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 19 cfs now. Happy New Year! Winter has returned and colder weather has cooled the river down. 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 Small 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.
Hot Flies:
Waterdale Ranch Private Fishing Trip
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is still fishing well. Flows are low but it has been warm and fall like conditions continue. 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 24 cfs. Cooler conditions have brought back the ice on the river. There is some small areas open but most of the river is iced up. 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 and there is some ice through the golf course. Mary's Lake is completely ice free as is Lake Estes.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
It is full winter in the park now. The water is mostly frozen in Moraine Park and in the Fall River. 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: #22 Black Mole Fly (Updated 1/3/26)
