Cache La Poudre River
Fort Collins Canyon
N Colorado, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06752000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 10/02/26
Early October on the Poudre canyon stretch is shaping up as a legitimate BWO week — warm afternoons in the low-to-mid 70s with zero precip in the forecast means afternoon light and cooling air will stack up right around midday, pulling Baetis off the water between 11am and 2pm. This is peak month for Blue Winged Olives on this freestone, and overcast breaks or afternoon cloud buildup will only improve emergence density. Target slower seams and foam lines with a Sparkle Dun #20 or RS2 in the surface film — fish won't be in a hurry. Sunday's forecasted high of 80°F is the outlier to watch; that kind of warmth can push fish into shade and deeper slots mid-afternoon. No recent Poudre-specific shop intel this week — outlook is built from current conditions and seasonal expectations. Nymph a Pheasant Tail #16 or Zebra Midge #18 below a dry-dropper rig when fish aren't visibly rising.
- Conditions: Dry, mild, zero precip through Sunday. Canyon flows should be stable and clear — ideal late-season freestone conditions with no runoff threat.
- Hatches: Peak Baetis month. BWO emergence midday 11am–2pm during warm afternoons. Sparkle Dun #20, RS2, or Comparadun #18 in the film.
- Water Temp: Overnight lows in the low 40s–mid 50s; afternoon highs in the 70s suggest water temps in the upper 40s to low 50s — right in the BWO zone.
- Best Window: 11am–2pm for dry-fly action during BWO emergence. Early morning nymphing with a Zebra Midge or Pheasant Tail before temps rise.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–Aug
The Cache la Poudre is Colorado's only Wild and Scenic river — a tumbling freestone tumbling out of the Mummy Range through Poudre Canyon to the plains east of Fort Collins. The upper canyon offers classic pocket water fishing for wild brown trout and rainbows, with a dense, tannin-tinted character that demands close-quarters dry fly and nymph work. Stoneflies, caddis, and PMDs all come off through summer. The river's character shifts from steep gradient pocket water in the upper canyon to broader runs near the canyon mouth.
The Poudre is Colorado's only federally-designated Wild and Scenic river, protected from damming for the entirety of its trout-bearing canyon stretch.
May Outlook
The Cache La Poudre near Fort Collins offers good spring fishing as runoff subsides. The canyon sections fish earliest.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hare's Ear
- Stimulator
Tips
The canyon section of the Poudre between Fort Collins and Rustic fishes best in spring. The lower valley sections clear last. Evening caddis hatches are excellent.
Water Notes
Drops from peak 800–1,500 cfs to fishable 300–700 cfs by late May. Canyon sections clear ahead of valley.
June Outlook
Golden Stones, PMDs, and Caddis make June excellent on the Poudre. One of northern Colorado's best freestone rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator #10
Tips
The Mishawaka stretch is one of the best sections for wade fishing. The canyon drive from Fort Collins up CO-14 passes numerous public access points.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Classic freestone river in prime condition.
July Outlook
Hopper-dropper and caddis season on the Poudre. The canyon sections are scenic and productive.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Stimulator
Tips
The canyon between Fort Collins and Rustic offers excellent wade access. Parking pullouts along the highway give easy access to the best runs.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Good summer conditions.
September Outlook
Excellent fall BWO fishing on the Cache La Poudre. A reliable September option near Fort Collins.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Hopper
Tips
The fall BWO hatch is reliable on the Poudre from 1–4pm on overcast afternoons. The canyon sections fish particularly well.
Water Notes
150–400 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Good fall canyon fishing.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul, Aug | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Highway 14 follows the river through Poudre Canyon — pull-offs offer wade access throughout. Fort Collins is the main base. Colorado fishing license required. Catch-and-release sections in the upper canyon; check current regulations.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Kirk's Fly Shop
- Rocky Mountain Anglers
Regulations & License
Fishing in Colorado requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Colorado fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Cache La Poudre River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Cache La Poudre River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.