Gearing Up for a Day on the Water?
A Wide Range of Fly Fishing Experiences
At Peak To Plains Guide Service, we offer fly fishing experiences around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. We specialize in walk-and-wade trips through the park’s pristine alpine streams and lakes, targeting wild trout in some of Colorado’s most scenic backcountry. In town, we fish local waters around Estes Park for both convenience and classic mountain trout action.
For anglers seeking an exclusive experience, we also have a permit to run trips on the most sought-after private water trout fisheries in the state—just 45 minutes from Denver. Looking for something different? We offer warmwater fly fishing trips by boat on the Front Range and eastern plains reservoirs, targeting species like wipers, bass, and carp for a totally unique and hard-fighting day on the water.
Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a breathtaking blend of wild trout, alpine scenery, and seasonal variety that keeps things fresh all season long.
Estes Park Fly Fishing
Our guided fly fishing trips in Estes Park offer convenient, productive fishing right in town—perfect for anglers of all experience levels.
Private Water Fly Fishing Colorado
Experience some of the finest private water fly fishing in Colorado just 45 minutes from Denver.
Warmwater Fly Fishing
For anglers looking to break away from trout streams and experience something totally different, our warmwater fly fishing trips deliver big action and powerful fish.
Target Species
We target a variety of species in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, and the eastern Plains.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are widely distributed throughout Colorado, almost all the browns we target are wild fish. They thrive in low-light conditions and are most active in early mornings, evenings, or under overcast skies. Streamer fishing can be especially productive for bigger browns, particularly in rivers like the Big Thompson. They also respond well to nymph rigs and terrestrial patterns in summer.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are typically found in Colorado’s high-country creeks, alpine lakes, and small mountain streams, especially within the scenic wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. These brilliantly colored fish are often eager to hit dry flies, particularly in remote waters with minimal fishing pressure. While small in size, they more than make up for it with their vibrant beauty, aggressive takes, and willingness to bite.
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
Greenback cutthroat trout are Colorado’s only native trout species and can primarily be found in select high-elevation streams and lakes within Rocky Mountain National Park. These fish are a conservation success story and are catch-and-release only in most areas. Dry flies like parachute Adams or hoppers are effective in summer, especially in small, clear streams. A light, stealthy approach is essential.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are one of the most popular and widely targeted game fish in Colorado, thriving in both rivers and high-country lakes. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a longtime favorite among fly anglers of all skill levels. Nymphing with small mayfly or midge patterns works well year-round, while dry flies are especially effective during hatch-heavy summer afternoons and evenings.
Wipers
Wipers—hybrids of striped bass and white bass—offer a powerful, drag-screaming experience on the fly. They’re found in warmwater reservoirs like Pueblo, Union, and John Martin Reservoir. When targeting them, we use sinking lines with baitfish imitations or clouser minnows to cover water and trigger reaction strikes. Early morning and late evening feeding frenzies, especially when shad are present, can lead to explosive action.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are a warmwater target found in Colorado’s ponds, lakes, and lowland reservoirs. While not as common as trout, fly anglers can still enjoy great bass action using poppers and frog patterns around structure or weed beds. Subsurface flies like woolly buggers and crawfish imitations also produce. We target them in the warmer months, when water temps rise and bass are most active.
Carp
Carp fly fishing in Colorado has surged in popularity, especially in urban lakes, reservoirs, and the South Platte River through Denver. Often called the “golden bonefish,” carp demand stealth, accuracy, and a sight-fishing approach. Small nymphs, crayfish patterns, or hybrid carp flies fished on the bottom are effective. Clear, shallow water and sunny days make spotting and presenting to feeding carp possible.
