Deep Creek Exploratory Source to Mouth
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Freezing water. Hands too numb to tie on a fly. Eyes watering in the biting wind. Winter doesn’t sound like the best occasion to pull out the ol’ tackle box. But angling experts claim the chilliest season is an ideal time to fly-fish northern Colorado’s Cache la Poudre River—as long as you’re prepared. Here, three essential tips for catching fish (and not colds) during the snowy months.
Sleep In
The “early bird gets the worm” adage isn’t always true in the winter. Warmer water yields more frequent catches because active fish are more likely to chomp on your lure, which means it’s best to cast a line midday. Translation: You have time to enjoy your breakfast in front of the roaring fireplace at Wild Boar Café in Fort Collins.
Tip: Hit the water between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on a sunny day forecasted to be 32 degrees or warmer. And avoid fishing after a string of especially cold nights—the trout need time to thaw.
