Poudre River Fly Fishing Report – Best Flies, Flows & Early Summer Hotspots Near Fort Collins

This week on River Whisper, we head north to one of Colorado’s finest Front Range fisheries — the Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins. With flows dropping to a fishable range and clarity improving in the canyon stretches, now is the time to hit the Poudre before summer crowds and full runoff return.

We walk you through everything you need to know to have a productive session, whether you're fishing before work or planning a dawn patrol adventure into the Narrows. The early bite is real, the hatches are coming off, and trout are feeding hard after a long winter.

🎯 In this episode:
– Where the flows are right and why the canyon is your best bet
– The top 3 flies you should be throwing (and how to fish them)
– Why water clarity changes fast and how to beat the melt
– Hatch updates including caddis, yellow sallies, PMDs, and golden stones
– Tactics for both dry fly purists and deep nymphing junkies
– How to swing streamers with confidence in off-color water
– Access highlights like the Narrows, Mishawaka, and Gateway
– Parking, regulations, and how to stay safe on the river this week

🐟 Top Flies This Week:
– Stimulator (Size 14)
– Two Bit Hooker (Size 18)
– Thin Mint (Size 8)

🧠 Pro tips include using tungsten to get deep in pushy flows, how to spot eddies with holding fish, and why flashy streamers are outperforming naturals this week.

We also answer key listener questions:
– When is the Poudre best this week?
– Is it safe to wade right now?
– What setup should beginners use?
– Where do the wild fish hang out?

📍 All of this within 30–60 minutes of Fort Collins. If you’re looking for cold water, fast action, and summer solitude, this is your must-listen river breakdown.

Follow River Whisper for weekly updates on Colorado's best trout streams — always real-time, always local, always designed to make your next trip count.