Cache La Poudre
CO
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River
About Cache La Poudre
The Cache La Poudre River, Colorado's only Wild and Scenic River, offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown, cutbow, and Greenback cutthroat trout, with occasional reports of Kokanee salmon. This dynamic river, with headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park, features a variety of fast riffles, pockets, and pools, providing excellent wading and bank access. Anglers will find consistent insect activity with hatches including Blue Wing Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, and Stoneflies, making it a prime location for dry fly, nymphing, and streamer techniques. Special regulations apply to certain sections, emphasizing artificial flies and lures with catch-and-release policies in many areas, so be sure to consult local guidelines. Access is available via Trail Ridge Road and Highway 14, with the upper reaches generally offering the best fishing.
Access
Seasons
Terrain
Water
Fish Species
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat
Regulations
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Fly Fishing Only: This water is restricted to fly fishing gear. No spinning or bait-casting equipment permitted.
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Catch & Release: All fish must be immediately released. Handle with care using barbless hooks.
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Artificial Lures Only: No natural bait permitted. Flies, lures, and artificial attractants only.
Fishing Styles
undefined USGS Water Conditions
Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.
Data sourced from the USGS National Water Information System
Methods
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Wade Friendly
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Float Friendly
Land Ownership
National Park
Public Forest Service
Regulations
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Fly Fishing Only: This water is restricted to fly fishing gear. No spinning or bait-casting equipment permitted.
•
Catch & Release: All fish must be immediately released. Handle with care using barbless hooks.
•
Artificial Lures Only: No natural bait permitted. Flies, lures, and artificial attractants only.
Trip Planning
Best fishing typically occurs during spring and summer. Check water conditions before heading out.
See what insects are emerging on Cache La Poudre's hatch forecast — including active hatches, water temperatures, and which patterns to have in your box this month.