Current Fishing Conditions in Estes Park, CO
Latest Update:8/11/2025
Fishing Report
Big Thompson River (Below Lake Estes to Drake)
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Water Conditions: Flows are steady, around 55–65 cfs, with clear, wadeable water and excellent sight-fishing opportunities.
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Effective Tactics:
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Dry-Droppers: Try combos like Chubby Chernobyls with Two-Bit Hookers, Rainbow Warriors, or small Frenchies.
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Nymphs: Soft Hackle PTs (Pheasant Tails), Zebra Midges, red or pink Squirmy Worms.
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Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, PMDs (Pale Morning Duns), yellow Stimulators, and small Ant patterns.
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Best Times: Sight-fishing is especially strong from midday into evening, in riffles, tailouts, and pool heads. Use 5x–6x tippets and cast softly .
Upper Big Thompson & RMNP (Moraine Park to Horseshoe Park)
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Water Conditions: Recent flows of ~160 cfs, as runoff subsides, are creating ideal wade conditions .
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Fly Patterns:
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Dry Flies: PMDs, Black Elk Hair Caddis, Ants (Amy’s Ants), BWOs, Parachute Adams.
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Nymphs/Subsurface: Pat’s Rubber Legs, CDC Pheasant Tails, Copper-Ribbed RS2, Radiation Baetis, Taboo Caddis, Mini Leeches, Olive Tickets, gray Sow Bugs, small midges, Double Downs, Mighty Mites, San Juan Worms, Egg patterns .
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Pro Tip: As flows continue to stabilize, fishing should improve—don’t overlook terrestrial patterns (like ants or beetles) during warm, calmer window periods .
Summary Table
| Section | Flow / Conditions | Fly Suggestions | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Lake Estes → Drake | 55–65 cfs, clear | Dry-droppers, soft-hackle nymphs, PMDs, Stimulators | Midday to evening, light tippet, sight fish |
| Upper Big Thompson (RMNP) | ~160 cfs | PMDs, Caddis, Ants, Pat’s RL, Pheasant Tails, etc. | Midday dry-dropper, use terrestrials |
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re wading the clear riffles below Estes or exploring the braided upper stretches in RMNP, right now is excellent time for both dry and subsurface action. Use lighter tippets, match the dominant hatches closely, and pay attention to the changing flows and calm afternoons to pull trout up to the surface.
