Summer is here and the fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is heating up. There are many fishing opportunities to be had in the park.
The Big Thompson and Cub Creek are good choices. Right now the flow is high but fishable so focus on the back eddies and slower water. Stoneflies, Caddis and Pale Morning Duns are currently hatching. PMD dries in 14-16, Stimulators in sizes 14-16 and Elk Hair Caddis in 16-18 should be just the ticket.
Glacier Creek: The fishing will improve as the water warms up from mid day on. Expect hatches of Pale Morning Duns, Caddis and Stoneflies. PMD dries in 16-18, Stimulators in sizes 14-16 and 16-18 Elk Hairs are a good choice for Glacier. Roaring River: The flow is high and the Greenback Cutthroats are in the middle of the spawn. Give them a break for another two weeks to be safe. I have included a picture of Greenbacks paired up in spawning colors. They are simply beautiful! If you do fish for them please make sure to not stand on any redds. High Mountain: The high mountain lakes in the park offer some excellent fishing. Hikes as short as 45 minutes will put you at beautiful locations with plenty of trout. An added bonus is you may not see another angler.
Currently Loch Vale, Dream and Ouzel are open. Look for Mills, Jewel and Black Lake to be opening up shortly. Flies for the high mountain lakes will need to ne small. Adult Midges, Stuck in the Shucks and Parachute Adams in the 20-22 size range would be a good choice.Do take the necessary precautions when entering the back country. This is not your typical park and the back country needs to be respected when traveling in it.Get out and enjoy the park and the fishing opportunities it has to offer.
Scott McCaslin
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