Estes Angler’s Local Area Fishing Report
Estes Park fishing reports are updated weekly
For additional streamflows across Colorado, visit www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/
Big Thompson – Canyon
Updated 5/25/26 The flows into Lake Estes are currently 178 cfs. Flows out of Lake Estes are running at 123 cfs. Estes Park forecast weather is for rain showers everyday this week. Fishing continues to be very good from the tail water down through the Big Thompson canyon. Nymphing patterns try Patts rubberleg, pheasant tails, Blue poison tung, Sparkle wing and foam head RS2, CDC pheasant tails, Caddis “The Ticket in green,” and Stonefly patterns have all been very productive. Good drifts and presentations mean a lot. Dry flies include BWO’s, Mole flies, Parachute Adams, Deep and slower moving waters down in the canyon try wooly bugger and streamer patterns in Blk, Olive, Tan and a Thin Mint can also produce nice trout.
Updated 5/25/26 The flows of the Big Thompson currently running through Moraine park are at 89 cfs., Squirmy worms/small chenille worms in pink and purple. Small pheasant tails, Rainbow warrior, Sparkle wing RS2, Copper ribbed RS2, Egg patterns. Afternoon when the water warms and hatch activity starts to increase, Try Parachute Adams, Adams. Even small hopper pattern with a dropper have all been working throughout the afternoon into the evenings. The Deeper/slow moving waters try wooly Buggers in Olive, Blk. Dead Drift or stripped will produce trout holding deep.
St.Vrain
Updated 5/25/26 Middle St. Vrain flows at peaceful valley are at 54 cfs. Squirmy worm patterns, San Juan worms, cdc pheasant tails, Copper ribbed and Sparkle wing RS2, small pheasant tails, small Zebra Midge and Blue poison tung. Dry flies include Parachute Adams Purple Haze, BWO and Ext body BWO’s.
Updated 6/1/26 Flows in the Fall River are increasing due to snow runoff and fishing has been good. Slower moving water, undercut banks and deeper pools are where you will find the trout. Squirmy Worms in pink and purple, pheasant tails, Caddis patterns, Foam wing and Sparkle winged RS2. Dry flies try Elk/Deer hair caddis, Hopper patterns, UV Cinnamon parachutes, small Parachute Adams, bwo’s and Extended body bwo patterns as well as terrestrial patterns. Streamer pattern use Wooly Buggers in Blk, Olive, Thin mint.
6/1/26. Flows of Glacier Creek continue to increase with Spring runoff. Fishing continues to be good all up through the park. San Juan, Squirmy worms and small chenille type worms in pink. Small Caddis midge patterns, RS2, pheasant tails, Dry flies parachute Adams, UV Cinnamon Parachutes, Ext. Bwo’s, mole flies, been doing very well. Slower moving deep pools try Thin Mints, Black and Olive wooly Buggers stripped or dead drift can produce trout.
Roaring River
Updated 6/1/26 Flows of the Roaring River are also increasing due to Spring runoff. Small chenille type worm patterns, small caddis, Blue Poison Tung, pheasant tails and small midge pattern continue to work well. Dry Flies include Terrestrial patterns, Parachute Adams, Caddis flies, BWO’s. Parachute Hoppers fished along banks and slower moving water works well.
Updated 6/1/26 Most of the rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park are open below 8,500. Most of the Alpine lakes are ice free as of this posting. With continued rain/snow mix in the higher elevations the fishing may be a little slower in the park. Fishing gets better on warmer days in the afternoon and evening time slots. Current flows of the Big Thompson through Moraine park are at 166 cfs. Nymph patterns try Pat’s Rubber legs, Copper ribbed RS2, Foam head RS2, Mole flies, Egg patterns, small Pheasant tails, Squirmy worm and chenille type worm patterns. Dry flies recommend Parachute Adams, Adams, Elk hair patterns and Terrestrial patterns as well. Look for cruising trout along the banks, Fish inlet and outlets of the lakes. Try Leech patterns in Blk and Olive.