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 120cfs now. Summer is here and fishing has been very good. Steady PMD, caddis and stonefly nymph activity as well as the normal midges and BWO. Smaller sow bugs and Yellow Sallies have been really productive.
Hot Flies: For dry flies - PMD, Yellow Paralyzers, Ant patterns, BWO and Parachute Adams. Nymph setups include Spanish Bullets, Rainbow Warrior, CDC Pheasant Tails, Olive Tickets, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Radiation Baetis, Duracells and Gray Sow Bugs have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
Flows at Waterdale have come down and the water has cleared up quite a bit. The fishing has been outstanding this week in both the upper and lower sections of the property. Perdigons, Chubby Chernobyls, Grey Rs2 and Pats Rubberlegs have all been good.
Hot Flies: Nymph setups include Taboo Caddis, Thin Mints, Hustlers, Soft Hackle Sow Bugs, San Juan Worms, Egg Patterns, CDC Pheasant Tails, Radiation Baetis, and Gray Sow Bugs have all been good.
Waterdale Ranch Private Fishing Trip
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is still well below normal seasonal flows but so far the water temps have been holding. PMD, stoneflies and caddis are the main top water flies. The water levels are great right now and early summer 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, PMD, Salmonflies, Dungeons, Wooly Buggers, Mini Leeches, Baetis nymphs, Blue Poison Tungs, Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Pats Rubber legs and Juju Baetis are all good options.
Guided Colorado River Fly Fishing Trips
Big Thompson below Drake:
Below Drake has been fishing well. The current flow is around 165 cfs. PMD, Stoneflies and caddis are starting to come off pretty regularly. With the water coming down dry flies have become more productive. Flies like extended body PMDs, Yellow Sallies and terrestrial patterns.
Hot Flies: BWO, Hustlers, PMD, Duracells, Chubby Chernobyls, 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:
The flow into Lake Estes is 205 cfs. The water is clear and there is starting are good evening hatches on the lake. The river coming into the lake has been fishing great. Mary's Lake is fishing well. Fish deep over near the tube. Sow bugs, Duracells, Mini Leeches, Egg patterns, CDC Pheasant Tail, pink worm patterns, Perdigons, Pats Rubber Legs, Blue Poison Tung and Rs2s will work well.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
The water in Rocky Mountain National Park is getting close to perfect for summer fishing. The flow coming out of Moraine was 86 cfs Saturday morning. Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park are fishing well most of the day now. All the alpine lakes are fishing great with ants and beetles.
Hot Flies: Midges, Chubby Chernobyls, Grey Drakes, double downs, Mighty Mites, Amys Ants, Egg patterns, Pats Rubber legs, pheasant tails and worm patterns are your best options for the next few weeks.
Fly of the Week: #16 Duracell (Updated 7/12/25)
