Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Inside Rocky Mountain National Park the Big Thompson winds through Moraine Park and Forest Canyon, with brown trout, brook trout and greenback cutthroat.
Looking for the latest Rocky Mountain National Park river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Big Thompson River โ Rocky Mountain National Park.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Rocky Mountain National Park fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is low and about 44ยฐF, with very cold nights and ice forming. Fish the warmest part of the day with attractor dries and small nymphs, and watch for park closures.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Rocky Mountain National Park, bring: Royal Wulff #14-16, Parachute Adams #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Rocky Mountain National Park river details
| Access | National park entrance fee. Moraine Park and the Forest Canyon trails. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 8,000 to 9,500 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 80 miles, roughly 1 hour 55 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Summer |
| Fish | Brown, brook and greenback cutthroat trout |
| Regulations | Park-specific rules apply on top of a Colorado fishing license, including catch-and-release cutthroat water. Check the park and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Moraine Park campground |
| Kids | Yes in summer. Gentle meadow water. |
| Good to know | Some park waters are catch and release for cutthroat. Know the rules before you go. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Frozen.
Spring
Late.
Summer
Prime time.
Fall
A brief window.
How to get there
Enter at the Beaver Meadows entrance and follow signs to Moraine Park.