Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Cache la Poudre is Colorado's only designated Wild and Scenic River. It runs through a beautiful canyon west of Fort Collins with good public access and strong hatches from spring through fall. The Stonefly and Caddis hatches draw fly fishers from the Front Range every summer.
Cache la Poudre River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The Poudre Canyon section from Ted's Place up to Rustic has the most consistent fishing. The river here is freestone with a mix of pocket water, riffles, and runs. Good numbers of wild brown and rainbow trout hold throughout, and they see fewer flies than fish on more famous rivers to the south and west.
The big Stonefly hatch in late May and June is the highlight of the season. Salmonflies and Golden Stones both emerge on the Poudre, and the timing varies by elevation. Start low in the canyon and work up as the season progresses. This hatch can move fast, so check conditions before you go.
Summer Caddis fishing is the most consistent action on the river. Evening hatches from June through August bring fish up across the riffles. The Poudre also sees PMD and Yellow Sally hatches in summer. Fall brings BWOs and brown trout moving toward spawning areas in October.
See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Cache la Poudre RiverWhat to Fish
The Poudre Stonefly hatch is one of the best on Colorado's Front Range. Salmonflies and Golden Stones emerge together and the big browns come out to eat. Fish large dry flies tight to the banks in the morning and early afternoon. The hatch moves upstream daily so follow it.
Recommended: Salmonfly #4-6, Golden Stone #6-8
Caddis are reliable summer fishing on the Poudre. Evening hatches from June through August bring trout to the surface across the canyon riffles. The Elk Hair Caddis in size 14 to 16 is the go-to pattern. Try a two-fly setup with a dropper nymph during slower afternoon periods.
Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis #14-16
PMDs on the Poudre hatch mid-morning through early afternoon. The fish are not as selective here as on the tailwaters to the south, but they still respond best to a properly sized and presented fly. Fish the slower runs and pools where trout can hold and inspect the natural drift.
Recommended: PMD Comparadun #16-18
Spring and fall BWO hatches are reliable on the Poudre. The fall hatch in October is particularly good with brown trout feeding aggressively before moving to spawning grounds. Fish the canyon section on overcast days and expect hatches to start in the afternoon.
Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-22
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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