Where the Mountains Meet the Stream: Fly Fishing in Rocky

by Trenton Ming
Elevation Peak Marketing

Imagine casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of a mountain lake, surrounded by towering peaks. This is the magic of fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Home to a diverse array of trout species, including the iconic Greenback Cutthroat Trout, a species once thought to be extinct, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. These vibrant fish, with their signature red markings, are a testament to the resilience of nature and the success of conservation initiatives. Sharing the waters of Rocky include other species like the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Brown Trout. Rocky offers anglers unparalleled opportunities.

Trenton with a catch and release brown trout. RMNP

My own fly fishing journey began unexpectedly when I was given a fly rod by my grandparents when I was 14. It gathered dust for several years until an upcoming family vacation to Rocky ignited my interest. I spent months practicing my casting at my grandparents' pond in Kansas, eager to try my luck in the park's waters. Kansas didn’t offer many opportunities for pristine rivers and lakes filled with crystal clear water and trout so I made due with what was available to me. When vacation finally came that fall, my first attempt at fishing in Rocky was at Sprague Lake, and was surprisingly successful. I was instantly hooked.

Since that day, I’ve spent countless hours on the water in Rocky and surrounding areas. One of my favorite fishing memories happened last summer. It was a Friday in early August and my wife, Hannah and I had taken a day off to spend in the park. We tossed around some ideas and landed on Fern Lake as a destination. I was bringing my fly rod and she was bringing a book and it was about to be an incredible summer day in Rocky.

We positioned ourselves on a rock a few feet out into the water, perfect for me to cast and her to sit and read. I was having one of my most successful days on the water, it felt like every other cast I was landing a fish. We had about a 20-minute interruption in the middle of our day by a young bull moose who decided to see what all the fun was about.

We had to leave our spot on the rock to give him some space to pass through. He eventually got in the lake and swam directly across to the other side. Thankfully the break in the action didn’t hurt my success. The fish were unphased by the giant intruder who churned up their otherwise calm water. Perhaps the best part about that day was that my wife, Hannah, after seeing first hand the fun that fly fishing can bring, decided she wants to now try her hand at fly fishing!

Today, I'm not only an avid angler but also an aspiring fly-tyer, tying my own flies for future adventure just adds to my love of fly fishing. This summer, we plan to take several backpacking trips within the park, combining our love for hiking with the excitement of fly fishing in remote locations.

Brown trout landed in Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park

If you are thinking of giving fly fishing a try I recommend going with a guide your first or maybe several times. This will help accelerate the learning curve of the technicalities such as casting, tying on flies, and even knowing what fly to use. At the end of the day, whether you catch anything or not, nothing beats experiencing the beauty of Rocky. Fly fishing is an incredible way to experience the park. It forces you to slow down and truly focus on your surroundings, noticing details you might otherwise miss. Spending more than a few minutes at a lake or stream reveals a world of wildlife you never knew existed, or otherwise would have missed.

The experience of watching that young bull moose never would have happened had we not been spending extended time at Fern Lake. The sheer amount of life thriving in these waters is astonishing – something I never would have fully appreciated without taking up fly fishing. The tranquility and the solitude of spending time in a single location is incredibly rewarding.

A gorgeous Fern Lake Cutthroat

Some of my favorite fishing spots in the park include:
● Fern Lake: A moderate 7.6-mile round trip hike from the Fern Lake Trailhead. (Learn more about the trail HERE)
●Lake Haiyaha: A moderate 4.2-mile round trip hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead. (Learn more about the trail HERE)
●Moraine Park: Easily accessible from Bear Lake Road, offering convenient fishing opportunities for those seeking a shorter excursion.
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I typically do not begin my fly fishing season in the park until late May or June. Spring run-off will be very high at that time of year and personally, I prefer to stick to the lakes during early season fishing. In the meantime, many enjoy casting a line in Lake Estes or in the Big Thompson Canyon as there is almost always open water in these areas, even through the winter.

Remember to practice LEAVE NO TRACE principles while exploring Rocky, especially when engaging in activities like fly fishing. Always consult the official Rocky Mountain National Park website HERE for current fishing regulations and closures.
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Fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a unique way to connect with the park's natural beauty and appreciate the intricate ecosystem of life within its waters.