Estes Park Fly Fishing Report – July 2026

Summer Fly Fishing with the family in Estes Park, Colorado!

Estes Park Fly Fishing Report – July 2026

Summer has officially arrived in Estes Park, and the fishing has been excellent. Peak runoff is behind us, water clarity has improved, and trout are feeding aggressively throughout the day. Whether you're planning to fish the Big Thompson River below Lake Estes, explore Rocky Mountain National Park, or hike into one of the alpine lakes, now is one of the best times of the year to be on the water.

Here's what's happening around Estes Park this week.

Big Thompson River – Below Lake Estes

Current Conditions:

Flows have settled into the 120–125 cfs range below Lake Estes, and the river is in great shape. Water is clear, temperatures are ideal, and trout are actively feeding from early morning through the evening. The consistent releases from Olympus Dam have created some of the best fishing conditions we've seen so far this summer.

What's Working:

Dry-Dropper Rigs: PMDs, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sallies with a CDC Pheasant Tail or Rainbow Warrior

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs, Copper Ribbed RS2, Zebra Midges, Hare's Ears, Rainbow Warriors

Streamers: Olive and black Woolly Buggers during low-light conditions

Tips:

Fish are holding in pocket water, deeper seams, and along slower current breaks. Afternoon hatches have been excellent, with PMDs, caddis, and Yellow Sallies bringing plenty of fish to the surface. If you're seeing rising trout, don't hesitate to switch over to a single dry fly. Early mornings and evenings have been especially productive.

Lake Estes

Current Conditions:

Lake Estes has been fishing well, especially during the first few hours after sunrise and again in the evening. As water temperatures climb throughout the day, trout move into slightly deeper water, making early and late sessions your best opportunity.

What's Working:

Balanced Leeches under an indicator

Olive and black Woolly Buggers

Small chironomid and midge patterns

Kastmasters and Panther Martins for spin anglers

Tips:

Focus around the inlet, outlet, and areas with wind-driven current. Slow retrieves continue to outperform fast strips, and cruising trout are becoming more common during calm mornings.

Rocky Mountain National Park Streams

Current Conditions:

Most streams throughout Rocky Mountain National Park are now fishing well as runoff continues to drop. Moraine Park remains one of the most productive areas, and many meadow sections are providing excellent dry-dropper fishing. Smaller creeks are clearing nicely and should continue to improve over the coming weeks.

What's Working:

Dries: Parachute Adams, PMDs, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sallies, small foam hoppers

Nymphs: CDC Pheasant Tails, RS2s, Rainbow Warriors, Zebra Midges

Terrestrials: Ants and beetles are beginning to produce as temperatures continue to warm.

Tips:

Fish are becoming more aggressive each week. Hopper-dropper rigs are starting to produce during the warmer afternoons, especially along grassy banks and meadow stretches. Focus on undercut banks, slower pools, and cutbanks where trout can escape faster current.

High Alpine Lakes

Current Conditions:

The alpine lakes are now completely ice-free and fishing very well. Cutthroat, brook trout, and greenback cutthroat are actively feeding after ice-off, making this one of the best times of year for a backcountry adventure.

What's Working:

Black and olive leech patterns

Small chironomids

Parachute Adams

Beetles and ants along the shoreline

Tips:

Start early to avoid afternoon winds. Look for cruising trout along drop-offs, inlets, and shallow shorelines. A lightweight 3- or 4-weight rod is perfect for these waters.

Final Thoughts

Fishing around Estes Park is only getting better as we move into July. Stable flows, healthy bug activity, and aggressive trout have created excellent opportunities throughout the area. If you're planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to pack a dry-dropper setup, a handful of caddis and PMDs, and plenty of terrestrials—you'll likely use all of them before the day is over.

If you're visiting Estes Park and want to spend more time catching fish instead of trying to figure out where to go, we'd love to help.

Book a guided fly fishing trip with Lost Outfitters and experience some of the best trout fishing Colorado has to offer.

We'll provide the gear, local knowledge, and instruction—you just bring your sense of adventure.