What You'll Find at Lee Martinez Park

Lee Martinez Park sits on the Poudre River just north of Fort Collins, offering walk-in access to a stretch of water that holds brown trout and some cutthroat. The park itself is small — mostly a parking area, picnic tables, and a short path down to the river — but it's one of the few public spots on the lower Poudre where you don't need permission to fish. The water here is moderate in pace, with pools and runs that respond well to both fly and spin gear.

This section of the Poudre runs cooler than the water downstream toward Greeley, which means trout hold here year-round. Summer brings the most consistent fishing, but spring and fall can be productive if you time the water temperature and flow. Winter is possible but the water gets cold and fish move into deeper pools; many anglers skip these months.

Key Takeaways

  • Lee Martinez Park is a free, walk-in access point on the Poudre River north of Fort Collins with parking and a short trail to the water.
  • The river here holds brown trout and some cutthroat; fly fishing and spin casting both work depending on water conditions and season.
  • You need a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license and must follow state regulations, including catch limits and gear restrictions that vary by season.
  • Summer is the most reliable season; spring and fall can be good if water temperature stays in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit range.
  • The park fills on weekends and holidays, especially in summer; arriving early or fishing on weekdays gives you more space and quieter water.

Access and Parking

Lee Martinez Park is located at 3348 North Shields Street in Fort Collins. From downtown Fort Collins, head north on Shields Street about three miles; the park entrance is on your right. Parking is free and usually holds 20 to 30 vehicles, though it fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays. There is no reservation system — it's first-come, first-served.

Once parked, a short paved path leads down to the river, roughly 100 yards. The walk is easy and suitable for most fitness levels. The park has restrooms and picnic areas, but no tackle shop or food vendor on-site, so bring what you need. The park itself closes at dusk, so plan your fishing day accordingly.

What Species Are Here and What They Eat

Brown trout are the primary species at this section of the Poudre. They range from 8 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 18 to 20 inches in the deeper pools. Browns here are opportunistic feeders — they'll take small spinners, nymphs, and dry flies depending on the time of day and water conditions. Early morning and late afternoon are typically best.

Cutthroat trout are present but less common than browns. They tend to be smaller, averaging 6 to 12 inches, and are more aggressive on flies than on spin gear. You'll find them in the shallower, faster water where they chase small insects.

Aquatic insects on the Poudre include mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Midges are present year-round and are especially important in winter. If you fly fish, carry sizes 14 to 20 nymphs and dry flies that match local hatches. Spin anglers do well with small spinners (sizes 0 to 2) and inline spoons in silver or gold.

Seasons, Water Conditions, and What to Expect

Summer (June through August) is the busiest and most reliable season. Water temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, and fish are active throughout the day. Flows are typically moderate, making wading easier. Expect crowds on weekends; weekday mornings are quieter. Dry fly fishing works well in the evenings.

Spring (April and May) can be excellent, but water levels rise with snowmelt from the mountains. High flows make wading difficult and can muddy the water. Fish feed aggressively when conditions settle, usually in late May. Check the USGS stream gauge for the Poudre near Fort Collins before you go; flows above 500 cubic feet per second make fishing challenging.

Fall (September through October) brings cooler water and lower flows. Fish are active as they prepare for winter. Water temperatures drop from the 60s into the 40s, and this transition period can produce excellent fishing. Fewer anglers are out, so you'll have more space.

Winter (November through March) is slow. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and fish move into deep pools and slow water. Fishing is possible but requires patience and small flies or lures. Many anglers skip winter on the lower Poudre and focus on higher-elevation lakes or tailwaters downstream.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license to fish anywhere in the state, including Lee Martinez Park. Licenses are sold online at cpw.state.co.us, at sporting goods stores, and at some grocery stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip. Nonresidents and residents pay different rates.

The Poudre River at Lee Martinez Park falls under Colorado's statewide trout regulations. As of the most recent regulations, the daily catch limit is 10 trout of any species combined, with a minimum size of 10 inches. However, regulations change year to year and can vary by section of river, so check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing guide before you go. Some sections of the Poudre have special restrictions (catch-and-release only, fly-fishing only, or slot limits), but Lee Martinez Park follows standard statewide rules.

Bait fishing is allowed, but live baitfish are prohibited in Colorado. You can use worms, crickets, and other non-fish baits. Artificial lures and flies are unrestricted at this location.

Gear and Tactics That Work Here

Fly fishing is popular on the Poudre at Lee Martinez Park. A 5-weight rod, 9-foot leader, and 4X to 5X tippet are standard. Nymph fishing under an indicator works well in the deeper pools; try small pheasant tail nymphs, hare's ear, and caddis pupae in sizes 14 to 18. Dry fly fishing is effective in the evenings, especially with small mayfly and caddis imitations. The water here is not technical — you don't need a long, delicate cast, just a natural drift.

Spin fishing is equally effective. A light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4 to 6-pound test line handles the trout here. Small spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, or Blue Fox in sizes 0 to 2) cast easily and cover water quickly. Inline spoons and small crankbaits also work. Cast upstream or across and let the current carry your lure; this mimics natural movement and triggers strikes.

Wading is necessary to reach most of the good water. The river bottom is rocky and slippery; wading boots with felt or rubber soles are essential. The water depth varies from ankle-deep in the shallows to waist-deep in the pools. Wading is safest in summer and fall when flows are lower. Spring snowmelt can make wading dangerous.

When to Fish and How Crowded It Gets

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are the quietest times. You may have the park to yourself or share it with one or two other anglers. Weekends and holidays fill the parking lot by mid-morning, and the river gets crowded. If you prefer solitude, plan a weekday trip.

Early morning (sunrise to 10 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dusk) are the most productive times for fishing, regardless of day. Fish feed more actively during these periods. Midday can be slow, especially in summer when the sun is high and water is warm.

Summer Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest. If you must fish on a weekend, arrive by 7 a.m. to secure parking and have the water to yourself for the first few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Lee Martinez Park?

No. The park is open to the public, and you can fish on your own with just a license and knowledge of the regulations. The walk to the water is short and straightforward. If you're new to fly fishing or want to learn local conditions, hiring a guide for a half-day is an option, but it's not required.

Can I keep fish I catch here?

Yes, within the daily limit. The standard limit is 10 trout per day, with a 10-inch minimum size. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you go, as limits can change. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery.

What should I bring besides a rod and license?

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wading boots are essential — the river bottom is slippery. If you fly fish, bring a net, forceps, and extra tippet. Spin anglers should carry extra lures and line. The park has no food or tackle vendors, so bring snacks if you plan to stay all day.

Is the water safe to drink?

No. Bring your own drinking water. The Poudre River can carry giardia and other pathogens, especially downstream of urban areas. Do not drink directly from the river.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Summer (June through August) is most reliable for consistent fishing and comfortable conditions. Spring and fall can be excellent if water levels and temperatures are right. Winter is slow and requires patience. If you're visiting Colorado for the first time, plan a summer trip to Lee Martinez Park.