What’s Working Now
Recommended Flies & Tactics
Top Fly Patterns (April 2026)
General Tactics
Seasonal Outlook
Expect increasing Blue-Winged Olive activity, more consistent feeding windows, and gradual RMNP access improvement as April progresses into May.
Overall Conditions
Good
Low & clear flows. Tailwater fishing most reliable.
Best Window
10am–3pm
Peak activity during midday warming
Season
Early Spring
BWO hatches building — improving daily
Location-by-Location Report
Big Thompson River
Below Lake Estes — Fishing Best
Currently the most productive water in the area. Small subsurface patterns are producing. Blue-Winged Olive hatches possible on overcast afternoons.
Tactics: Precise presentations, light tackle, slow drifts.
Big Thompson Canyon
Mixed Conditions
Residual ice in shaded sections. Best fishing occurs during midday warming. Target slower pools, protected seams, and deeper runs.
Tactics: Focus on warmer exposed water, nymphing deep runs.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Improving — Limited Access
Most high-elevation waters remain frozen. Moraine Park showing promise during warmer periods. Access and conditions improving daily as spring arrives.
Tactics: Stick to low-elevation runs, midday only.
Runoff & Rainbows: Cracking the Code to Spring Fly Fishing in Estes Park
Spring fly fishing in Estes Park offers eager anglers the chance to shake off winter and chase trout as snowmelt begins feeding local rivers, but success during runoff requires smart adjustments and local knowledge.