What the Poudre River Trail offers

The Poudre River Trail is a 20-mile pathway that follows the Cache la Poudre River from the town of Windsor north through Fort Collins and into the foothills. The trail splits into two main sections: the lower segment runs mostly paved and flat through developed areas, while the upper segment becomes more rugged as it climbs into canyon country. Most of the trail is open year-round, though winter snow can close the highest sections for weeks at a time.

The trail works for day trips of any length—you can walk a mile from downtown Fort Collins or commit to a full day covering 10 miles one way. The lower sections near Windsor and Fort Collins are busy with joggers and cyclists. The upper canyon sections see fewer people and offer genuine solitude if you start early or go on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The trail runs 20 miles total from Windsor to the foothills, with paved sections near town and dirt/rocky sections in the canyon.
  • Lower sections near Fort Collins are crowded on weekends; upper canyon sections are quieter and better for avoiding crowds.
  • Winter snow closes the upper trail regularly, but lower sections remain passable most years.
  • Parking is free at multiple trailheads, with the easiest access from Fort Collins downtown or the Picnic Area parking lot north of town.
  • The river holds brown and cutthroat trout, but the trail itself is shared with runners and cyclists, so fishing pressure is moderate to heavy.

Fishing the lower trail near Fort Collins

The section from downtown Fort Collins north to the Picnic Area parking lot (roughly 5 miles) sees the most foot traffic and the most fishing pressure. The water here is wider and slower than upstream, with deeper pools that hold trout year-round. Browns dominate; cutthroats are present but less common. The riverbed is mostly sand and gravel, with some larger rocks creating current breaks.

Early morning is essential if you want solitude—the trail fills with joggers by 8 a.m. on weekends. Weekday afternoons are quieter. Fish small nymphs (size 16–18) in the deeper pools, or use small streamers in spring and fall when the water is higher. The trail itself is wide enough that you can step aside for cyclists, but expect to share the water with other anglers, especially on weekends.

Access is straightforward: park downtown at the Old Town parking area or at the Picnic Area lot on North College Avenue. Both are free. The trail is paved for most of this section, making it easy to walk in and scout before you commit to fishing.

Upper canyon sections and solitude

North of the Picnic Area, the trail becomes rougher and fewer people venture this far. The canyon narrows, the current picks up, and the water gets colder and clearer. This is where cutthroat trout become more common, and where you have a real chance of fishing alone. The trail climbs steadily but never gets steep enough to be difficult for someone in reasonable shape.

The upper sections are best from late May through September. Winter snow can close the trail for weeks, and spring runoff makes the river too high and turbid to fish effectively. Summer flows are ideal—the water is clear enough to sight fish, and the trail is dry underfoot. Bring more water than you think you need; there are no services once you leave the developed areas.

Parking at the Picnic Area and hiking 3 to 5 miles upstream puts you in genuinely quiet water. The trade-off is that the fish are smaller and more selective than in the lower sections. Dry flies work well in summer, especially in the slower side channels. Nymphs are more reliable if you do not mind fishing subsurface.

Seasonal conditions and water levels

Spring runoff (April through June) makes the river high, cold, and off-color. Fishing is possible but difficult; the water is too turbid to sight fish, and the current is strong. If you go, fish streamers and larger nymphs in the slower water along the banks. Water levels drop through July and August, making this the prime season for dry-fly fishing and sight fishing to cutthroats.

Fall (September through October) brings lower water and cooler temperatures. The river clears completely, and both browns and cutthroats feed actively before winter. This is the second-best season after summer. Winter (November through March) closes the upper canyon sections with snow; the lower sections near Fort Collins remain passable most years, but the water is cold and the fish are sluggish.

Check the USGS gauge for the Poudre River at Fort Collins before you go. Flows above 800 cubic feet per second make wading difficult and fishing frustrating. Flows between 300 and 600 are ideal for most techniques.

What to bring and what to expect

The trail is shared with cyclists and runners, so be prepared to step aside frequently on the lower sections. Wear bright colors or a headlamp if you fish early morning or evening. The trail itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the riverbank can be rocky and uneven—good wading boots are worth the investment.

Bring a headlamp even if you plan to fish during daylight. The canyon gets dark early, especially in fall and winter. A small backpack with water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit is all you need for a day trip. Cell service is spotty in the canyon, so do not rely on your phone for navigation.

The trail is open to the public year-round, but respect private property where the trail borders private land. Stay on the marked path. Parking is free at all trailheads, and there are no permits required for fishing—you just need a valid Colorado fishing license.

Getting there from Windsor

From Windsor, the Poudre River Trail is about 20 minutes south. Take Colorado Highway 287 south toward Fort Collins, then head east on Mulberry Street or north on College Avenue to reach the lower trailhead parking areas. The Picnic Area parking lot (the main northern access point) is on North College Avenue just north of Fort Collins city limits—look for the large gravel lot on the west side of the road.

If you want to start from the south and work your way north, the Old Town Fort Collins trailhead is downtown near the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Walnut Street. Both parking areas are free and rarely full, even on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the entire 20 miles in one day?

Technically yes, but most people do not. The lower 10 miles are easier and more productive. The upper 10 miles are rougher and take longer to cover. A realistic day trip is 6 to 8 miles round trip from the Picnic Area, which gives you time to actually fish instead of just hiking.

Do I need a Colorado fishing license?

Yes. You can buy a one-day license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at most sporting goods stores in Fort Collins. A one-day license costs less than a full-day meal.

What size trout are in the Poudre River?

Lower sections near Fort Collins hold browns in the 10- to 14-inch range, with occasional fish to 16 inches. Upper canyon sections hold smaller cutthroats, mostly 8 to 12 inches. Trophy fish are rare on the trail itself because of the fishing pressure, but they exist in the backcountry sections above the trail.

Is the trail crowded on weekdays?

The lower sections near Fort Collins are moderately busy on weekdays, especially in summer. The upper canyon sections are quiet most days. If you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will have long stretches of water to yourself.

Can I bring my dog on the trail?

Yes, but keep it on a leash. The trail is shared with cyclists and runners, and loose dogs create conflicts. Dogs also spook trout in the shallows, so if you are fishing, leave your dog at home or tie it well away from the water.