Estes Park is a treasure trove for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of tranquil spots teeming with fish amidst breathtaking mountain views. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner eager to cast your first line, these best fishing spots in Estes Park promise an unforgettable adventure. Grab your gear and get ready to explore the best waters this picturesque town has to offer!
Lake Estes
Located conveniently at the heart of Estes Park, Lake Estes is a popular destination not just for its accessibility but also for its abundant fish population. The lake is stocked with trout, and you might also hook a kokanee salmon. The marina offers boat rentals, making this spot perfect for a full day of fishing and relaxation.
Big Thompson River
Flowing from the depths of Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park, the Big Thompson River is renowned for its fly fishing. As you navigate through the river’s varied landscapes, you can catch brown and rainbow trout. The river’s clear waters and the abundance of aquatic life make it a fly fisher’s paradise.
Marys Lake
A short drive from the town center, Marys Lake is a quieter option for those looking to escape the more crowded spots. This lake offers excellent shore fishing opportunities with plenty of rainbow and brown trout. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to visit, as the fish are most active during these cooler parts of the day.
Fall River
This excellent little river is a hidden gem where eager brook trout abound, responding well to skillfully presented flies. The fishable sections of the river are accessible via easy hikes leading to meandering, meadow-lined waters. Trout can be found throughout, so a quiet, stealthy approach will serve you well.
Sprague Lake
Within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake is a family-friendly fishing spot with easy accessibility and stunning views of the Continental Divide. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and provides easy walking paths around its perimeter, making it ideal for families and less experienced anglers.
Fern Lake
For the more adventurous angler, a hike to Fern Lake will be rewarded with not just great fishing but also stunning alpine scenery. This remote lake is populated with cutthroat trout and provides a rugged, backcountry fishing experience that is worth the extra effort.
Glacier Creek & Rocky Mountain National Park Tributaries
Glacier Creek and its surrounding tributaries are often overlooked gems for anglers craving a more intimate and technical fishing adventure. Flowing through Glacier Basin and eventually joining the Big Thompson River, this narrow, fast-moving creek offers a chance to test your finesse with light tackle and stealthy presentations. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout can all be found in these waters, especially in pools formed around natural rock outcroppings and fallen timber. Other small streams and feeder creeks within the park offer similar opportunities, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with peaceful settings and responsive fish.
Cache la Poudre River (Upper Reaches & Poudre Canyon)
For those willing to venture just beyond Estes Park, the upper stretches of the Cache la Poudre River offer a pristine fishing experience well worth the short drive. Winding through Poudre Canyon and fed by snowmelt from the Rockies, this river boasts crystal-clear waters and is home to healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. The upper reaches, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity for fly fishing in a more secluded, backcountry setting — ideal for anglers seeking solitude and a challenge. During the summer and early fall, dry fly fishing can be incredibly productive here, with hatches drawing in aggressive surface feeders.
Stay at Valhalla Resort
After visiting the best fishing spots in Estes Park, unwind with a stay at Valhalla Resort. Our budget-friendly resort features comfortable cabins ranging from small, one-bedroom homes to large, four-bedroom rentals. Each is equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, cable TV, and private decks with grills, all with cozy mountain decor and the comforts of home.
When booking your cabin, it is always best to book directly with us to get the best rate guaranteed and the best in customer service. And while we offer affordable rates year-round, be sure to always take a look at our lodging specials, especially this fall!