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Rocky Mountain National Park

Latest Guide Report

10-05-2021

Report by: Madalaine McLaughlin

Location: Starting at the Roaring River, moving to the Fall River, and ending at The Big Thompson River below Lake Estes.

Flies used: We used various perdigons as weight and attractor flies, the size 22 juju baetis was the fly that caught both fish in The Park. The same fly was the money maker on the Big T, however a size 24 BWO nymph also caught us a few fish on the Big T as well.

Fishing Conditions: It was a absolutely beautiful day! Plenty of sunshine, warm low 60’s to begin with and we ended with upper 60’s at the end. A little windy at times, but nothing too bad. For October in Colorado, I don’t think we could’ve had a more gorgeous day! Fish in the Park were more concentrating on the spawn, which made fishing tough. We saw a few reds as well. The Big T however had plenty of willing fish despite huge fishing pressure from a few guide trips as well as lots of other anglers.

General Comments: Thank you both again! I hope you both had as much fun fishing as I did guiding you guys! We started off a little slow in the park, but at least had some spectacular scenery! The Big T tail water was considerably better fishing. That being said, you both caught fish in both locations which was great! I’m very proud of you both for catching fish on the tail water after it had been beat up pretty good by another guided trip from another shop! Kudos to you both! The Big T tail water can be a tough place to fish but you guys did it! The fish here were also much bigger than the brook trout we caught at the Park. We caught Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout which is no easy feat! Congrats to Paul on that beast of a rainbow! I’ve had 5 other clients hook him but you are the first to land him so congrats man! I forgot to give you my card after that great catch but my contact info is listed below. If you have any questions on locations, flies used, techniques or just want to chat about fishing feel free to call, text or email me. I hope you both get on some great steelheads this season, and I’m green with envy!

Guide: Daniel Hogarth

Guide Rating
/5
Weather Experienced

Clear
Temperature:
Wind Conditions: Calm
Precipitation: None
Water Observations

Clear
Water Temperature:
Flow Level: CFS
Runoff? Clear

Rocky Mountain National Park Water Flow Graphs

Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing

This may just be one of the best resources that the Front Range of Colorado has to offer. The “Park” as locals like to call it has too many lakes and streams to begin to speak about. The Park really has it all, from big browns in Moraine Park to beautiful native Greenback Cutthroats in high mountain streams and lakes. The Greenback is the Colorado state fish and was thought to be extinct around the turn of the century. Lucky for anglers a remnant population was found and RMNP has gone through lengthy efforts to return the Front Range’s native trout back to its home range.

The park might be the best shot at finding what has been called the most beautiful cutthroat on a fly.

Rocky Mountain National Park has three entrances from the Front Range. From the east the main entrances are Beaver Meadows, which enters via highway 36, Fall River, which comes in from highway 34, and then there is the Wild basin entrance off the Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy 7). All three access great water. Highway 36 places you right near Moraine Park and the Bear Lake area. Moraine Park is best known for the meadow section where you can hunt nice brown trout in undercut banks while elk watch from a distance. The Bear Lake area has numerous high mountain lakes; Dream Lake is one of the highlights in this area.

The Fall River Road entrance via highway 34 has easy access to Fall River and the Roaring River. These rivers offer excellent dry fly fishing in breathtaking settings. Further up the trail there are some high mountain lakes that are well worth the 5+ mile hike in. This area offers one of the best shots at getting the Grand Slam; Browns, Brooks, Rainbows, and Greenbacks.

The Wild Basin area is just that, wild and fun. The head waters of the St. Vain run through here, while Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker set the backdrop for some of the more remote places in the park. This is another area where a Grand Slam is very obtainable.

Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best fishing that the Boulder/Denver area has to offer. There really is something for everyone there, even beyond just fishing.