What You'll Find at Lee Martinez Park

Lee Martinez Park sits on the Poudre River just north of Fort Collins, where the river transitions from canyon water into the plains. The park gives you access to a slower, wider section of the river than you'll find upstream—the current is gentler, the banks are more open, and the water temperature runs warmer in summer. This is warm-water habitat, not the cold mountain stream you get in the foothills.

The river here holds brown trout year-round, but also warmwater species that move in during summer: smallmouth bass, white suckers, and occasional carp. The park itself has a paved parking area, picnic tables, and a maintained path along the bank, so it's accessible and popular with families and casual anglers. The water is public, but the park has its own rules about hours and use.

Key Takeaways

  • Lee Martinez Park is open dawn to dusk, and you must have a valid Colorado fishing license to fish the Poudre River anywhere in the state.
  • The river here is wider and slower than upstream sections, making it better for wading and casting from the bank than for technical pocket water.
  • Brown trout are present year-round, but summer brings warmwater species like smallmouth bass that respond well to streamers and topwater.
  • The park has a day-use fee and enforces parking limits, so plan to arrive early on weekends and check current conditions before you go.

When to Fish and What's Biting

Spring and early summer (April through June) is when the Poudre runs high and fast from snowmelt. The water is cold and off-color, which makes fishing harder but not impossible—nymphs and streamers work better than dry flies during this period. By mid-July, the flow drops and clears, and this is when the river fishes best. Water temperature climbs into the 60s and low 70s, and you'll see more surface activity.

Fall (September through October) brings cooler water and lower flows again, with good dry fly fishing in the mornings and evenings. Winter is slow; the water gets cold, and many anglers move to tailwater sections downstream. If you do fish in winter, nymphs under an indicator are your best bet, and you'll need to fish slowly and deliberately.

Brown trout here respond to standard patterns: Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs in sizes 14–18, small streamers like Woolly Buggers in olive or black, and dry flies like Adams and Pale Morning Duns in summer. Smallmouth bass (when present) will take small poppers and crawdad patterns. The water is not as technical as upstream sections, so you don't need to match the hatch as precisely.

How to Wade and Where to Fish

The river at Lee Martinez Park is wadeable most of the year, but current and depth vary with snowmelt and recent rain. In spring, the water can be swift and thigh-deep; by late summer, you can often wade across in many places. Wear a wading belt and felt-soled boots or studded soles—the rocks are slick, and the current will push you if you're not careful.

Fish the deeper runs and holes along the outside bends, where the current slows and trout hold. The inside bends and shallow flats are less productive. Early morning and late evening are best; midday sun pushes fish deeper and makes them less willing to feed. The park's maintained path gives you access to a good stretch, but don't limit yourself to the immediate area—walk upstream and downstream to find quieter water away from the parking area.

Regulations and Licensing

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the Poudre River, and you must have a valid Colorado fishing license to fish anywhere on it. You can buy a license online through the CPW website, at sporting goods stores, or at the park itself if they have a vendor. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license, so if you're visiting from out of state, that may be your best option.

The Poudre River in this section is open year-round with no special restrictions, but check current CPW regulations before you go—rules can change, and there may be temporary closures due to water quality or maintenance. The daily bag limit for trout is 10 fish, with no minimum size, but many anglers practice catch-and-release to keep the fishery healthy.

Getting There and What to Bring

Lee Martinez Park is located at 3348 Dunbar Road, just north of Fort Collins. From downtown, take US 287 north and turn east on Dunbar Road; the park entrance is clearly marked. There is a day-use parking fee (check the current amount with the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation), and parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. The park is open dawn to dusk.

Bring a wading belt, wading boots, and a net if you plan to land fish. The sun is strong on the plains, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Water and snacks are not always available at the park, so pack your own. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish the evening hatch and need to walk back to your car in low light.

Crowds and Conditions

Lee Martinez Park is popular with families, dog walkers, and casual anglers, especially on weekends. If you want solitude, fish on weekday mornings or in the off-season (late fall and winter). The park's accessibility also means the water near the parking area gets fished hard; walking upstream or downstream for even 10 minutes will often put you in quieter water with less pressure.

Water conditions change quickly on the Poudre. After heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, the river can rise and become unfishable within hours. Check the USGS stream gauge for the Poudre River near Fort Collins before you go; a flow of 300–600 cubic feet per second is ideal for wading and fishing. Above 1,000 cfs, the river is usually too high and fast to fish safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Colorado fishing license if I'm just visiting?

Yes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires a valid license for anyone fishing in the state, regardless of residency. You can buy a one-day license online or at a vendor near the park, which is cheaper than a full-year license if you're only fishing once.

Can I fish the Poudre River in winter?

Yes, the river is open year-round, but winter fishing is slow. Water temperature drops into the 30s and 40s, and trout are less active. Nymphs under an indicator work better than dry flies, and you'll need to fish slowly and patiently. Many anglers move to tailwater sections downstream where the water stays warmer.

What's the difference between fishing here and upstream in the canyon?

The canyon sections upstream are colder, faster, and more technical—you'll need smaller flies and more precise casting. Lee Martinez Park is warmer, wider, and slower, making it easier to wade and fish. Both hold trout, but the park section is more forgiving for anglers still learning the river.

Is the park crowded on weekends?

Yes. The park is popular with families and casual visitors, especially on warm weekends. If you want quieter water, fish on weekday mornings or walk upstream and downstream away from the parking area. Even a short walk often puts you in less-fished water.

What should I do if the river is too high to fish safely?

Check the USGS stream gauge before you go. If flow is above 1,000 cfs, the river is usually too swift and deep to wade safely. Wait for the flow to drop, or consider fishing a different section of the Poudre or a different river altogether.