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:
Winter is here. Water is skinny but fishing is good. The flow is 13 cfs now. The weather has started to cool off but the fishing has been good. Small midges are the most consistent way to get fish right now.
Hot Flies: For dry flies - Mole Flies, Small Parachute Adams, and Nymph setups include Soft Hackle Sow Bugs, Perdigons, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mole Flies, Radiation Baetis, and Gray Sow Bugs have all been good.
Check Flow
Private Water Waterdale Ranch:
Flows are very low and there are large areas of ice.
Hot Flies:
Colorado River:
The Colorado River has some open water still. The water levels are continuing to drop but there is still plenty of cool, clear water. Nymphing has been very good.
Hot Flies: Squirmy Worms, Baetis nymphs, Blue Poison Tungs, Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2 and Juju Baetis are all good options.
Big Thompson below Drake:
Below Drake has been okay. The current flow is around 17 cfs. Midge and BWO hatches are the only surface activity most days. Edge ice is covering most areas.
Hot Flies: BWO, Mole Fly, Bling Midge, Sparklewing Rs2, Copper Ribbed Rs2 and Hares Ears all being good choices.
Check Flow
Mary’s Lake and Lake Estes:
Mary's Lake is fishing well. Where the water comes into Lake Estes there are a lot of fish. The flow coming into Lake Estes is 12 cfs. Lake Estes itself is fishing well. Sow bugs, CDC Pheasant Tail, pink worm patterns, Perdigons, Mole Flies, No Mercy Midge and Rs2s will work well.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
The water in Rocky Mountain National Park is mostly frozen now. The high country lake are all frozen.
Hot Flies: Midges and worm patterns in the small open pockets in the lower areas of the park are your only options at this point.
Fly of the Week: #24 Olive Mole Fly
