Our Estes Park fishing report gives you the most up-to-date fishing information on the local area and Big Thompson River. Check in here before going fly fishing in Estes Park so that you know where to go, what to use, and how to make the most of your time on the water.
Upper Big Thompson:
The flow is 104 cfs now. The weather has been fluctuating temperature wise but the fishing has been steady. Midges are still good but with the increased flows we are starting to see some caddis and stonefly nymph activity as well. There are good midge, caddis and BWO hatches most days.
Hot Flies: For dry flies - Black Elk Hair Caddis, Ant patterns, BWO, Small Parachute Adams, and Nymph setups include Mini Leeches, Taboo Caddis, San Juan Worms, Egg Patterns, CDC Pheasant Tails, Olive Tickets, Mole Flies, Radiation Baetis, and Gray Sow Bugs have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
Flows are finally starting to come up some down there. The fishing through the whole property has been really good the last week. Lots of good Browns and Rainbows have been to the net lately.
Hot Flies: Nymph setups include Thin Mints, Soft Hackle Sow Bugs, San Juan Worms, Egg Patterns, CDC Pheasant Tails, Olive Tickets, Mole Flies, Radiation Baetis, and Gray Sow Bugs have all been good.
Waterdale Ranch Private Fishing Trip
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is still in pre runoff mode. The water levels are great right now and spring fishing conditions on the Colorado have been very good. Nymphing has been consistent and streamer fishing has been great as well.
Hot Flies: Squirmy Worms, Dungeons, Wooly Buggers, Mini Leeches, Baetis nymphs, Blue Poison Tungs, Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2 and Juju Baetis are all good options.
Guided Colorado River Fly Fishing Trips
Big Thompson below Drake:
Below Drake has been fishing well with good midge and BWO hatches midday. The current flow is around 148 cfs. Midges are still the most productive flies to be using. But stonefly nymphs and caddis larva are being kicked up by the stronger current so don't be afraid of using a larger nymph mixed with a midge.
Hot Flies: BWO, Mini Leeches, Pheasant Tail w/CDC, No Mercy Midge, Bling Midge, Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2 and Hares Ears all being good choices.
Check Flow
Mary’s Lake and Lake Estes:
Mary's Lake is fishing well. Fish deep over near the tube. The flow into Lake Estes is 188 cfs and large numbers of fish are in the river through the golf course up to the Visitors Center. Lake Estes is fishing is really picking up. The water has a little color in it coming into the lake so Sow bugs, Mini Leeches, Egg patterns, CDC Pheasant Tail, pink worm patterns, Perdigons, Mole Flies, No Mercy Midge and Rs2s will work well.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
The water in Rocky Mountain National Park is starting to thaw out in the lower elevations. Moraine park and Horseshoe park are ice free now and fishing midday is good. Water has started coming up nicely. The high country lakes are all still mostly frozen but the ice is starting to get thin in the sunny areas. We should have some open water at the 9,000-9,500 ft range lakes soon.
Hot Flies: Midges, pheasant tails and worm patterns are your best options for the next few weeks.
Fly of the Week: #16 Hustler Dark (Updated 5/11/25)