North Fork Cache la Poudre River - Seaman Reservoir downstream to Cache la Poudre River
State Park in Larimer County, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
River segment from Seaman Reservoir downstream to Cache la Poudre River
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
North Fork Cache la Poudre River - Seaman Reservoir downstream to Cache la Poudre River
State Park in Larimer County, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
River segment from Seaman Reservoir downstream to Cache la Poudre River
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
About North Fork Cache la Poudre
This section of the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River runs from Seaman Reservoir downstream to its confluence with the main stem of the Cache la Poudre.
As a very popular spot less than 25 minutes from Fort Collins, fishing pressure is high. This pressure results in “educated” trout that are not easily fooled by lures or flies, but the quantity and quality of fish here are high, with trout up to 14 inches and greater in length.
About Gateway Natural Area
The former site of the city of Fort Collins’s water filtration plant, Gateway Natural Area contains roads and trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s, making it a landmark in the history of outdoor recreation.
About Quality Waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited to announce Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists has identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys, and professional biological assessments.
Activities at this Location
Fishing
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Visit North Fork Cache la Poudre
From Fort Collins: Take US-287 N to CO-14 W and turn left. Drive 5.4 miles and turn right for the fishing access parking lot. From the lot, the site is walk-in access only.
From Denver: Take I-25N to Fort Collins. Take exit 269B and merge onto CO-14 W. After 4.2 miles, turn right onto 287 N/N College Ave. Drive 3.4 miles and turn left on CO-14 W. After 5.4 miles, turn right into the fishing access parking lot. From the lot, the site is walk-in access only.
Save Money
Use the Keep Colorado Wild Pass
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is $29.
Other pass options:
- Affixed Vehicle Parks Pass $80
- Family Multi Vehicle Pass $120
- Individual Pass (foot and bike traffic only) $29
Fishing at North Fork Cache la Poudre
About the River
This location has about two miles of shoreline and wading access with a combination of riffles, runs and pools going down to the confluence of the North Fork and the main Cache la Poudre River.
Don't Forget Your Fishing License
All anglers need a fishing license, but youth aged 15 and under fish for free. Reduced cost licenses are available for Colorado residents including: adults, youth aged 16 to 17, seniors, active duty members, first responders with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities.
Rules and Restrictions
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Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
Artificial flies and lures
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Catch and release only.
All trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.
Fish at this Location
The ponds are stocked several times a year with selected species.
Brown Trout
This species feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects and will rise to a large range of small lures and flies. Remember that only artificial flies and lures are permitted at this location.
More About Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout may be caught with a variety of flies and lures. Remember that only artificial flies and lures are permitted at this location.
More About Rainbow Trout
Cutbow
Cutbows are cutthroat trout-rainbow trout hybrids. Like rainbows, they can be caught with a variety of flies and lures. Remember that only artificial flies and lures are permitted at this location.
More About Cutbow
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are most commonly found in clear water near vegetation and tend to school near the shore during the spring.
More About Yellow PerchCatch a Record
Fishing Awards and Records
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs, Record by Weight, Record by Length (released only) and Master Angler. Learn more about what it takes to be a Colorado record holder!
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are invasive species that harm bodies of water by outcompeting native species and reducing water quality.
Stop the Spread of ANS
The larvae of invasive mussels and fragments of invasive plants can spread via fishing equipment and water gear. Though there are no mandatory inspections, we highly encourage you to clean, drain and dry your gear between visits to all rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. This helps prevent the spread of ANS like zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Learn more about Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesAquatic Nuisance Species
How to Clean Your Hand Launch Vessels and Fishing Gear
ANS are invasive species that harm bodies of water by outcompeting native species and reducing water quality. ANS like Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic plant, can spread between bodies of water when fragments of its stem get stuck on fishing gear.
We highly encourage you to clean, drain and dry all of your water gear between visits to rivers, lakes or any other body of water.
Angling — How to Clear Your Gear Video
Angling — Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
After cleaning their gear, anglers should then perform one of the following options to disinfect their gear before going into the next body of water or moving to a new stretch of river.
Option 1
- Disinfect waders and gear with quaternary ammonia cleaner (QAC).
- After cleaning, submerge gear in a tub filled with a solution of 6oz QAC/gallon of water for at least 10 minutes. Follow all precautionary label instructions!
- Rinse water must be from a clean source to avoid re-infection.
- Dispose of the chemical bath properly away from any waters.
Option 2
- Heat treat your gear by soaking or spraying for 10 minutes with 140o Fahrenheit water.
Option 3
- Dry your waders and equipment completely for a minimum of 10 days between use.
Option 4
- Freeze your waders and boots overnight between use.
Clean
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals, and mud from the hull, trailer and all compartments including footwells and storage areas.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, dry storage bags, leashes, anchors and lifejackets.
Dr
- Ensure that all water has been drained from your inflatable watercraft.
- Carry your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to a dry location to drain and dry. Tilt and lift your watercraft to empty any water that has pooled inside the interior compartments.
- If your inflatable watercraft has a two-layer (bladder/shell) construction or a floor that allows water inside the shell, be sure to drain all the areas where water could be trapped.
Dry
- Sponge or towel any water that remains on the watercraft following your draining process.
- Find a place where the kayak, canoe or paddleboard can continue to dry completely.
- Leave your watercraft inflated until it is completely dry. When fully dry, place the air valve down when deflating to prevent water from getting inside.
Boating and Fishing Regulations
Manual de Navegación (En Español)
El folleto de Manual de Navegación en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto
Colorado Fishing Brochure
The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Download the Brochure
Pesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto
Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Be a Pain in the ANS!
If you use water, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) can affect you. For example, Zebra and quagga mussels clog up the infrastructure that delivers water to our homes. Keeping invasive species under control is a matter of public health.