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 23 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, Hares Ears and Hot Head Sow Bugs have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
The flows are low and clear. The fishing has been outstanding this week in both the upper and lower sections of the property. Squirmy worms, Grey Sparklewing Rs2 and Copper ribbed Rs2 have all been good.
Hot Flies: Nymph setups include Taboo Caddis, Thin Mints, Hares Ears, Soft Hackle Sow Bugs, San Juan Worms, Sparklewing Rs2s, 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 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:
Below Drake has been fishing well. The current flow is around 32 cfs. Flies like extended body BWO have been productive. But emerger patterns are the most consistent flies to have on right now.
Hot Flies: BWO, Hustlers, PMD, Duracells, 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:
Water levels have dropped back down and is running clear. The flow into Lake Estes now 27 cfs. There are still some late afternoon hatches on the lake. The fishing in the river coming into the lake is slowing down. Mary's Lake is fishing well. Fish deep over near the tube. Sow bugs, Duracells, PMD nymphs, Juju Bees, CDC Pheasant Tail, pink worm patterns, Perdigons, Egg patterns, Blue Poison Tung and Rs2s will work well.
Guided Lake Estes Fishing Trips
Rocky Mountain National Park:
It is late fall now in the park and fishing is slowing down with the chilly mornings. The flow coming out of Moraine was 2 cfs Friday morning. On the warmer days there is decent afternoon fishing. With the cooler temps midges are the main flies coming off. Nymphing is more consistently productive. All the alpine lakes have at least some ice on them and many are completely frozen at this point.
Hot Flies: Double downs, Copper Ribbed Rs2, Mole Flies, Mighty Mites, Amys Ants, Egg patterns, Pats Rubber legs, pheasant tails and worm patterns are your best options for the last couple weeks before ice up.
Fly of the Week: #22 Rs2 Dun Emerger (Updated 11/7/25)
