Fishing  in Estes Park Colorado

Fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park even thought it is a protected area.  Fishing limits are kept in balance in an effort to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life.

Fishing was popular with early settlers in Rocky Mountain National Park and 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 greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat are the only trout native to the park.   As late as 1968, the National Park Service stocked non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

Beginning in 1975, non-native fish have been removed and native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are being restored to park waters.

In the mountain streams and lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park, are four species of trout; German brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat. These cold waters may not produce large fish, but you will enjoy the superb mountain scenery as you fish. Fishing success at high altitudes varies, even from waters known to contain fish. Possession limits have been kept to a minimum, and have resulted in increased trout populations in many areas within the park.

See POSSESSION LIMIT for specific regulations. You must be able to identify each species of fish taken. You must have a valid Colorado fishing license for all persons 16 years of age and older.