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. We also offer access to high-alpine lakes for the elusive greenback cutthroat trout—the only native trout to Colorado and a bucket-list species for many anglers.
Throughout the season, we primarily target wild brown and brook trout—hard-fighting fish that thrive in these cold, clear mountain streams. If you’re hoping to catch a greenback cutthroat, our best window is post-runoff—once the alpine lakes thaw out, typically by mid-to-late June. These native trout are stunning, feisty, and average about 12 inches.
Start and end times, as well as meeting locations, may vary depending on the season and destination. Your guide will contact you ahead of time with trip details. For custom trips, group bookings, or specific scheduling requests, give us a call at (720) 490-7840.
Target Species
Throughout the season, we primarily target wild brown and brook trout—hard-fighting fish that thrive in these cold, clear mountain streams. Browns and brooks can grow up to 18 inches in the park, with most averaging around 12 inches due to the high-alpine environment. They’re aggressive, often eager to take a dry fly, and consistent performers in nearly every season.
If you’re hoping to catch a greenback cutthroat, our best window is post-runoff—once the alpine lakes thaw out, typically by mid-to-late June. These native trout are stunning, feisty, and average about 12 inches.
Spring brings a strong window of fishing in April, when trout emerge from winter lethargy and respond well to nymphing tactics before runoff begins.
During runoff—typically late May through early June—fishing can be challenging, but once the waters clear, we see excellent hatches and some of the best dry fly action of the year through July.
As summer rolls on, terrestrial season kicks in, with trout eagerly taking hoppers, ants, and beetles well into October.
Later in the fall, water levels drop and the fish get spookier, but the weather is often beautiful and careful presentations still get amazing results.
Where We Fish
We guide on several iconic waters within Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Big Thompson River Headwaters – Starting in tight canyon stretches and opening into a broad valley, the lower stretch offers easy access and mobility making it a popular destination. Fishing here is more technical due to the visibility and traffic, but it’s an excellent place to hone your skills and catch wild fish in a scenic setting.
- Glacier Creek – A steep, fast-flowing tributary of the Big Thompson with tight pocket water and aggressive fish. Though the terrain can be a bit more rugged, the reward is active fish and lower pressure.
- Fall River – Another drainage of the Big Thompson, this stream is especially productive for brook trout. It’s a great option for newer anglers or those looking for consistent action, with the occasional surprise brown mixed in.
- Roaring River – This tributary feeds into Fall River and is home to wild greenback cutthroat trout. Reaching the fishing requires a 1.5-mile hike, but anglers are rewarded with solitude, striking scenery, and classic pocket water fishing for Colorado’s only native trout.
What's Included
We provide everything needed for your day of fishing! This includes waders, boots, rods, reels, all terminal tackle, and all flies. We even provide a sack lunch on full days.
What To Bring
Make sure to bring a Colorado fishing license, and all clothing appropriate for the weather. Our seasons can bring vastly different weather, so make sure you are prepared with lightweight, athletic clothing suited for the temperatures along with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, socks, a camera, and rain jacket.
Feel free to bring any of your own fishing gear if you prefer!
- Colorado fishing license
- Lightweight, athletic clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A Hat
- Socks
- A camera
- Rain jacket (if necessary)
Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
From $275
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