Discover Unforgettable Fly Fishing Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers an unparalleled fly fishing experience, whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned angler. With over 150 miles of fishable streams and more than 50 pristine alpine lakes, the park presents countless opportunities to connect with nature and pursue wild trout in a truly spectacular setting.

From easily accessible rivers winding through open meadows to remote mountain lakes tucked high above the treeline, RMNP delivers a wide range of angling environments. Every outing offers the chance to make lasting memories—surrounded by broad valleys, dramatic peaks, and crystal-clear waters, untouched by lodges or cabins.

Why Fly Fish in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Few places in Colorado offer the scenic diversity found within RMNP. Anglers can spend the morning casting dry flies on gentle meadow streams and the afternoon hiking to alpine lakes brimming with native fish. The park is home to four trout species: the rare and beautiful greenback cutthroat trout (Colorado’s state fish), along with brook, brown, and rainbow trout—all thriving in healthy, self-sustaining populations.

What truly sets RMNP apart is its preserved wilderness character. Unlike many fisheries in the West, the park remains largely undeveloped, offering a peaceful, immersive experience for those seeking solitude, adventure, and the timeless joy of fly fishing in nature’s purest form.

Top 5 Places to Fly Fish in Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Big Thompson River (Lower & Upper Sections)

Just outside the east entrance of RMNP and running through the heart of Estes Park, the Big Thompson River is one of the most popular and productive fisheries in the area. The section inside the park offers incredible dry fly fishing for wild trout and is easily accessible, making it perfect for anglers short on time or newer to the sport.

Lower sections—especially below Estes Dam—offer great year-round fishing with plenty of structure and pocket water. This is a go-to spot for half-day guided trips and is consistently productive from spring
through fall.

2. Moraine Park

This wide, open valley is one of RMNP’s signature landscapes—and also one of the best places in the park for fly fishing. The meandering
stretch of the Big Thompson River through Moraine Park is full of
structure, hatches, and hungry trout. With sweeping views, easy wading, and plenty of casting room, it’s an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Here, you can sight-fish to rising fish with dry flies, or nymph slow pockets and undercut banks for brown and rainbow trout. Elk often graze nearby, and evening hatches can bring a river to life.

3. Glacier Creek

Flowing through the Glacier Basin area and down into the Thompson system, Glacier Creek offers the kind of classic alpine pocket water that makes fly fishing in the Rockies so iconic. This stream is best suited for anglers who enjoy small-stream challenges, technical dry fly fishing, and a bit of scrambling.

It's a favorite for those seeking solitude and vibrant brook trout in a postcard setting. Hike a little further from the trailhead, and you’ll often have entire sections to yourself.

4. Fall River

Tucked in the northeastern corner of RMNP, Fall River provides a more intimate and technical fishing experience. The fish here tend
to be spooky and wild—but incredibly rewarding. Think small flies, light
tippet, and stealthy presentations.

This is a great option for anglers looking to slow things down, test their skills, and experience a lesser-fished gem with surprising productivity. Plus, it flows right through some of the park’s most beautiful terrain.

5. High Alpine Lakes (Sky Pond, Fern Lake, Lawn Lake
& More)

For the adventurous angler, RMNP’s alpine lakes offer unmatched beauty and truly wild fly fishing. Reached via hikes ranging from moderate to challenging, these lakes are home to greenback cutthroat trout—often
eager to eat dry flies despite their high-altitude habitat.

Some of our favorite hike-in lakes include:

Sky Pond – A dramatic destination with cutthroat and jaw-dropping views

Fern Lake – A half-day hike with strong fishing potential and moderate traffic

Lawn Lake – Remote, scenic, and a great place to fish stillwater dries or streamers

The options are truly endless in Rocky Mountain National Park and it can be a daunting task to even pick where to start. Luckily, there is a book that can help with that decision. Truly one of the greatest troves of information and knowledge on the park can be found in A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park by Author Steven Schweitzer. This book details locations, flies and everything one could need to explore this majestic park and its waters.

The Author, a local to our area, has spent more time exploring and mapping out all Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer then most could ever dream about. With this location being directly in our back yard, it would only be appropriate to invite the man himself, Steven Schweitzer, to do a presentation and Q & A session on all that is fly fishing Rocky Mountain National Park. He has generously donated his time and knowledge to help all of us in our pursuit of fish in the park. He will be joining us on Saturday, June 7th from 1pm-3pm @ the South Shop on Harmony, for an exclusive session on all things fly fishing RMNP. *Attendance is limited and all attendees will walk away with an EXCLUSIVE handout detailing some of the Author's favorite and most special waters in the park to visit.

Let St. Peter’s Be Your Guide

Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is an experience you’ll never forget—and having the right guide makes all the difference. At St. Peter’s Fly Shop, our guides are not only expert anglers but also passionate teachers and stewards of the places we fish. Whether it’s matching a hatch on the Big Thompson, coaching you through a high-elevation cast at 10,000 feet, or helping you net your first cutthroat, we’re here to make your trip exceptional.

All of our guided trips include top-quality gear (rods, reels, waders, and flies), instruction, and local insight. All you need is a Colorado fishing license.

Ready to Fish Rocky Mountain National Park?

Let us show you the waters we call home. Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a bucket-list fishing trip, or a family adventure in Estes Park, a day spent fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is hard to
beat. Book your guided trip today with St. Peter’s Fly Shop and discover the
beauty, serenity, and incredible fishing that make RMNP a fly angler’s
paradise.

*A deposit is required for booking.  All deposits are refundable, minus the 5% cancellation fee, up to 30 days prior to your trip.  All cancellations within 30 days of trip are subject to forfeiture of deposit. Health and medical issues do not change the cancellation policy. If you have any concern about the need to cancel, we recommend you purchase trip insurance to cover costs.*