Time Frame
Summer is the best time to fly fish in the park. Spring snow melt raises stream levels to dangerous flows and snow restricts backcountry travel. Late June through August are the prime months. September and October can also be good but early snowstorms are a threat.
Geography
The high elevation and remote setting are part of the attraction to the park. The geography also prevents snow plows from opening roads and access. The pre-runoff period can have good fly fishing, but you must hike and snowshoe to reach many of the destinations.
Warning
Do not attempt to fish the rivers and streams during high water periods. The high water is dangerous, the fishing will be difficult and the remote setting makes rescue attempts very difficult.
Significance
Rocky Mountain National Park is a top fishing destination and although the crowds are high, the summer months provide the most consistent fishing.
Expert Insight
Backpack to the remote lake and stream destinations in the park. The fish are eager to eat dry flies and the majority of the park visitors do not stray far from the roads.
Article Written By Zach Lazzari
Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.
