Park fish are vulnerable to several invasive organisms that can be carried on waders and other gear. Consult a Ranger before setting out for the latest information. Regulations are subject to change as conditions warrant. * All Trails Illustrated Maps are waterproof and tear-resistant. You must be able to identify each species of fish taken. In addition, be sure to get a valid Colorado State fishing license for the times you will be fishing. To get to these headwaters is difficult, and should only be done by experienced hikers. Check out these 10 can't-miss spots. RMNP Trail Map Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. Click on the map markers for information about each fishing destination. Pear Lake is a great destination for solitude, fishing, and mountain views. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/north-inlet-trail The 256-page book contains 260 vivid full-color photographs of the fly fishing destinations in the Park. Spirit Lake and Lake Verna both have healthy populations of brookies. A 'second rod stamp' is not honored in park waters. So what is that best time of year? Hatches typically begin (reliably) in April with midges, mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies. The hike features views along the Big Thompson River, fishing options, and amazing views of surrounding mountains.This hike has 2 common routes, both taking you past other lakes in … This river is meant to be enjoyed wading, so again keep that in mind as you pack. Any and all fish species taken must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. No bait is permitted by any age angler in catch-and-release areas. The hatch season is a bit shorter and smaller here in Rocky Mountain National Park compared to some of the other more southern parks. It is located right in the middle of a meadow making for a serene and beautiful environment. Fishing success at high altitudes varies, even in waters known to contain fish. This isn't the best conditions for trout to reproduce, which makes the stocking all the more important. It's hard to find a park more scenic than Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Get App. Rocky Mountain National Park is an angler’s paradise; both in the sheer scope of the scenery and the fishing opportunities available, and featuring some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. A second rod stamp is not honored in the Park. Expect to find greenback cutthroat and brook trout here. The fishing in Grand County is just grand! Below is list of destinations that contain these non-native trout species. The headwaters of this mighty river begin high up Rocky Mountain National Park, where it flows south and west towards the Colorado Plateau before making its way through the Grand Canyon, eventually emptying into the Gulf of California between the Baja Peninsula and the Sonoran Desert. One downfall with Rocky Mountain National Park is the elevation that makes it so cold here means the fishing season is very short. Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park. Odessa Lake is a gorgeous intermediate level lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here you can find brook and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Rocky Mountain National Park Fishing Report. Enable JavaScript to see Google Maps. Streams and lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park that contain native populations of Greenback Cutthroat Trout and Colorado River Cutthroat Trout are listed below. You can get a printed version of the same map at the park gates, but backcountry anglers should get the waterproof Trails Illustrated Map of RMNP … These efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in National Park areas were reconsidered in the 1970s. It's here you'll be able to take in some rather large and impressive mountains, valleys, streams, lakes, and rivers. While fishing in this lake you'll be able to find brook, brown, and rainbow trout, giving you a nice variety. Restoration of native species requires that the possession limits be managed carefully. No bait or worms are allowed in catch-and-release waters. Cold water temperatures and lack of spawning habitat prevent reproduction in high altitude lakes. Another big draw to this creek is the fact it is extremely challenging and will put your technique and skills to the test. Roaring River: The Roaring River can be found off Lawn Lake and is a very windy location. Often you have to wait until these months for the ice to completely clear off the water, especially water that is located high in the mountains. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Zion National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Capitol Reef National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Glacier National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Grand Canyon National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Lassen Volcanic National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, Trout Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Popular Fishing Spots in Rocky Mountain National park, When to Fish Rocky Mountain National Park, Best Flies for Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Fishing Regulations, A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley Beaver Ponds and Hidden Valley Creek (open only as posted)*#, Lily Lake (south, west and north shores; east shore open July 1 to April 30)*, North Fork of the Big Thompson above Lost Falls*#, Odessa Lake*Ouzel Creek (above falls; brook trout may be kept)*#. All waters containing native cutthroat trout are managed as Catch and Release Waters. It is your responsibility to know and obey them. Bait and worms are not permitted in catch-and-release waters. Since 1975, native trout have experienced intensive restoration efforts, while non-native fish are being removed and no longer stocked. Access is by Bloomington Canyon by high clearance vehicles only. Some suckers also inhabit the streams and lakes. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular spots for fishing on each side. If you don't have a copy - get it! The Colorado River extends from the state of Colorado all the way to Northern Mexico, spanning over 1400 miles. With more than 250,000 acres of wilderness, 124 named peaks and 147 lakes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless outdoor activities including hiking, camping, climbing, elk hunting and, of course, trout fishing. What makes this park unique is that many of the lakes are found at high altitudes, which makes the water quite cold. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, [DIY] Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Waterway & Fishing Map Features. If you are looking to avoid the fishing crowds, and a bit of a challenge, this is a great spot. # A legal limit of brook trout may be kept. You'll want to keep this wind in mind as you pack your gear. No other permit is necessary, however it's your responsibility to know and obey applicable regulations. Get the DIY Fly Fishing Web App to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. Only 48 of the 156 lakes in the park have reproducing populations of fish. There are a number of spots within Rocky Mountain National Park that are well worth visiting. See fishing regulations below. Supplemental stocking is done only to restore native species. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Since 1975, native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are being restored to park waters and exotic or non-native fish are being removed. Recreational fishing opportunities exist within all bounds of the Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a protected area where fly fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. You can find all kinds of great locations along the shore where you can catch brook and brown trout. See Guided Fly Fishing Trips. A detailed list of local amenities and the National Park Service map showing all the lakes are online at flyfisherman.com/rmnp/. Since many of lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are barren (only 48 of the 156 lakes in the park have reproducing populations of fish) and most require a hike to reach, it's important to know which have fish before planning a trip into the back country. Download Rocky Mountain National Park Map PDF [13.6 MB] Download the official map to find your way around Rocky Mountain National Park including park roads, trails, lakes, visitor centers, and the gateway towns. Please contact the park before your fishing trip for current information. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. While in possession of any fishing equipment, bait for fishing (insects, worms, fish eggs, minnows or other organic matter) is prohibited. After passing Finch Lake, the trail makes its way to the higher, Pear Lake where Copeland Mountain appears to shoot straight from its shores into the sky. The only trout native to the park are the greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat. View Map Find Local Fishing Spots on the Interactive Map! Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing. Children 12 years of age or under, however, may use worms or preserved fish eggs in all park waters open to fishing except those designated as catch-and release areas. This is general information only. From Steve Schweitzer's A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, flyfishingrmnp.com: Lake Verna - Altitude: 10187, Acres: 34 Spirit Lake - Altitude: 10297, Acres: 18 On the hike from Lone Pine to Lake Verna, you quickly rise above Lone Pine Lake for a spectacular vista. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Below is a list of a features that make Fishidy one of the most popular social communities for people who love to fish. The lake got its name from its sandy shore that resembles that of a beach–making it one of best camping spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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