Brown Trout

If you're looking for brown trout near Wellington, Colorado, the Cache La Poudre River is your best bet. While not immediately adjacent to Wellington, it's a short drive west and offers some excellent trout fishing, especially in the canyon sections. Spring and fall are prime times, as the water temperatures are ideal and the fish are actively feeding before and after the summer heat. The Poudre is a freestone river, so be prepared for fluctuating flows, especially during snowmelt in late spring. Access can be tricky in some areas, but there are several established access points and parking areas along Highway 14. Look for deeper pools and undercut banks where browns like to hold. A local tip: nymphs like pheasant tails and hare's ears work well as droppers under a dry fly like a Parachute Adams. The browns here can be quite selective, so be prepared to change your flies and presentation until you find what they're hitting.