Before school starts back up in a few weeks, take your kids out on the water a few more times. Since they’ll be spending so much time sitting at a desk, it’s important to get them outside and enjoying nature as much as possible in the remaining portion of summer vacation. While you could take them to the easy-to-access Lake Estes, let them fully enjoy the experience fishing in the backcountry. Take them to Dream Lake and let them practice their fly fishing techniques.
The Trailhead
To reach Dream Lake, take the Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike itself is a relatively easy two-mile walk, with a total elevation gain of 450 feet from the trailhead. This makes it a fantastic choice for younger anglers learning how to carry their fishing gear on the trail. Before you reach Dream Lake, you’ll have the option to stop at Bear Lake and Nymph Lake, so if your little one tuckers out before reaching the end of the trail, they can still fish at one of the lower lakes.
The Fish
Dream Lake contains a healthy number of cutthroat trout and features clear alpine water. It’s likely that your child will be able to see the fish approach the lure, enhancing the experience and the thrill of fishing.
What to Pack
Dream Lake is a perfect half-day excursion. Start out early when the weather is cool and pick a spot along the lake to fish for a few hours. Pack a lunch and spend some time helping your kids improve their casts out in nature. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the lake does not have facilities.
If you want to wrap up the summer with a true backcountry adventure, reserve a spot on one of our guided fishing trips. Our experienced guides know the best places to fish in the backcountry of Estes Park and are happy to help you improve your fly fishing technique.