Fishing
Fish a wild river, a gentle stream, a tranquil lake, or a private pond - Estes Park fishing opportunities are endless! The town of Estes Park is at the confluence of two rivers that flow from Rocky Mountain National Park — Big Thompson and Fall River. Two lakes and a marina (Lake Estes, Marys Lake, and the Lake Estes Marina) also provide good fishing opportunities.
The Colorado Department of Wildlife stocks some of the waters, so a fishing license is required for those 16 and older. One-day licenses are available.
Fishing tips, supplies, and licenses are available at local businesses. For the ultimate convenience, stay at a lodging property located on a river or lake. Many of these properties stock their lake with fish for your convenience.
Licenses aren't required at the private trout ponds where you pay by the inch for the fish you catch — a sure thing — and they clean them for you.
You are sure to enjoy fly fishing at Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers a variety of rivers and alpine lakes for fishing. Fall River in Horseshoe and the Big Thompson in Moraine Park are easy-access favorites. There are a few catch and release fishing areas in the Park, so be sure to check with Park Information for these locations before starting your fishing expedition. Fishing licenses are required in the Park. Link to the fishing page at RockyMountainNationalPark.com for detailed online information.
Link to the Fishing Report for the latest conditions and fly suggestions.
Click here for Fishing book recommendations.
Fish outside your door! We have over 1000' of river stocked with rainbow trout. Leave the fast lane, cross our covered bridge to simple serenity in a cozy cottage or suite in towering pines along Fall River. Bask in hot tub bubbles, the scent of a crackling wood fire, the river's lullaby, the serendipity of wandering wildlife! Cook your fresh trout at the riverbank fire ring or your patio's grill.
Shows On:
Close to everything, close to perfect! Enjoy an easy stroll on the paved walkway to Lake Estes and dinner in town. Small, friendly, affordable. * Full range of suites and rooms at ground level * Air conditioning * Free Wi-Fi * Pet-friendly * Modest rates * Smoke-free * Outdoor hot tub * Jacuzzi suite *
Shows On:
Our full, pro-line fly shop and outdoor adventure company offers guided fly fishing, day hikes, Longs Peak trips, backpacking, horseback/fly fishing, and llama pack trips, as well as snow shoeing trips in winter. We are Family Owned and Operated.
Three beautiful properties all ideally located in a grove of majestic pines along a secluded stretch of beautiful Fall River. Stocked river fishing, free poles and tackle - fish from your private deck or river front yard. Full kitchens, fireplaces, private hot tubs and spas. Only 1 mi to the Park, and 3 mi to downtown.
Shows On:
This is great family fun in a beautiful, tranquil setting. No fishing license required. We provide all the gear and bait. We'll even clean and ice your catch. You pay by the fish inch. The pond is stocked every season with Rainbow Trout and you're guaranteed a successful catch. This is a great way to introduce your children or grandchildren to fishing.
Combine these traits: a native of Estes Park, 3 generations of Rocky Mountain fishing, 40 years in the guided fishing and retail business, and you get a totally unmatched perspective on all types of trout fishing! We relate well with kids, adult beginners, as well as experts. One mile west of Estes Park on US 36, on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Shows On:
Want to go fishing? Head straight out from your room to the river across our grassy lawn. Riverfront rooms to cozy mini-suites with kitchenettes and fireplaces. Fall River is stocked with trout every other week during summer. Flies and lures, fish and release only. 2 miles to RMNP and 1 mile to town.
Shows On:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Steve Schweitzer has written a comprehensive fishing guide, A FLY FISHING GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. It guides the angler to over 150 destinations along 48 trails - the Park's best streams, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes that abound with healthy hungry trout, none of which are stocked but are wild and self-sustaining. This guide provides fishing tips and information on what flies work best in the Park and when important hatches occur.
More information about the book and how to purchase it is available at flyfishingrmnp.com.
Todd Hoffman is the author of FLY FISHING COLORADO'S FRONT RANGE; AN ANGLER'S GUIDE that covers more than 50 close fly fishing destinations and includes descriptions, illustrations, and photos of the region's most common insects and fly patterns. Other guidebooks are available online at Barnes and Noble, and are recommended on our guide books page.
FIshing guides at Kirks Flyshop recommend a fly selector for the Big Thompson River and Rocky Mountain National Park. They are available at Kirks Flyshop for $4, or online for $5 at www.flyselector.com.
