Poudre River fly fishing is an adventure that you just have to experience. Its not just the fishing, but the scenery you will enjoy, the wild life like mule deer, elk, bears, bighorn sheep, and the occasional moose that you will see. As far as the fishing, you'll find browns, rainbows, brook trout, rainbows, and greenbacks in the Poudre.
The Cache la Poudre River is Colorado's first designated "Wild and Scenic River" by the National Park Service. It also contains two sections which have been designated as Wild Trout Waters by the Division of Wildlife. The river wanders through the beautiful canyon, offering many types of scenery for the flyfisher. Whether you like pools, raging water, or riffles to fish in, Poudre has it all. There is also lots of access to the main river along highway 14.
The Poudre River
The Poudre River is found along highway 14, just to the Northwest of Fort Collins. Anglers divide the Cache la Poudre River into three segments. The main river starts near the continental divide and flows eastward for approximately 60 miles down the Poudre Canyon, through Fort Collins and Greely, and ending in the confluence with the South Platte River.
There are also two forks of the Poudre which join the river and its journey eastward. The South Fork begins at Poudre Lake near Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It flows through Comanche Peak Wilderness and joins the river in the canyon. The North Fork flows through Phantom Canyon and joins the river lower in the canyon.
The Poudre is a freestone stream that stretches no more than 40 feet across at its widest point. River flows range from a high of 800 CFS during peak runoff in May and June, to and average summer flow of 300 CFS. The Poudre has most water types for fishing. You'll find riffles, runs, pools and flats. The upper river has a steeper fall and more riffle/run textures to the water. Lower in the canyon, as well as around Indian Meadows and the fish hatchery, you'll find flatter areas which obviously provide more pools and flats.
Poudre River Fly Fishing Conditions
Fly Fishing the Poudre River can be done at any time of the year, although you'll find most of the river frozen in winter. Winter fishing can be tough because the stream's water level is a trickle and gets little sun exposure. But midges are around, and you're likely to catch a fish's attention if you can find some open water on a warm January day and drift small, dark midge nymphs in the water.
In the early spring, Baetis have joined the Midge hatches. You'll find that olive comparadun, parachute adams, and blue duns can be added to your Griffith's Gnat and midge patterns.
During the summer months, you'll find that green Drakes and Red Quills will come off in the afternoon. Don't fly fish the Poudre without some of these patterns in 14 to 18. Other flies you might use are yellow stimulators, humpies, Royal Wulffs and other attractor patterns may come in handy. Use green drakes, PMD's BWO, caddis imitations, and midge adults in season, during hatches.
I've found basic stone fly nymph patterns, prince nymphs, other general nymph patterns, including pheasant tail, hare's ears and bead head patterns great at the right times of the year, especially in winter. Terrestrials will come off the Poudre in July and August. A few #14-16 ants, #12 crickets, or some #10-14 hopper patterns are good to bring along.
The fish in this river run 9-12 inches in general, with a few over 16 inches. In the two designated "Wild Trout Waters", currently you are allowed to keep two fish over 16 inches, although most fisherman do practice catch & release here. You should know that the Poudre is highly infested with WD. Even so, you will catch some very good browns in the river and some stocked rainbows. The upper Poudre tributaries have some grayling, cutthroats, and brookies.
Poudre River Fly Hatches
- Midges: Found Year Round
- Baetis: April through May & September through October
- Green Drake: July through August
- Red Quill : July through August
- Caddis: June through September
- Stoneflies: June through August
- Terrestrials: July through September
You'll fall in love with Poudre River fly fishing. The scenery is magnificent, the fishing good, and there's a wilderness atmosphere that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. When you pass through the area, be sure to bring your rod and fly fish in the Poudre river while you're here.
