Current Conditions

Current Conditions Updated 7/10/2023

 

RMNP Lakes/Rivers:OPEN WATER EVERYWHERE!!!

July is a fantastic time to go fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park offers stunning scenery and a variety of fish species to target.

Trout, including native cutthroat trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout, can be found in the park's rivers, streams, and high alpine lakes. The fishing conditions are generally favorable during this time of the year.

For dry fly fishing, effective patterns include Adams, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Hoppers. These flies imitate the various insects present in the park's waters, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and grasshoppers.

Nymphing is also productive in the park. Recommended nymph patterns for July include Prince Nymphs, Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tails, and Copper Johns. Be sure to adjust your weight and depth to match the water conditions and focus on areas with rocks, pockets, and riffles.

When targeting larger fish or fishing in deeper pools, streamers like Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, and Sculpin patterns can be effective. These imitate small fish or leeches and can entice the bigger trout to strike.

Always check and adhere to the park's fishing regulations, possess the appropriate fishing license, and practice catch-and-release to preserve the park's natural resources.

Enjoy your fishing adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, and may you have a successful and memorable experience!

Dries: BWO sz 18-20, Caddis sz 18-20

Wet Flies: San Juan Worm (pink,red,orange,purple) sz16,

Bead Head Hares Ear sz18-22, Pheasant Tail sz18-22, Rainbow Warrior sz18-22, Barrs Emerger  sz20-22, ZEBRA MIDGE sz20-22. RS2 copper & Flash sz 18-22

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Big Thompson River, Estes Park to Loveland: 124 cfs

Here's the latest fishing report for the Big Thompson Canyon in July:

The Big Thompson River is currently offering excellent fishing opportunities. With the summer season in full swing, the river is teeming with activity and a variety of fish species.

Trout, including brown trout and rainbow trout, are actively feeding throughout the day. The warmer weather has led to increased insect hatches, attracting hungry fish to the surface. For dry fly fishing, recommended patterns include Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Stimulators, and terrestrial patterns like Ants and Beetles.

Nymphing can be highly productive during this time. Effective nymph patterns for the Big Thompson Canyon in July include Pheasant Tails, RS2s, Zebra Midges, Hare's Ear, and Copper Johns. Be sure to adjust your weight and depth to match the current flow conditions and focus on areas with submerged rocks and riffles.

As the day progresses and temperatures rise, consider targeting deeper pools and shaded areas where the fish seek refuge from the heat. Streamers, such as Woolly Buggers, Sculpins, and leech patterns, can entice larger trout lurking in these spots.

Remember to check local regulations, possess the necessary fishing license, and practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery for future generations.

Enjoy your time on the Big Thompson River, and may you have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience!

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Dry Flies:

1. Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14-18)

2. Adams (sizes 14-18)

3. Stimulator (sizes 12-16)

4. Royal Wulff (sizes 12-16)

5. Parachute Hopper (sizes 10-14)

6. PMD (Pale Morning Dun) (sizes 16-20)

Nymphs:

1. Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 16-20)

2. RS2 (sizes 18-22)

3. Zebra Midge (sizes 18-22)

4. Hare's Ear Nymph (sizes 14-18)

5. Copper John (sizes 14-18)

6. Prince Nymph (sizes 12-16)

Streamers:

1. Woolly Bugger (sizes 6-10, black, olive, or brown)

2. Sculpin Patterns (sizes 4-8)

3. Slump Buster (sizes 4-8)

4. Sex Dungeon (sizes 2-6)

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Poudre River: @ Gateway 227 cfs,  Everything else is dirty and big.

Gateway is fishing well, big dries, stone flies and worms.

  (#18-20 CDC Pheasant Tail, #18-22 Blue or Purple Poison tung., #20-24 Grey and copper ribbed Rs-2, By the dam. If you are fishing in town strip some meat, woolly buggers, crayfish, leeches). Have fun, be safe & kind.

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RMNP Trail Conditions:

Mostly clear with few exceptions. Thunderstorm Season, Bring a jacket!

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