Fly Fishing Stream Conditions Report: Cache La Poudre

This year: Late summer conditions are in full effect on the Poudre, with water temperatures becoming a key factor for anglers. Lower down the canyon, high water temperatures have been an issue, so you should monitor the water and avoid fishing when temperatures rise above 68 degrees. Up above Stove Prairie, water temperatures are staying below that threshold most days, providing a safe environment to catch and release active fish. Fish have shifted much of their attention away from water-born insects and are focusing heavily on terrestrial options. Dry-dropper rigs are proving to be the most effective strategy. A foam beetle or a Chubby Chernobyl makes an excellent indicator fly, with a PMD or Caddis nymph trailing beneath it. Standard single or double dry fly setups are also producing well in the surface film. While the river flows near Fort Collins are averaging around 24 CFS, focusing your efforts on the cooler, oxygenated pocket water in the upper canyon will yield the best action of the day.

Best time of day: Morning

Prior years: Flows on the river range from a low of 70 CFS up to 180 CFS in the canyon stretch. Water clarity remains clear, with water temperatures starting around 56°F in the mornings and warming to between 62°F and 65°F by the afternoon. Fishing can be highly technical with short bite windows. The morning hours from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM are critical, offering the best opportunities to target trout feeding on Trico hatches and midges. Another productive window opens up in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for caddis and terrestrials. To find success, focus on presentation with light rigs in the skinny water. Small Trico spinners in size 22 and RS2s in size 20 are top choices for picky fish. Additionally, fishing terrestrials like a size 14 Amy's Ant is a reliable way to keep trout looking up, especially as the day warms.