet, technical nymph water with low pressure

Local Regulations & Notes

• Artificial flies and lures are only available above Gateway Park
• Avoid redds and spawning zones
• Check for temporary closures if fall weather turns severe
• Stay alert for wildlife; moose and elk are active along the river corridor

FAQ on the Poudre River

Q: When’s the best time to fish in October?
A: 10 AM–3 PM after the sun warms the water.

Q: What’s working best right now?
A: BWOs and midges — RS2s, WD-40s, and small parachute dries.

Q: Can I throw streamers?
A: Yes, but smaller patterns work best late afternoon.

Q: How clear is the water?
A: Crystal clear; stealth and long drifts are essential.

Q: Is the canyon still crowded?
A: Not anymore — weekends have light traffic.

Q: Are there any closures?
A: No current closures; check CPW before heading up for weather alerts.

Q: Best section for consistent action?
A: Mid-canyon from Greyrock to Mishawaka.

Q: What tippet size is best?
A: 5X for nymphing, 6X for dries in clear water.

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