Estes Park is more than just a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park— it’s a bucket-list destination for trout anglers of all skill levels. Surrounded by high-alpine lakes, pristine rivers, and scenic canyons, this mountain town offers a wide variety of fishing experiences.
Whether you’re a first-timer looking to land your first rainbow or an experienced fly angler chasing wild cutthroat, there’s a perfect spot for you. In this guide, we’ll break down where to fish, what you’ll catch, and how to stay legal on the water.
What Are the Best Spots for Trout Fishing Near Estes Park?
Looking for the best trout waters near Estes Park? These local favorites offer incredible scenery and even better fishing.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
A fly angler’s paradise, Rocky Mountain National Park offers dozens of cold, clear streams and alpine lakes teeming with wild trout. Most of these waters require a short hike, but the payoff is solitude, scenery, and native trout.
Top fishing areas in RMNP:
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Moraine Park – A wide, meandering stretch of the Big Thompson River with healthy populations of browns and rainbows. Ideal for dry fly action in the summer.
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Roaring River & Fern Lake Area – Excellent for adventurous anglers seeking cutthroat trout and fewer crowds.
2. Big Thompson River
Just minutes from downtown Estes, the Big Thompson River is a go-to for both beginner and experienced anglers. It flows out of Lake Estes and carves through the dramatic Big Thompson Canyon, offering diverse fishing conditions and easy access.
Where to fish:
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Upper stretches (near Moraine Park) – Slower water, good for wading and dry fly fishing
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Downtown Estes Park – More accessible, but busier
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Canyon section below Olympus Dam – Technical water with deep pools and eager trout
3. Lake Estes
If you prefer stillwater or are fishing with young kids, Lake Estes is a great choice. This reservoir is stocked regularly and holds some impressively large rainbows and browns. You can fish from shore, rent a kayak, or join a Lake Estes Fishing Charter with one of our professional guides.
What makes it special:
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Easy access for families and casual anglers
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Great for trolling or jigging from a boat
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Scenic views of the Continental Divide
4. Colorado River Float Trips
Looking for a true Colorado adventure? Head west for a float fishing trip on the Colorado River. These guided trips depart from just outside of Estes Park and offer full- or multi-day options through stunning red rock canyons and remote stretches of river.
Why it’s a bucket-list experience:
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Big water and big fish
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Target brown and rainbow trout in under-pressured sections
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Enjoy a scenic float with professional guides who handle all the gear, rowing, and rigging
What Types of Trout Can Be Found in the Waters Around Estes Park?
The waters around Estes Park are home to some of the most sought-after trout species in the West. Whether you’re casting into a high-alpine stream or floating the mighty Colorado River, you’ll have the chance to catch a variety of trout, each with its own personality, behavior, and beauty.
Here’s a closer look at the types of trout you’ll find near Estes Park:
🐟 Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Colorado fly fishing, and for good reason. These vibrant fish are known for their pinkish-red stripe, silvery sides, and feisty fighting spirit. Found throughout the Big Thompson River, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Lake Estes, rainbows are active feeders and love taking dry flies, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
Fun fact: Rainbows are aggressive surface feeders and often provide explosive takes on dry flies during hatch season.
🐟 Brown Trout
Brown trout are prized by anglers for their size, intelligence, and ambush-style behavior. With golden-brown bodies and distinctive black and red spots, browns are harder to fool than rainbows but offer a rewarding challenge. They’re commonly found in deeper pools and undercut banks, especially in less-pressured waters.
Pro tip: Browns love structure… target log jams, undercut banks, and shady spots, especially early morning and evening.
🐟 Brook Trout
Brook trout are the jewel-toned residents of high mountain streams and lakes. Technically a char, not a true trout, brookies are known for their vibrant spots and orange belly fins edged in white. They tend to be smaller in size but are plentiful in the cold, clear headwaters of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Best for: Hikers and backcountry anglers looking for a quiet, scenic fishing experience.
🐟 Greenback Cutthroat Trout
The crown jewel of Colorado trout, the Greenback Cutthroat is the state fish. Once thought extinct, these native trout have been reintroduced into select alpine streams within Rocky Mountain National Park. With their distinctive greenish backs, red-orange bellies, and telltale “cut” beneath the jaw, catching (and releasing) a Greenback is a rare honor for any angler.
Important: Greenbacks are strictly catch-and-release with artificial flies only. Be sure to handle them carefully and return them to the water immediately.
What Are the Local Regulations and Permit Requirements for Trout Fishing in the Estes Park Area?
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone age 16 or older must have a valid Colorado fishing license, even inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
You can get your license at Kirks Flyshop or online through Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Special regulations to know:
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RMNP rules: Artificial flies/lures only, barbless hooks recommended, no bait.
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Greenback cutthroat: Must be released immediately.
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Catch limits and gear restrictions vary. Check signs at each water or ask our staff.
When in doubt, let us help. Our team is always happy to walk you through the local rules before your trip.
Pro Tips from the Local Experts
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Best time to fish: Early summer through mid-fall is prime. Mornings and evenings offer the best action.
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Don’t forget the weather: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Dress in layers and bring sun protection!
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Match the hatch: Our fly shop can help you choose the right flies based on current river activity.
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Want to level up fast? Book a guided trip! You’ll learn more in a day with a guide than in a season on your own.
Let Kirks Flyshop Be Your Fishing HQ
Whether you’re exploring Rocky Mountain National Park or floating the Colorado River, Kirks Flyshop is your local connection to unforgettable trout fishing in Estes Park. We’ve been guiding trips here since 2002, and we guarantee that you’ll catch fish with us.
Let’s go fishing. Book your guided trip today or stop by the shop to gear up and chat with our local guides!