Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park: East Side Guide

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Stream fishing	Late June - October	Fish 6-10"; water temps 45-55°F ideal
Alpine lakes	July - October	Ice-out 10,000 ft late June; 10,500+ ft mid-July
Off-season tailwater	November - May	Big Thompson below Lake Estes; 15-30 CFS winter
Glacier Gorge parking	Arrive before 6am	Fills before dawn on summer weekends
Wild Basin parking	Arrive before 8am	Fills by 8:15am; use shuttle after
Timed entry permits	May 23 - Oct 19 (2025)	Bear Lake 5am-6pm; rest of park 9am-2pm
Downstream gauge	Big Thompson at Drake	100-150 CFS = park streams fishable
Fly shop	Kirk's Flyshop	(970) 586-2110, 230 E Elkhorn Ave

Overview

Rocky Mountain National Park's east side offers something different from the big tailwaters and gold medal rivers elsewhere in Colorado. This is small stream fishing in a national park setting—intimate water, wild trout, and scenery that makes up for any fish you don't catch. The trout here aren't large by Colorado standards (most run 6-10 inches), but they're wild, willing, and you'll be casting in some of the most beautiful terrain in the state.

The east side drains into the Big Thompson and St. Vrain watersheds. The major fishable waters include the Big Thompson River (Moraine Park), Glacier Creek, Fall River, and dozens of alpine lakes accessible by trail. You'll find four trout species—brown, brook, rainbow, and greenback cutthroat—with brook trout dominating the higher elevations.

Two things to know upfront: the fish run small, and the logistics require planning. Parking lots fill before dawn on summer weekends, and the timed entry permit system adds another layer. But if you want to catch wild trout in alpine settings with the Continental Divide as your backdrop, this is the place.

Best Bet If You Only Have 4 Hours

Go to: Big Thompson River in Moraine Park

Why: Easiest parking situation of the prime fishing spots. The Cub Lake Trailhead lot holds more cars than Glacier Gorge and fills later (usually by 7:30-8am vs. before dawn). Walk 0.25 miles to the river through open meadow.

Note: This is Bear Lake corridor—you'll need a timed entry permit (May 23 - Oct 19) unless you arrive before 5am.

Pro tip: The trees near the Cub Lake Trailhead provide cover for easier approaches to spooky fish. The open meadow sections downstream look appealing but the fish see you coming from 50 feet away.

What to bring: 3-weight or 4-weight rod (7-8 feet), small box with Elk Hair Caddis (14-18), Parachute Adams (14-18), Pheasant Tail nymphs (16-20), and a few foam ants.

When to fish: 10am-3pm. At this elevation (8,000+ ft), trout feed during the warmest part of the day. Early morning is overrated here—water temps are too cold and fish are sluggish.

When Things Go Wrong: Plan B Scenarios

Real trip planning means knowing what to do when conditions aren't perfect.

"The alpine lake is too windy"

Wind over 20 mph makes alpine lake fishing miserable. Fish still rise, but casting becomes a nightmare and presentation suffers.

Plan B: Drop to a protected stream. Glacier Creek runs through a valley with tree cover on both sides—fishable in wind that would blow you off Sky Pond. The section from Glacier Basin Campground downstream offers easy access and willing brookies.

Better option: The Loch (Loch Vale) sits in a cirque with cliffs on three sides. The coves along the eastern shore stay protected even when wind rips across the main lake. If you're already hiking toward Sky Pond and conditions deteriorate, The Loch is your fallback.

"The streams are blown out"

Spring runoff typically runs late May through late June. Streams run high, cold, and muddy.

Plan B: Check the Big Thompson River below Lake Estes. This tailwater section stays fishable year-round because the dam filters sediment. When it's reading 100-150 CFS, conditions are usually manageable. If the gauge shows 200+ CFS with rising trend, park streams are likely unfishable.

Alternative: Sprague Lake offers easy access and warmest water temps in the Bear Lake corridor. It clears earlier than moving water and fishes well with small streamers and leeches even when streams are off-color.

"I can't get a Bear Lake corridor permit"

Bear Lake permits sell out fast—sometimes within minutes of release.

Plan B: Fish Fall River or Wild Basin instead. Both operate under the standard timed entry system (9am-2pm only), which is easier to get. Better yet, arrive before 9am—no permit required.

Best alternative: Wild Basin sees a fraction of Bear Lake corridor traffic. The fishing quality is comparable, and the 8am parking fill time gives you more flexibility than Glacier Gorge's pre-dawn scramble.

"Parking is full"

On summer weekends, Glacier Gorge fills before 6am. Bear Lake by 8am. Wild Basin by 8:15am.

Solutions:

1. Use the Park and Ride shuttle (3.5 miles up Bear Lake Road). Shuttles run frequently in summer; reliable even when all trailhead lots are full.
2. Go late. Lots often have spaces by 1-2pm as morning hikers leave. You'll fish the afternoon/evening—often the best window anyway.
3. Fish Fall River/Horseshoe Park. Pull-offs along Trail Ridge Road rarely fill completely. Less sexy than Glacier Gorge, but you'll actually fish instead of circling lots.

"Water temperature is too warm"

Rare in RMNP, but possible in August during heat waves, especially in shallow meadow sections.

Guideline: Trout stress above 65°F and stop feeding above 68°F. If you're catching fish that seem lethargic, check water temp. Above 65°F, stop fishing—stressed fish have higher mortality even when released properly.

Solution: Move higher. Glacier Creek and the alpine lakes stay cold all summer. Moraine Park's meadow sections warm fastest; the shaded runs upstream toward Forest Canyon stay cooler.

Timed Entry Permits

This is the planning piece that trips up first-time visitors. From May 23 through mid-October, you need a timed entry permit to access the park during peak hours.

Two Permit Types for 2025:

Permit Type	When Required	What It Covers
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road	5am-6pm daily (May 23 - Oct 19)	Bear Lake corridor including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Glacier Gorge, Bear Lake
Timed Entry (rest of park)	9am-2pm daily (May 23 - Oct 13)	Wild Basin, Fall River, west side—everywhere except Bear Lake Road

Key Details:

• Permits allow entry within a 2-hour window; stay as long as you like once inside
• $2 booking fee through Recreation.gov
• Before 5am (Bear Lake corridor) or before 9am/after 2pm (rest of park), no permit needed
• Permits release on the 1st of each month for the following period
• A permit does NOT guarantee parking—arrive early regardless

Fishing Strategy: If you can't get a Bear Lake corridor permit, fish Fall River or Wild Basin instead. Or skip the permit entirely by arriving before 5am (Bear Lake) or before 9am (elsewhere)—you'll need to anyway if you want parking.

Regulations

RMNP has park-specific rules that differ from standard Colorado regulations. Know these before you fish.

License: Valid Colorado fishing license required for ages 16+. Available at Colorado Parks & Wildlife, local fly shops, or by phone at 800-244-5613. One-day licenses run $17.35 (non-resident). Pick one up at Kirk's Flyshop before you enter the park.

General Rules:

• One rod per angler (second rod stamps not valid in the park)
• Artificial flies or lures only (no bait for adults)
• Children 12 and under may use bait in non-catch-and-release waters

Catch Limits: The possession limit structure prioritizes brook trout removal:

• Option A: Up to 18 brook trout (max 8 over 8 inches, remaining 10 must be 8" or under)
• Option B: 16 brook trout (max 6 over 8") plus 2 other trout species (must be 10"+)

Translation: The park wants you to keep brook trout, especially small ones. They're invasive and compete with native greenbacks.

Catch-and-Release Waters (Barbless Hooks Required): Waters supporting greenback cutthroat are catch-and-release only: Adams Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Hidden Valley Creek, Hunters Creek, Ouzel Lake, The Loch, Sky Pond, and others. Full list at NPS. When in doubt, use barbless—you'll release most fish anyway given the size.

Closed Waters: Bear Lake, Kettle Tarn, and portions of Shadow Mountain Reservoir (Oct 1-Dec 31) are closed to fishing.

Gear Disinfection: If you've fished outside the park or are moving between drainages more than 2.5 miles apart, disinfect your gear with 10% bleach solution. This protects against whirling disease and other aquatic invasives. Felt soles are strongly discouraged—use rubber.

Reading Conditions Without a Gauge

RMNP streams are too small for dedicated gauges, but you can infer conditions from downstream water.

Reference Gauge: Big Thompson River at Drake (below the park)

• Check Colorado flows on RiverReports before your trip

Gauge Reading	What It Means for Park Streams
50-100 CFS	Low water. Moraine Park fishable but skinny. Fish spooky in clear water. Best conditions for alpine lakes.
100-150 CFS	Ideal. Good water in all park streams. This is what you want.
150-250 CFS	Elevated but fishable. Stick to slower pools and edges.
250-400 CFS	High water. Meadow sections may be wadeable with caution; pocket water difficult. Consider alpine lakes instead.
400+ CFS	Blown out. Park streams likely unfishable. Fish the tailwater below Lake Estes or wait for flows to drop.

Seasonal Pattern:

• Winter: 15-30 CFS (park streams mostly frozen above 9,000 ft)
• Spring runoff peak: 300-600+ CFS (late May-early June, varies by snowpack)
• Summer: 80-150 CFS (July-September, prime time)
• Fall: 40-80 CFS (October, excellent fishing but cold mornings)

Big Thompson River (Moraine Park)

The Big Thompson is RMNP's signature east-side fishery. It begins at Forest Canyon below the Continental Divide and flows through Moraine Park—a wide glacial valley where the river meanders through meadows before dropping toward Estes Park. This is classic mountain meadow fishing with easy wading and sweeping views.

Character: Slow-moving meadow water with undercut banks, riffles, pools, and gravel runs. The river splits into several braided channels through Moraine Park—locals call them all "the Big T" regardless of which channel you're on. Fish hold against structure and in deeper bends. Open terrain means easy backcasts but extremely spooky fish.

Fish: Wild brown trout and brook trout, averaging 6-10 inches. The occasional brown to 14+ inches holds in deeper pools and undercuts—these fish didn't get big by being stupid. Approaching Forest Canyon, greenback cutthroat become more common but require longer hikes.

Water Temperature: Moraine Park's open meadow sections warm fastest in the park. Expect 50-58°F in July-August during midday. The shaded runs upstream stay 5-8 degrees cooler.

Access Points:

Access	Parking Situation	Walk to Water	Notes
Cub Lake Trailhead	~50 cars; fills 7:30-8am weekends	0.25 miles	Best parking-to-fishing ratio. Trees provide approach cover.
Fern Lake Road	Multiple pull-offs; rarely all full	Roadside	Road closed to vehicles in winter. Multiple access points—scout from the road.
Moraine Park Campground	Campers only	Walk-in	If you're camping, you have built-in dawn access before day-use crowds.

Where to Find Bigger Fish:

Browns hold in structure. Focus on:

• Deep undercut banks on outside bends—approach from downstream, stay low
• The confluence where braided channels rejoin—current seams concentrate food and fish
• Beaver dam pools (several exist upstream toward Cub Lake)—biggest browns in the meadow section
• Log jams and root balls—pitch streamers tight to structure in low light

Don't waste time on the obvious shallow riffles in the middle of the meadow—that's where beginners fish and where fish see the most pressure.

Best Approach:

• Arrive at Cub Lake lot by 7am on weekends, 8am weekdays
• Walk toward the river through the trees (not across open meadow)
• Stay low—kneeling presentations aren't overkill here
• Fish tight to undercut banks and structure; ignore open water
• Work upstream methodically; spooked fish alert others

Flow Note: The Big Thompson inside the park is not dam-controlled. Spring runoff (May-June) can blow it out completely; typically clears by late June. After heavy summer thunderstorms, give it 24-48 hours to clear.

Glacier Creek

Glacier Creek tumbles from the glaciers below Longs Peak through the Glacier Basin area, joining the Big Thompson downstream. This is freestone pocket water—fast riffles, boulder gardens, and plunge pools—requiring more technical fishing than Moraine Park's meadow water.

Character: Classic alpine pocket water with fast-moving riffles, boulders, and holes. Colder and clearer than the Big Thompson (typically 45-52°F even in August), with a steeper gradient. Much of it runs right along the road—easy to access, but also easy to dismiss as "too small." Don't. These fish eat.

Fish: Four species: brown, brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. One of the few places in the park where you might catch all four in a day—locals call it the "grand slam." Fish average 6-10 inches with occasional 12-inchers in deeper plunge pools.

Access:

Access	Parking Situation	Notes
Glacier Gorge Trailhead	~50 cars; fills before 6am on summer weekends	Primary access for Mills Lake, The Loch, Sky Pond. Park and Ride shuttle is your backup.
Glacier Basin Campground	Campers + limited day-use	Walk downstream from camp for less pressure and willing fish.
Bear Lake Road pull-offs	Various small lots	Fish the roadside sections everyone else drives past. No waders needed—wet wade or fish from rocks.

Fishing Approach:

• This is pocket water—short, accurate casts to specific lies
• High-stick nymphing: keep line off water, let the fly drop into plunge pools
• Each pool holds 1-3 fish max—catch them or spook them, then move
• Polarized glasses essential—you can sight-fish in the clear water
• Don't overlook the tiny pockets behind boulders; a 6-inch brookie lives in every one

Why Fish Here When It's Windy: Glacier Creek runs through a protected valley with tree cover. When alpine lakes are getting hammered by wind (common afternoons), drop down here. You'll catch fish instead of fighting your fly line.

Best Times: July through September after snowmelt clears. Glacier Creek can run high and cold into July in big snow years—check the downstream gauge before committing to the hike.

Fall River

Fall River drains the northwestern quadrant of the east side, flowing through Horseshoe Park before leaving the park near the Fall River entrance. It's smaller and more intimate than the Big Thompson, with spooky wild trout that reward stealth.

Character: Small mountain stream with tight casting lanes, meadow runs, and pocket water. The section through Horseshoe Park offers open meadow fishing similar to Moraine Park; above Alluvial Fan the character becomes more alpine with faster water.

Fish: Brook trout and brown trout, with greenback cutthroat in the upper reaches. Most fish run 6-9 inches—don't expect size, but they hit eagerly. These are the least-pressured fish on the east side.

Why Fish Here:

• Easier permit situation: Falls under standard timed entry (9am-2pm), not the competitive Bear Lake corridor permit
• Better parking: Pull-offs along Trail Ridge Road rarely fill completely
• Less crowded: Most anglers head to Bear Lake corridor; Fall River sees a fraction of the pressure

Access:

Access	Parking Situation	Notes
Alluvial Fan Trailhead	~40 cars; rarely full	Park at east or west lot; walk to water. The fan itself is worth seeing—created by a 1982 dam failure.
Horseshoe Park pull-offs	Roadside; always available	Multiple spots along Trail Ridge Road. Pick one that looks good.
Roaring River confluence	Near Alluvial Fan	Where Roaring River enters Fall River; fish stack up in the deeper water below the confluence.

Fishing Approach:

• Fish are spooky—long leaders (10-12 ft) and light tippet (5X-6X)
• Small flies only: 18-22 work better than 14-16 here
• Stay low and move slowly; kneeling casts aren't overkill
• Early morning and evening produce best—less foot traffic, lower light
• The secret spot: Hike 45 minutes up the horse trail from Alluvial Fan to upper Roaring River. You'll likely have the water entirely to yourself.

Alpine Lakes

The alpine lakes of RMNP represent some of the best high-country fishing in Colorado. These are destination trips—you'll work for the fishing—but the combination of scenery, solitude, and wild cutthroat makes them worth the effort.

General Rule: The harder the hike, the better the fishing. This is true everywhere but especially here.

Loch Vale (The Loch)

The most popular alpine lake destination on the east side—and for good reason. A moderate hike leads to a cirque lake sheltered by alpine cliffs. The protection from wind makes this ideal for calm-water dry fly fishing when other lakes are getting hammered.

Details:

• Distance: 5.4 miles RT from Glacier Gorge Trailhead
• Elevation: 10,180 ft (940 ft gain)
• Fish: Greenback cutthroat and brook trout
• Regulations: Catch-and-release, barbless hooks required

Why The Loch Works When Others Don't: The cirque walls on three sides block wind. Even when Sky Pond above is unfishable, The Loch's eastern coves stay protected. If your forecast shows afternoon wind (which it usually does), plan to fish The Loch, not Sky Pond.

Fishing Notes: Fish cruise visible in the clear water—spend 5 minutes watching before you cast. They follow predictable routes near shore. Concentrate on:

• Inlet area where Icy Brook enters (fish stack below incoming food)
• Outlet where water funnels toward Andrews Creek
• The protected coves along the eastern shore

Small ants, beetles, and black midges produce consistently. These fish aren't leader-shy—5X is fine.

Sky Pond

Above Loch Vale, a scramble up a short cliff leads to Sky Pond—one of the park's most dramatic settings. Taylor Glacier hangs above the far shore. The fishing can be exceptional, but conditions need to cooperate.

Details:

• Distance: 9 miles RT from Glacier Gorge Trailhead
• Elevation: 10,900 ft (1,660 ft gain)
• Fish: Greenback cutthroat (catch-and-release, barbless)

Access Note: The route from The Loch to Sky Pond involves a short Class 3 scramble beside Timberline Falls. Not technical climbing, but you'll use your hands. Poles stow on your pack.

The Wind Problem: Sky Pond sits in an exposed bowl. Afternoon winds regularly hit 20-30 mph, making surface fishing impossible. Fish here in the morning or not at all. Plan to arrive at the lake by 9am, fish until wind picks up (usually 11am-noon), then retreat to The Loch for afternoon fishing.

Mills Lake

Closer and easier than Loch Vale, Mills Lake sits below the east face of Longs Peak—the classic postcard view. Good numbers of brook trout with some cutthroat mixed in.

Details:

• Distance: 5 miles RT from Glacier Gorge Trailhead
• Elevation: 9,940 ft (750 ft gain)
• Fish: Brook trout (keep them!), some cutthroat

Best For: Anglers who want alpine lake scenery without the longer hike to The Loch. Also good for families or less-experienced hikers. The fish are willing and the Longs Peak backdrop is iconic.

Wild Basin Lakes

Wild Basin offers fewer crowds than the Bear Lake corridor. The tradeoff: longer hikes to quality water and a separate entrance (Highway 7 south of Estes Park).

Lake	Distance (RT)	Elevation	Fish	Notes
Ouzel Lake	10 miles	10,020 ft	Brook trout	Excellent water quality; consistent fishing. Named for the water ouzel (dipper) birds you'll see.
Thunder Lake	13.6 miles	10,574 ft	Cutthroat	One of the park's most remote lakes; outstanding fishing for those willing to work. Overnight backpack recommended.
Calypso Cascades	3.6 miles	9,200 ft	Brook trout	Shorter option; fish the pools below the falls. Good family destination.

Wild Basin Access: From Highway 7 south of Estes Park, turn at Wild Basin sign. Drive 2 miles on dirt road to trailhead.

• Parking: ~30 cars; fills by 8-8:15am on summer weekends
• Permit: Standard timed entry (easier to get than Bear Lake corridor)

Alpine Lake Tactics

Timing: Ice-out varies by elevation and snowpack year.

• Lakes below 10,000 ft: Usually clear by late June
• Lakes 10,000-10,500 ft: Early to mid-July
• Lakes above 10,500 ft: Mid-July or later in big snow years

Best Conditions: Calm mornings and evenings when fish rise. Wind over 20 mph makes dry fly fishing miserable—switch to streamers stripped slowly, or drop to a protected stream.

Water Temperature: Alpine lakes run 45-55°F even in August. Fish are active all day; the "midday lull" that affects lower-elevation water doesn't happen here.

Flies That Work:

• Dries: Black foam ants (14-18), purple beetles (16), small Elk Hair Caddis (16-18), Royal Wulff (14-16), Griffith's Gnat (18-22)
• Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (16-20), Hare's Ear (14-18), Perdigon (16-18)
• Streamers: Black Woolly Bugger (10-12), black leech patterns—strip slow

Approach: Fish cruise predictable routes near shore, often in 2-4 feet of water. Watch before casting. Position yourself where cruisers will pass within casting range, then lead them by 3-4 feet. Don't cast at fish—cast where fish will be.

Hatches and Fly Selection

RMNP waters support healthy insect populations despite the elevation. The key difference from lower-elevation rivers: hatches are compressed into a shorter season and smaller insects dominate.

Seasonal Hatch Chart

Month	Primary Hatches	Key Flies	Notes
Late June	Caddis, Yellow Sallies	Elk Hair Caddis (14-18), Yellow Stimulator (14-16)	Runoff may still affect lower streams
July	Caddis, PMDs, stoneflies	Parachute Adams (14-18), PMD Comparadun (16-18), Golden Stone (8-12)	Prime time. Best dry fly fishing of the year.
August	Caddis, terrestrials, BWOs begin	Foam Ant (14-18), Foam Beetle (14-16), Parachute BWO (18-22)	Terrestrials become critical; ants especially.
September	BWOs, midges	RS2 (20-22), Griffith's Gnat (18-22), Zebra Midge (20-24)	Smaller flies, longer leaders. Fish are fat and selective.
October	Midges, BWOs	Black Beauty (20-22), Mercury Midge (20-24), BWO Emerger (20-22)	Cold mornings; fish 10am-3pm.

Essential Fly Box (What Actually Works)

Dries (12 flies minimum):

• Parachute Adams 14-18 (4)—the everything fly
• Elk Hair Caddis 14-18 (4)—especially tan and olive
• Purple Haze 14-18 (2)—attractor that works when nothing's hatching
• Royal Wulff 14-16 (2)—high-floating attractor for rough water

Terrestrials (6 flies)—Don't skip these:

• Foam Ant black 14-18 (3)—MVP fly August through September
• Foam Beetle 14-16 (3)—black or purple; fish crush these

Nymphs (8 flies):

• Pheasant Tail 14-18 (3)
• Hare's Ear 14-16 (2)
• Perdigon 14-18 (3)—heavy for fast pocket water

Midges (6 flies):

• Griffith's Gnat 18-22 (3)—for midge clusters
• Zebra Midge black 18-22 (3)

For Alpine Lakes (add):

• Black Woolly Bugger 10-12 (2)
• Black Leech (2)—strip slow near drop-offs

Off-Season Fishing: November-May

Most RMNP waters freeze or blow out during the off-season, but the Big Thompson River below Lake Estes offers year-round fishing just outside the park. This tailwater stays ice-free thanks to the dam's regulated releases.

The Tailwater Below Lake Estes

Location: Immediately below Olympus Dam, accessible via Mall Road in Estes Park. The catch-and-release section extends 9 miles downstream to Waltonia Bridge.

Access: Park at the public lot on Mall Road and walk to the river. Multiple pull-offs along Highway 34 provide additional access downstream. Viestenz-Smith Park offers another established access point.

Why Fish Here Off-Season:

• Stays ice-free when park streams are frozen
• Wild brown trout (naturally reproducing since the mid-1990s)
• Consistent midge and BWO hatches November through March
• Good water even during spring runoff (dam filters sediment)

The Catch: This water gets pressured—even in winter. Fish see a lot of flies. Expect technical fishing: long leaders (12+ feet), light tippet (6X-7X), and small patterns (18-24). If you want solitude, this isn't it. If you want to catch fish in December, this is your best option near Estes Park.

Winter Flows: Typically 15-30 CFS through winter. Check Colorado flows on RiverReports before driving.

Winter Fly Box:

• Midge pupa black (20-24)
• Zebra Midge (20-24)
• RS2 (20-24)
• CDC Loopwing BWO Emerger (18-22)
• Pheasant Tail (18-20)

Gear: Chest waders essential—you'll be standing in 32°F water. Dress warm; fish the warmest part of the day (11am-3pm).

Regulations: Catch-and-release, artificial flies and lures only from Lake Estes to Waltonia Bridge.

Manage Your Expectations: Honest Assessments

Not every spot lives up to the hype. Here's straight talk on a few locations.

Sprague Lake

The hype: Easy access, multiple trout species, wheelchair-accessible, great for beginners.

The reality: All true—but it's also the most heavily pressured water in the park. Every tourist with a fishing license stops here. The fish have seen every fly in the box. You'll catch fish, but they're educated and the setting feels more "park attraction" than "backcountry solitude."

Verdict: Good for families, kids, or mobility-limited anglers. Skip it if you're an experienced fly fisher looking for quality water. The 30-minute drive to Wild Basin or the 0.25-mile walk to Moraine Park offers dramatically better fishing.

Mall Road Tailwater (Below Lake Estes)

The hype: Year-round fishing, wild browns, great winter option.

The reality: Excellent fish in heavily pressured water. Even in January, you'll share the river with other anglers. The fish are smart—they've been caught and released dozens of times. Technical fishing required.

Verdict: Worth it for off-season fishing when no other options exist. Frustrating if you expect easy fishing. Bring your A-game and small flies.

The "Obvious" Meadow Water in Moraine Park

The hype: Classic meadow stream, easy access, beautiful scenery.

The reality: The first 100 yards of river visible from parking areas gets hammered. Fish are spooky to the point of neurotic. Beginners wade right through the best holding water without realizing it.

Verdict: Walk further. The productive water is 0.5+ miles from parking. Fish the structure (undercuts, beaver dams, confluences) rather than the pretty-looking riffles everyone else fishes. Or head to Fall River where pressure is lighter.

Bear Lake (the lake itself)

Can you fish it? No. Bear Lake is closed to fishing. Don't waste time wondering—it's explicitly prohibited.

Local Fly Shops and Guides

Kirk's Flyshop

The go-to shop in Estes Park. They've been guiding RMNP waters for 20+ years and post weekly fishing reports. Stop in for current conditions and permit strategy—they deal with the logistics questions daily.

• Address: 230 E. Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park
• Phone: (970) 586-2110
• Website: kirksflyshop.com
• Trips: 2, 4, 6, and 8-hour guided trips; evening hatch trips available
• Rates: Half-day from $350; full-day from $500

Fly Fish Estes Park

Family-run operation with 15+ years on RMNP waters. All trips private—groups never combined. Good option if you want personalized instruction.

• Phone: (970) 702-4986
• Website: flyfishestespark.com
• Licensed and permitted for RMNP
• All equipment provided

St. Peter's Fly Shop

Fort Collins-based shop with RMNP expertise. Their guides know the backcountry lakes that most Estes Park guides don't fish regularly.

• Website: stpetes.com
• Trips: Walk/wade and alpine lake trips
• Rates: $350-$800 depending on duration and location

Estes Angler

Offers both fly fishing and conventional tackle trips. Good option for mixed groups where not everyone fly fishes.

• Website: estesangler.com
• Phone: (970) 586-2110

Greenback Cutthroat Conservation

The greenback cutthroat is Colorado's state fish—and its story is wilder than most anglers realize.

The Genetics Plot Twist: In 2007, genetic testing revealed that fish CPW had been stocking as "greenbacks" for decades were actually Colorado River cutthroat from the Western Slope—the wrong subspecies entirely. Just in RMNP, 13 restoration projects had been stocked with the wrong fish. The planet's entire known population of actual greenbacks turned out to be a single four-mile stretch of Bear Creek on Pikes Peak, outside their native range—fish that had been isolated above a waterfall since the 1870s.

CPW has since established broodstock from Bear Creek fish and is restoring true greenbacks to historic waters. In 2022, naturally reproducing greenbacks were confirmed in Herman Gulch—the first wild reproduction of the real greenback in over a century.

What This Means for Anglers:

• Barbless hooks and catch-and-release required in all greenback waters
• Handle with extreme care: wet hands, minimal air time, quick release
• Some backcountry streams may be closed for restoration—check NPS conditions before planning remote trips

If you catch one in RMNP, it may be a "legacy" fish from the old stocking program or a true greenback from recent restoration—either way, handle it carefully. You're part of an ongoing conservation story with more plot twists than a novel.

Recommended Reading

A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park by Steven B. Schweitzer is the definitive resource. Schweitzer spent over 10 years hiking and fishing the park, detailing 150+ destinations with topographic maps, trail profiles, hatch charts, and local fly patterns (over 120 patterns not found in other books). The 2023 edition includes updated regulations and post-fire trail conditions. Worth the $35 investment if you're planning multiple trips. Available at Kirk's Flyshop and Amazon.

Safety

Altitude

Estes Park sits at 7,500 feet; most fishing occurs between 8,000-12,000 feet. If you're arriving from sea level, take a day to acclimate before hiking to alpine lakes. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, fatigue, and nausea. Drink more water than you think you need.

Weather

Summer afternoons bring lightning—often by 1-2pm. Above treeline, you're the tallest object. Plan alpine lake trips to arrive at the lake by 9am and begin descent by noon. Weather changes in minutes at elevation. Always carry rain gear, even on blue-sky mornings.

Water Temperature (for Fish Health)

Cold water isn't a problem in RMNP—warm water occasionally is. During August heat waves, shallow meadow sections can reach 65°F+.

• Below 60°F: Fish freely
• 60-65°F: Fish are fine but monitor
• Above 65°F: Stop fishing—stressed fish have higher mortality even when released properly

Wildlife

Black bears and mountain lions live in the park. Make noise on trails, store food properly, and never approach wildlife. Elk are common in Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park—give them 75+ feet, especially during fall rut (September-October) when bulls are aggressive.

Cold Water (for You)

Even in August, these streams run 45-55°F. Extended immersion causes hypothermia. Wear wading boots with good traction (rubber soles, not felt) and consider a wading staff on boulder-strewn water like Glacier Creek. If you fall in, get out and warm up before continuing.

Spring Runoff

May through late June brings high, cold, silty water to freestone streams. Plan stream fishing for July-October when water clears. The tailwater below Lake Estes stays fishable during runoff.

Using RiverReports

RMNP streams are too small for dedicated gauges, but RiverReports helps plan your trip by tracking conditions on connected waters:

Primary Reference: Big Thompson River at Drake — This gauge sits below the park and reflects what's happening upstream. When it reads 100-150 CFS with stable or dropping trend, park streams are typically in good shape.

Secondary References:

• St. Vrain Creek — Reflects Wild Basin drainage conditions
• Cache la Poudre River — Similar elevation and snowpack; useful for trend comparison

How to Use:

1. Check Colorado flows on RiverReports 2-3 days before your trip
2. Look for stable or dropping flows in the 80-150 CFS range on the Big Thompson
3. Rising flows or readings above 200 CFS suggest high water in the park
4. After summer thunderstorms, give streams 24-48 hours to clear

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