Best Places to Fly Fish in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park Fly Fishing Photographs

Big Thompson Canyon

Whether you’re a Denver/Boulder local or just visiting the area from out of town, Colorado has incredible fly fishing for everyone! Only an hour and a half from Denver International Airport, Estes Park offers world class views and countless fly fishing opportunities. The hardest part is choosing which one!

The Beauty of Big Thompson Canyon

Big Thompson Canyon is not just a pathway to Estes Park but a destination in its own right. The canyon's river winds through rugged terrain, with clear waters that are perfect for fly fishing. The natural beauty of this area provides a jaw dropping backdrop for a day of fishing, where the only sounds are the rushing waters and calls of local wildlife. At any point of any day you’re likely to catch sight of elk, deer, and other wildlife that make the Rocky Mountains their home. Unlike a lot of other locations that require long hikes into the backcountry, this section of the Big Thompson River is not only stunning, it’s also easily accessible. There are endless pull-offs on Route 34 (Big Thompson Canyon Rd) that grant you access to peaceful isolation just a few minutes from your truck. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few hours to get your fix, then be back in time for lunch or dinner depending on the time of day. And with so much access, there’s no need to be fishing around other people. Just the drive through the canyon alone is worth the effort!

If you’re in need of a fly fishing guide for a day on the Big Thompson River, contact Front Range Anglers. They’ll take good care of you.

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Photograph of a fly fisherman kneeling on ice while casting into the Big Thompson River near Estes Park, Colorado.

Estes Park Fly Fishing

Winter fly fishing near Estes Park, Colorado

Winter fly fishing - Estes Park, CO

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout in Estes Park, Colorado

Winter trout fishing in Colorado

Rainbow trout caught in winter near Estes Park, CO

Rainbow Trout - Estes Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman in a snowstorm in Colorado

Fly fishing in the snow

Colorado winter fly fishing

Winter fly fishing in Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman crouching in the river to avoid being seen by fish

Colorado Fly Fishing

Photograph of a mallard swimming by a fly fisherman

Mallard

Photograph of a fly fsherman removing a hook from the mouth of a rainbow trout

Removing hook from Rainbow Trout

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman in Big Thomson Canyon near Estes Park

Black and white photo of fly fishing in Estes Park

Long exposure photograph of water flowing on a river

Abstract river photograph