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 9/14/26 The flows into Lake Estes are currently 32 cfs. Flows out of Lake Estes are running at 32 cfs. Even with diminished flows into and out of Olympus Dam, Fishing continues to be very good from the tail water down through the Big Thompson canyon. Stonefly Nymphing patterns try Patts rubberleg, Hares ears, CDC Pheasant tails, Copper Ribbed RS2, Blue poison tungs, perdigons .Hopper dropper pattern are also working very well with the hot days bug activity is increasing. Try Chubby Chernobyls Hippie Stompers, Yeager 409 type patterns to Mayfly nymphs, pheasant tails, Hares ears, CDC Pheasant tails. Double dry Patterns can also work well. Dries patterns try small Elk hair caddis patterns, BWO’s, Mole flies, Yellow Sallies, PMD, Parachute Adams, Smaller dry flies 20 to size 26 behind a bigger dry fly seemed to work on short, high sticked drifts behind rocks and slower seams in the tailwater. Deep and slower moving waters down in the canyon try wooly bugger and streamer patterns in Blk, Olive and Thin Mints can also produce nice trout.
Updated 9/14/26 The flows of the Big Thompson currently running through Moraine Park are at 10 cfs. Although the water is getting thin, fishing continues to be good. Hopefully the recent afternoon /evening showers and thunderstorms can keep the flows rejuvenated. Deeper pools and moving water will hold trout. Hopper dropper patterns with small pheasant tails, Hares Ears. Midge patterns like the Pale Ale, Bling and zebra midge. Hopper pattern in double dries, Ant/Beetle patterns, Parachute Adams Elk Hair caddis, Yellow Sallies BWO’s , Mole flies still work well throughout all the parks waters.
Special note: Meadow closures for the lower portion of the Big Thompson through Moraine Park are as follows Sept 1st through Oct 31st. Fishing locations that are accessed by walking through the closed meadow areas are closed to fishing from 5pm to 7am.
St.Vrain
Updated 9/14/26 The flows of the St. Vrain at Peaceful Valley are running at 6 cfs. North Fork of the St. Vrain below Button Rock Res are currently running 25 cfs. The fishing has been reported very good at Wild Basin. Squirmy worms/small chenille worms in pink and purple. Nymphs, Small pheasant tails, Sparkle wing RS2, Copper ribbed RS2, small Midge patterns like the Pale Ale, Zebra midge. Afternoon when the water warms and hatch activity starts to increase, Try Parachute Adams, Adams, Red Quills ,UV Cinnamon Parachutes, Yellow Sallies, Purple Mini Garcia’s, PMD’s Even small hopper patterns like Chubby Chernobyl, Hippie Stompers with a smaller dry flies in tow have all been working throughout the afternoon into the evenings.
Fall River
Updated 9/14/26 Flows in Fall River are moving much slower than other rivers in the park and fishing has been good, but stealthier techniques are required to keep from spooking the fish . Small Pheasant tails, Hares ear, Walt’s worm and other Caddis patterns can produce trout. Don’t forget Foam and Sparkle wing RS2s. Dry flies try Elk/Deer hair caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Parachute flies, Bwo’s and extended Bwo patterns as well as ants and Beetles and other terrestrial patterns. Streamer patterns try wooly Buggers in Blk, Olive and thin mints.
Glacier Creek
Updated 9/14/26. With summer in full swing 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, small Hares ears, Walt’s worm, RS2, pheasant tails. Midge patterns like Poison tungs, Zebra midge, Pale ale, Blk Beauty midge. Dry flies parachute Adams, UV Cinnamon Parachutes have been working very well. Ext. Bwo’s, PMD’s , Yellow Sallies, mole flies, Ants, Beetle patterns and other terrestrial are working well. Chubby Chernobyls with dropper patterns and double dry fly patterns can work well. Slower moving deep pools try Thin Mints, Black and Olive wooly Buggers stripped or dead drift can produce trout.
Roaring River
Updated 9/14/26. Small chenille type worm patterns in pink. Small caddis, Hares ears, Bird Nest, Blue Poison Tung, small pheasant tails and small midge pattern continue to work well. With increased hatches Dry dropper and double dry fly patterns will produce trout. Dry Flies include Terrestrial patterns, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Caddis flies, BWO’s. Parachute Hoppers. Parachute Adams fished in the slower/deep pocket water will produce trout. Keep the fly dry and have fun!
Updated 9/14/26 Most of the rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park are open, Cool nights and mornings 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 10 cfs. Nymph patterns try Pat’s Rubber legs, Copper ribbed RS2, Foam head RS2, Mole flies, Egg patterns, small Pheasant tails, Zebra Midges/ chironomid patterns. Squirmy worm and chenille type worm patterns. Dry flies recommend Chubby Chernobyl, Hippie Stompers, Fat Angie’s in Purple, Parachute Adams, Orange Ashers, Adams, Elk / Deer hair patterns. Terrestrial patterns, Ants and Beetle as the day warms up. Look for cruising trout along the banks, Fish inlet and outlets of the lakes. Try Leech patterns in Blk and Olive stripped slowly under an indicator with a nymph underneath can produce nice trout.