Brown Trout

Looking to hook into some beautiful Browns near Fort Collins? The Cache La Poudre River is your go-to, offering diverse waters from fast-moving riffles to calmer pools. Early fall, as the leaves change and the water cools, is prime time for larger browns staging before the spawn. Spring runoff can make things challenging, so late summer and early fall are generally more productive. Focus on sections with good structure like submerged logs and rocky outcroppings. A local tip: the Poudre is heavily fished, so try nymphing with smaller patterns like Pheasant Tails or Hare's Ears to entice pressured fish. Also, consider exploring the less-traveled sections further up the canyon for a chance at solitude and larger fish. Remember to check water flows before you go, as conditions can change rapidly.