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 8/3/26 The flows into Lake Estes are currently 79 cfs. Flows out of Lake Estes are running at 101 cfs. Steady flows 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, Copper Johns, Golden Stones, Prince nymphs, perdigons like the Spanish Bullet have been working very well down into the canyon. 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. As always try Sparkle wing and foam head RS2. Below the dam there has been mid morning and early evening hatches coming off. Try Sparkle Dun and small Elk hair caddis patterns. Other dry flies include BWO’s, Mole flies, Yellow Sallies, PMD, Parachute Adams, Adams, Elk hair caddis. 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.
8/3/26 The flows of the Big Thompson currently running through Moraine park are at 26 cfs and the fishing has been good. Squirmy worms/small chenille worms in pink and purple. Small pheasant tails, Rainbow warrior, Sparkle wing RS2, Copper ribbed RS2, small Midge patterns like the Pale Ale, Bling midge and Zebra midge, Egg patterns. Afternoon when the water warms and hatch activity starts to increase, Try Parachute Adams, Adams, Red Quills ,UV Cinnamon Parachutes, Purple Mini Garcia’s, PMD’s Even small hopper patterns like Chubby Chernobyl, Hippie Stompers with a Caddis or Mayfly nymph 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 can produce trout.
St.Vrain
Updated 8/3/26 The flows of the St. Vrain at Peaceful Valley are running at 17 cfs and 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, Bling midge and Zebra midge, Egg patterns. 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. The Deeper/slow moving waters try wooly Buggers in Olive, Blk. Dead Drift or stripped can produce trout holding deep.
Updated 8/3/26 Flows in the 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 ears, Walt’s worm and other Caddis patterns can produce trout. Don’t forget Foam wing and Sparkle winged RS2. Dry flies try Elk/Deer hair caddis, PMD’s , Yellow Sallies Hopper dropper patterns, UV Cinnamon parachutes, small Parachute Adams, bwo’s and Extended body bwo patterns as well as Ant, Beetle and other terrestrial patterns. Streamer pattern use Wooly Buggers in Blk, Olive, Thin mint.
Updated 8/3/26. 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, Rojo and 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 8/3/26. 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, Parachute Adams, Caddis flies, BWO’s. Parachute Hoppers fished along banks and slower moving water works well.
High mountain lakes
7/20/26 Most of the rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park are open, all of the Alpine lakes are ice free as of this posting. 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 35 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 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.