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 30 cfs now. Water levels are getting low but the fishing has still been steady again this week. Midge emergers are the most consistent producers on the river but good BWO hatches are happening most days. For streamers the Thin Mint is a good choice.
Hot Flies: For dry flies - BWO and Parachute Adams. Nymph setups include Rainbow Warrior, CDC Pheasant Tails, Hot Head Sow Bugs, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Mole flies, Sparklewing Rs2, Blue Poison Tung and Hot Head Sow Bugs have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
The flows are super low now. The fishing is mostly done for the season as most of the ranch is frozen.
Hot Flies:
Waterdale Ranch Private Fishing Trip
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is still fishing good this fall. Nymphing has been consistent and streamer fishing has been great as well.
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 34 cfs. There is some ice on the water now but there are open stretches here and there. Flies like extended body BWO have been productive. But emerger patterns are the most consistent flies to have on right now.
Hot Flies: BWO, Blue Poison Tung, Chubby Chernobyls, Pheasant Tail w/CDC, No Mercy Midge, Juju Bees, Grey 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 low with quite a bit of ice at this point. Mary's Lake has some ice on it as well. Lake Estes is mostly open from ice.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
It is full winter in the park with most of the waters now frozen. The flow coming out of Moraine was 2 cfs Thursday morning. All of the alpine lakes are 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 Rs2 Dun Emerger (Updated 12/0425)
