The Trinity River, California. Rocky Mountain Adventures, Inc School of Fly Fishing offers Beginner Fly Fishing Classes in Estes Park, Colorado and in Fort Collins, Colorado for the beginner and intermediate angler. Two lakes and a marina (Lake Estes, Marys Lake, and the Lake Estes Marina) also provide good fishing opportunities. Tiny Town Cabins. The trick is to get your fly into the open spots on the upstream end of the open area. No fishing license is required. In the summer it���s too popular with visitors and guides for locals to enjoy. This warm ���tunnel water��� brings food and warmth, both of which help create a great winter fishery. Sparkle Wing RS2 #18-20, Streamers: Thin Mint #8-10, Bread ‘n Butter Bugger #6-10, Gummer Bugger #8-10, #10-12 Slumpbusters, Your email address will not be published. We’re here to help you book your trip. Winter fishing the Big T is a sight fisherman’s dream. For Fly Fishing Estes Park visit our full, pro-line fly shop and outdoor adventure company offering guided fly fishing, day hikes, Longs Peak trips, backpacking, horseback/fly fishing, and llama pack trips for you, your family, and friends, as well as snow shoeing trips in winter… Learning to Fish. If you decide to move down canyon toward the town of Drake you might find a few pockets open but for the most part  expect some ice. Minturn Anglers is an equal opportunity employer operating under the Colorado River Outfitter License number 472, State of Colorado Outfitter 2597, and numerous special use permits with the BLM, White River National Forest, and the Colorado DOW. First Catch. Trout Haven provides all the equipment including an ice shanty. Kirks Fly Mountain Adventures Estes Park 2020 All You. Your email address will not be published. Click a phone number to be connected directly to one of our locations and an assistant will be happy to help! The river can be accessed from Estes Park via CR 41 or CR 63, which connect to CR 43. To celebrate the holiday season we will be Open 7days a week, except for Christmas day. Another of our favorite spots is dependent on the flow from the power plant discharge. Fishing Around Estes Park Rainbow Trout Greenback Cutthroat Yellow Perch One of the best parts of our cabins is the proximity to the river. With low cfs and super clear water stealth is he name of the game with 6x and 7x fluorocarbon tippets being a must. Sections of the Big Thompson run free in the winter and the east end of Lake Estes near the power plant remains ice-free during winter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *, Home | About | Guide Books | Fish Tales Blog | Contact, Angler's Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park | Sitemap HTML, XML | Privacy Policy | Reservation Policy. Lake Estes Lake Estes is right in Estes Park, surrounded by exquisite views of the Rocky Mountains. We offer a Full line Pro Shop with a courteous, knowledgable and helpful staff to assist you with your fly fishing in the area. If you arrive in mid-January, the Estes Park Winter Festival is a family favorite. Plus, fly hatches occur into January and February. Your email address will not be published. Other popular patterns include the rainbow warrior and prince nymph. See Guided Fly Fishing Trips Rivers in Estes Park Area BIG THOMPSON RIVER BELOW THE DAM: - Try prince nymphs size 16, rainbow warriors size 20, squirmy worms, hot head sow bug, RS-2, and BH Pheasant tail size 16. Big Thompson winter fly fishing is awesome below Olympus Dam in Estes Park, CO. Winter in Trout Fishing pond is perfect for holiday family activity. As with other tailwaters, you will find nymphing to be most productive using midge and baetis patterns but don’t be surprised to see some noses breaking the surface when conditions are right and air temps get above freezing for any length of time. The north shore of this outlet provides protection from the north wind and access to the best areas to fish. The exception summer is that time late in the afternoon and early evening after the guides have taken their clients back to the shop and the visitors are standing in line at a local restaurant. With 1,000 miles of streams and rivers, almost 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes,11,000 acres of reservoirs as well as stocked ponds, there are fishing opportunities for everyone. The north fork of the Big Thompson River is located north of Estes Park and runs through the town of Glen Haven to its confluence with the Big Thompson. BOOK NOW. It’s great fun for families, couples, and individuals. Make sure you hit the lake in the spring and summer though; all facilities are closed in the winter. is an equal opportunity employer. He also loves to visit a little Bait and Tackle Shop in Estes Park.It is called Scot's Sporting Goods, 870 Moraine Ave, (1 miles West of Estes Park on U.S. 36, next to the Tiny Town Shell gas station.) Peak fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park takes place from mid-June through mid-October when the trout are plentiful and bite frequently. Estes Park, CO 80517. … Rocky Mountain National Park At the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. You can even set up a fly fishing trip and hire a fly fishing guide to help make … The fishing in Grand County is just grand! Nymphs are the obvious go-to fly now but on the sunny days a good hatch of … Start at the dam and if crowds are light stick around. Learning to Skate. Kirks Fly Shop offers the most exciting and memorable fly fishing trips in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Valley, and The Big Thompson River! Estes Park Colorado Fly Fishing. For years, Kimball ventured forth in the freezing weather while I cowered by the fire waiting for spring to begin my fishing year. The flows on the Big Thompson below Lake Estes are at winter flows of 25 CFS, work on the Cottonwood Siphon has finished. Skiing and Snowboarding for All Skill Levels. Some folks put away their fly rods and get out the fly-tying stuff this time of year, but locals enjoy the winter bite. Now, the real challenge becomes releasing the fish back into the water. We always catch fish, making this an excellent choice for beginning the New Year. Instead, find an open spot close to the bank and skate the fish across the ice and into the water from shore. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under BLM Special Use Permit and under Special Use Permit with the White River National Forest. There’s no question that Estes Park is a fantastic family destination in summer, but there are still more than a few fun things to do in Estes Park in winter, especially with kids. Our version of ���ice fishing��� can be enjoyed at the inlet of the Big Thompson River by the 9-hole golf course. Regardless of where you live, a trip to Estes Park is an excellent way to spend a vacation, even a mid-winter excursion. Fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is in a variety of rivers and alpine lakes, both roadside and hike in. All of our fly fishing and overnight gear rentals are very high-quality, and quite cost effective. Estes Park Beginner Fly Fishing Classes: Liarflies is proud to be employed by Rocky Mountain Adventures, Inc as Fly Fishing instructors. Estes Park is the ultimate gateway town for Rocky Mountain National Park and there are lots of great things to do in Estes Park in winter. Summer & fall are the high seasons in Estes Park. Prince #16-18, and 20 inchers #14-18, Orange and Pink Micro Eggs, Fall River in Horseshoe Park and the Big … The usual patterns will work but locals go to a minimally dressed nymph with a splash of red tied in. Angler���s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida - Sarasota Bay to Pine Island. Sunday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM, 8353 D Willow St In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of … Here are a few of my top Estes Park activities for cold-weather months. If you do get the fish out of the water, drag it across the ice and unhook it quickly. Lake Estes, Mary’s Lake and the tailwaters are the best bet to have an enjoyable winter fishing experience, according to Darren Christiansen of Kirk’s Fly Shop and Mountain Adventures. Take time to remove the ice after every few casts. As one of the premier fishing spots in Colorado, The Big Thompson Canyon is one of the best places for fly fishing in Estes Park. Dress warm and try it, you���ll like it!! Catch of the day. Near Winter Park — species are Cutthroat, Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout, depending on location upriver NOTES: Intimate, small stream fishing Click here for detailed access points, species info, regulations and tips for fishing our creeks . The perfect way to wrap up a day in Estes Park any time of year is soaking in a hot tub that offers a magnificent view. For more information on winter fishing in Estes Park, check out our new ���Angler���s Guide to RMNP-Second Edition��� just released and ready for your angling friends and family this Christmas. The next issue to deal with is landing the fish before it runs under the ice and your tippet breaks on the sharp edge. #20-22, Sprout Midge #20-24, Parachute Adams #20-26, Nymphs: Poison Tung #18-20, Ray Charles #16-18, BWO Emerger #18-22, Find snowshoeing trails, sledding areas, hidden hikes, frozen mountain lakes, and lots of snow fun in our ultimate winter guide to Estes Park. Tiny nymphs and mid-day midge emergers are more digestible in these temperatures than larger prey. View on Google Maps, Weekdays: 9:00AM - 6:00PMSaturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMSunday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Here in Estes Park, we enjoy excellent cold weather fishing. Nymphs are the obvious go-to fly now but on the sunny days a good hatch of midges will bring trout to the surface in mid-afternoon. To access the Big Thompson from Denver, Head North on I25 to the Highway 34 Loveland exit and head west to Estes Park. A little flash seems to help trout find these flies without chasing them down which saves valuable calories needed for their survival until spring. Stomp Jump Climbing wall . Big Thompson Winter Fly Fishing Estes Park Co Minturn Anglers. Your email address will not be published. Related. Winter is less crowded and still beautiful, with lots of special winter activities to enjoy in Rocky Mountain National Park and around town. No need to wait until evening like we do in the summer; these hatches happen in the middle of the day and only last an hour or so. Concentrate your efforts below lake Estes and you wont have to worry about the river icing over in the first couple of miles. Winter brings an added touch of color, as freshly fallen snow brightens up the bright blue skies. Location: As you drive west into Estes Park on US 36, the lake will be to the north Seasons: May-Oct Marina/Boat Launch: Lake Estes Marina is on the lake’s northern side at 1770 Big Thompson Ave. Copyright © 2017, Minturn Anglers, LLC All rights reserved. We offer rentals that will make your Estes Park fly fishing trip into a very comfortable one! Minturn Anglers, LLC. View on Google Maps, Monday to Thursday: 9:00AM - 5:00PMFriday and Saturday: 9:00AM - 6:00PM Pursuits like snowshoeing, skiing, tubing and ice skating are all within reach when you visit Kirks Flyshop. Ice fishing is allowed on all open-fishing lakes and ponds in Rocky Mountain National Park; hand-augers are required. In addition to some of the finest winter fly fishing in the country, we have a huge selection of outdoor activities. Always remember that trout are cold blooded and their digestive system, like any chemical reaction, functions slowly when cold. We offer Guided Fly Fishing trips into Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. Big Thompson winter fly fishing is awesome below Olympus Dam in Estes Park, CO. Northwest Fly Fishing Show. Like fishing in Estes Park , browns, brookies and rainbows swim the waters, but so do greenback cutthroats and Colorado River cutthroats, indigenous trout species that the park has helped restore and propagate since 1975. No matter what the temperature is outside, there are endless winter activities to enjoy in Estes Park! With more than 20 miles of a rushing river, from Estes Park to Loveland, there is a stretch of about 10 miles that is a catch-and-release paradise for anglers. Family Fishing Spots In Colorado. Wading, floating, boating, ice fishing or fishing from the shore; it's your choice all four seasons. Here, though there is no warm water flow, there will be open pockets of water in the ice on the river. Flashback Pheasant Tail #16-20, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Trout Beads Where should I go Fishing? To access the Big Thompson from Denver, Head North on I25 to the Highway 34 Loveland exit and head west to Estes Park. ... Winter Ice Fishing at the pond. Big thompson winter fly fishing estes park co minturn anglers ice fishing in colorado what you need to know fishing ponds lakes reservoirs winter park colorado places to ice fish fishing s in colorado visit fly fishing lake s outers grand. 6mm, Desert Storm #22-24,  Juju Midge #18-22,  Pats Rubber Legs #8-12, So, watch the temperatures which will vary from shade to sunny areas and check out these suggestions for some winter fun. You can fish 15 feet from your cabin! However, after she came back with pictures and stories of the fish she was catching; I became a believer and now would not miss out on our first fishing trip of the year. Angler’s Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida: Longboat Key to Boca Grande, Angler’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, Angler’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park – Second Edition, Angler’s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida: Sarasota Bay to Pine Island, Angler's Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, Angler's Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida - Longboat Key to Boca Grande, Angler���s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida - Sarasota Bay to Pine Island. PICK A PROPERTY TO BOOK. Winter Hiking. From remote and pristine to easily accessed locations, Takes are very subtle so seeing your fly or looking for the trouts mouth to open can make all the difference. We are also able to take our clients to other locations including 5 miles of exclusive private river on the Big Thompson … Your localized Fishing weather forecast, from AccuWeather, provides you with the tailored weather forecast that you need to plan your day's activities A weighted nymph plus a split shot may be required to get the nymph deep quickly before the end of the open water. Check them out! Pack your sunscreen, layers of clothing, and binoculars, and you will be ready for an epic winter experience in Estes Park. My husband, a trout fisherman, enjoys fishing in RMNP in the meadows of Moraine Park on Bear Lake Rd. Celebrate the Martin Luther King Holiday at The Estes Park Winter Festival from January 14-15, 2017 at the Estes Park Event Complex. The best-known water that remains open through the winter is the catch and release stretch directly below the Olympus Dam. Techniques for Big Thompson Winter Fly Fishing. In addition to winter fly fishing, most of the wildlife in Estes Park are easy to spot. Winter Festival. Beaver Brook on the River . Dries: Sprout BWO #18-20, Griffiths Gnat #20-24, Shucking Midge Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter. The Best Fly Fishing Trips In Colorado With Wilderness. Some folks put away their fly rods and get out the fly-tying stuff this time of year, but locals enjoy the winter bite. Do not walk out on the ice to get to the water. Estes Park is always in season, and you’ll find great Winter Lodging Specials between November and May. 106 Main Street, Minturn, CO 81645 If you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, … The Trinity River of northern California is a great winter fishery, both for … Call 970-577-0202 for pricing. Post Navigation. Lone Tree, CO 80124 The town of Estes Park is at the confluence of two rivers that flow from Rocky Mountain National Park — Big Thompson and Fall River. Local photographers and tour operators in Estes can help you know where to go to see the best winter wildlife. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. Required fields are marked *. River ice is variable in depth and may not support your weight. Another issue with winter fishing is having your line and rod guides freeze, making it difficult to cast. Ice Skating. RS2 #20-24, Micro Mayfly #18-22,  Epoxy Back Stones #12-16, Hot Wire Angler's Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida - Longboat Key to Boca Grande Top 10 Things to Do in Estes Park in Winter. Sow bugs are a year round food source and make for a great lead fly when weighted with an orange bead that you can see below the surface. Here in Estes Park, we enjoy excellent cold weather fishing. Winter at Trout Haven Fishing Pond. We have everything you need to enjoy the pond from skate and fish. If your tired of going small, throwing streamers can move some fish, but you have to be willing to cover some water before you find a player. Holiday Season Hours: 7 days a week 10 am -6 pm ( Dec 14-Jan 3) Winter Hours: Thursday-Sun, 10 am-6 pm The South Platte River- Badger Basin / Tomahawk SWA, Scott Fly Rod Introduces The New Centric Fly Rod, Education, Instructions, Training, Fly Fishing Schools. Stomp Jump. This is because during the summer, there are more people around, and the animals hide. It has been a tradition of ours to fish on New Year���s Day as a great way to start the year. If the turbines are turning the water running into Lake Estes below the power plant can be productive. This section of the Big Thompson River stays open due to the warm water releases from the depths of Lake Estes. Concentrate your efforts below lake Estes and you wont have to worry about the river icing over in the first couple of miles. Here are our Top 10 Things to Do during the winter months! Estes Angler, Estes Park's only dedicated fly fishing Pro Shop and Guide Service, operating since 1993. This same stretch will provide good fishing in the winter with a weighted nymph to reach the fish packed into the deeper holes along the river. Fish For Dinner Review Of Trout Haven Fishing Pond Estes Park. Updated11/7/2020. Fishing remains very good with size 14 Tarnished Tungsten MicroMayfly, Radiation Baetis (size 16), blue Poison Tung …