Cache La Poudre River

Poudre River Fishing Report

*Update: 1/21/2021* - Highway 14 is closed to recreation Between Kelly Flats Campground and Cameron Pass. Potential penalties and fines will be in place for those who don't listen to restrictions. Fire Containment is at 100%. Click here for the link to the USFS Inciweb site with more info.

The Poudre Canyon is back open for recreation up to Kelly Flats. With this being said, you will find most of the open water in the lower canyon section below Gateway Natural Area. Nighttime temps get so cold in the canyon that the water will freeze. You'll want to spend most of your time looking for open, deep pools. The flows in town however have dropped significantly in the past week to their normal winter levels as well. Be sure to check the CFS value before you go fishing and expect to see a little ice build up on the water as well. The recent colder temperatures have also triggered the trout to start to put on the feed bag before the cold winter months. The cold weather has also pushed fish into "holding water". The fish will be in the deepest part of the river and when you find one, you have found most of them! They will be highly concentrated in these runs and the saying "Dont leave fish to find fish" really applies during this time of year. Streamer fishing has continued to produce in the canyon as brown trout enter there post-spawn stage where they are looking to pack on the pounds. Aside from streamer fishing we are starting to get into technical dry fly and nymphing techniques. Slimming down your leaders and tippet sizes will be a very important key to success when water is low and crystal clear. Fish are at the peak of their awareness and escaping danger is their main priority. Don't be surprised to see fish spook with small movements. They are smart and know their environment very well. Some of the bugs you'll be focusing in on are going to be patterns such as Blue Wing Olives and Midges. BWO's will be your best friend as their nymphs will be productive in the morning, and emergers and dries start to hatch fairly early and carry into the afternoon. On the warmest days you will see these small mayflies flying about, but most of the takes will come from nymphing a size 18-22 baetis nymph close to bottom. Think about spending most of the time out with some dry flies on your rig. If catching fish isn't a huge priority, it will be some of the last times we can catch fish on dry flies for the remaining season. There is options on what we can fish from dries, to nymphs, to streamers but finding places will be more of a hunt. As always come by the shop to chat and we can help you with any questions you may have. Enjoy!

Dries: Film Critic BWO #18, Parachute Adams #16-22, Rocky Mountain Mint #18-20, Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Klinkhammer Baetis #18-22, Q's Split Flag Adams #16-22, Sprout Midge #18-22, Sprout BWO #18-22, Erics Hi-vis midge #20-22, Parachute BWO #18-22

Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #18-22, Split Back Shady #16, SW Worm #10, Blue Poison Tung #18-20, Purple Prince #18, Prince Nymph #10-16, Purple two bit hooker #18, Juju Baetis #18-22, Anatomical BWO #16-18, Sparkle Wing RS2"s #18-22, Sniper Baetis #18-22, Foam Back Emerger Olive #18-22

Streamers: Sparkle Minnow, Trick or Treat #4, Mini Dungeon, Goldie, Black Wooly Bugger, Slump Buster #4, Thin Mint #6-12

For any questions on how to tackle the Poudre whether it's location, rigs, or flies stop by either shop before you head out.

To Book your guide trip please contact the shop at (970) 498-8968.