Rocky Mountain National Park
Fishing

Fishing was popular with early settlers in the Rocky Mountains. In an attempt to improve the sport, they stocked many streams with non-native species of trout and moved trout to lakes and streams that lacked them. The only trout native to the park were the greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat.

	Leads or questions about angling in the park? Discuss them with other fishers in GORP's Rocky Mountain forum.

The National Park Service stocked non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as late as 1968. These trends to"popularize" National Park areas have been reconsidered. Removing exotic or non-native fish and restocking with native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are returning park waters to a original condition.

Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park—brown brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. Some suckers also inhabit the streams and lakes. Only 42 of the 156 lakes in the park have reproducing populations of fish. Cold water temperatures and lack of spawning habitat prevent reproduction in other high altitude lakes. Supplemental stocking is done only to restore native species to altered waters. Successful fishing at high altitudes is spotty, even from waters known to contain fish. The possession limit has been held to a minimum, resulting in an increasing population of cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. These fish are maturing and spawning successfully.

	Special Feature. . . Flyfishing in Rocky Mountain - Greenback cutthroat trout in this soaring national park.

The Cache la Poudre River originates in the park, and while it's not fishable within park boundaries, it's definitely a worthy destination if you're in the area.

Fly fisherman may want to check out the Big Thompson River, The Fall River, and the Roaring River, in the Northeast corner of the park.

Today, fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments. and life. Here are some lakes and creeks open to fishing, including some with special catch and release regulations. There are also some closed waters you need to steer clear of. Before you wade in, check with the Park Service for license requirements, size and possession limits, and other regulations.

Open Lakes

The following lakes are open and contain fish populations:

Catch-and-Release Areas

Certain waters in the park with restored native fish populations are open year-round during daylight hours, except where indicated. Use barbless hooks only. Any and all fish species taken must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. The only exception is in the Hidden Valley Beaver Ponds, where the regular limit of brook trout may be kept.

No bait is permitted by any age angler in catch-and-release areas.

The following waters are open for catch-and-release fishing:

Closed Areas

	Other Resources. . . GORP Fishing GORP Rocky Mountain Fishing Guide

Bear Lake, inlet and outlet streams, as posted
Bench Lake and Ptarmigan Creek above War Dance Falls
Hidden Valley Beaver Ponds (closed January 1-July 31)
Hidden Valley Creek east of the Beaver Ponds
Hunters Creek above Wild Basin Ranger Station, as
Lake Nanita outlet downstream 100 yards
West Creek above West Creek Falls

Return to Top

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Parks and Preserves
Colorado Resources
GORPtravel