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 24 cfs now. Flows are still super low. Midge emergers are the most consistent producers on the river but good BWO hatches are happening most days. Be as stealthy as possible. Hopefully flows will come back up again soon.
Hot Flies: For dry flies - BWO and Small Parachute Adams. Nymph setups include Rainbow Warrior, CDC Pheasant Tails, Sow Bugs, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Mole flies, Radiation Baetis, Sparklewing Rs2, Blue Poison Tung and Mayhem Midge have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
The flows are super low now. The fishing down here is just starting to get going. Most of the fish are up in the top part of the property.
Hot Flies:
Waterdale Ranch Private Fishing Trip
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is still fishing well. Flows are low but there is no ice on the river now.
Hot Flies: PMD, Dungeons, Thin Mints, Wooly Buggers, Hares Ears, 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:
The current flow is around 29 cfs. The river is completely ice free at this point. The water is skinny still but the fish are active and looking for food. Long leaders and a quiet approach will help.
Hot Flies: BWO, Blue Poison Tung, Mole Flies, Pheasant Tail w/CDC, No Mercy Midge, Juju Bees, Grey Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Mayhem Midge and Hares Ears all being good choices.
Check Flow
Mary’s Lake and Lake Estes:
The flow into Lake Estes is low but the river through the golf course is fishing well. Lake Estes near the power plant has been fishing excellent this week. Mary's Lake and Lake Estes are both low but completely ice free now.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
The water is open in Moraine Park and the Fall River. But the fishing is still slow. Keep it small and you can find some success in the afternoons. All of the alpine lakes are still completely frozen at this point.
Hot Flies: Double downs, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Mole Flies, Mighty Mites, Egg patterns, pheasant tails and worm patterns are your best options for the last couple weeks before ice up.
Fly of the Week: #20 Mayhem Midge (Updated 3/22/26)
