Estes Park Fishing Report – June 2025
- Lost Outfitters
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Estes Park Fishing Report – June 2025
Summer is officially here in the high country, and the fishing around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is turning on in a big way. The snowmelt is winding down, flows are stabilizing, and the trout are feeding hard. Whether you’re looking to fish the Big Thompson, hit some alpine lakes, or explore the wild waters of RMNP, now’s the time to get out there. Here is the updated Estes Park Fishing Report.
Big Thompson River – Below Lake Estes
Current Conditions: Flows are running steady and clear, around 60–70 cfs, making for great fishing conditions. The river is wadable, and visibility is excellent. Trout are active throughout the day with the best action late morning through the afternoon.
What’s Working:
Dry Droppers: Chubby Chernobyls with a Pheasant Tail or Rainbow Warrior dropper
Nymphs: Perdigons, Flashback PTs, Zebra Midges, Squirmy Worms
Dries (afternoons): Elk Hair Caddis, PMDs, small Adams
Tips: Fish are holding in pocket water, tailouts, and deeper runs. A stealthy approach is key with the clear water. Watch for hatches mid-day and be ready to switch to dries when fish start rising. This section is fishing great right now for both numbers and quality trout.
Lake Estes
Current Conditions: Lake Estes is fully open, and fish are cruising the banks early and late in the day. Wind can be a factor midday, but conditions are generally good. Water is warming but still comfortable for trout.
What’s Working:
Fly Rod: Balanced Leeches under an indicator, small midges, and olive buggers on an intermediate line
Conventional: Kastmasters, Panther Martins, and bright PowerBait (chartreuse or salmon peach)
Tips: Focus on mornings and evenings when fish move into shallow water. If you're fly fishing, keep your flies near the bottom. Sight fishing with a slow retrieve can be really productive when the water is calm.
Rocky Mountain National Park Streams
Current Conditions: Creeks and streams inside RMNP are running cold and clear. Some higher elevation areas are still seeing a bit of runoff, but Moraine Park, Fall River, and Glacier Creek are in great shape and fishing well.
What’s Working:
Dries: Ants, Beetles, Elk Hair Caddis, small Parachute Adams
Nymphs: Frenchies, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, small midges under a dry or yarn indicator
Tips: Fish are holding tight to undercuts and slower seams. A well-placed dry fly will get attention. Be ready for fast strikes and spooky fish—this is technical, visual fishing at its best.
High Alpine Lakes
Current Conditions: Ice-off is happening rapidly. Many of the mid-elevation lakes are now open and fishing well. Expect full access to most hike-in lakes by the end of the month.
What’s Working:
Stillwater Flies: Chironomids, Balanced Leeches, Damsel Nymphs, small black Woolly Buggers
Gear Tip: Use a full-floating line with a long leader or an intermediate sinking line for deeper presentations
Tips: Get up early and hike in. The window from 8 a.m. to noon is usually the best before winds kick up. Look for cruising fish near drop-offs and inlets. These fish are hungry and aggressive after ice-off.
Final Thoughts
This is one of the best times of year to fish Estes Park and RMNP. Water levels are great, fish are active, and the scenery is hard to beat. Whether you're swinging streamers in Lake Estes, dry-dropping the Big T, or hiking into an alpine lake, the opportunities are endless right now.
Is the Estes Park Fishing Report not enough? Want the local advantage? Book a guided trip with Lost Outfitters and we’ll show you exactly where and how to catch fish in these incredible mountain waters.
Let’s go fishing!!
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