Estes Park/RMNP September Fishing?

[john michael white]

Plan to head to RMNP in Sept.

[brian barnes]

John – I’ve enjoyed fishing the Big T both below the lake in Estes and above it in the park. Both easily accessible by car. If you are willing to hike a bit I hear Fern Lake is fishing great (all greenback cutthroats, though its further than you specified at 3.8 miles +1400 feet). I’ll be there in September as well, though we are climbing up and over the divide via a glacier and fishing some remote backcountry lakes. Can’t wait! Kirks has a frequently updated report of east side locations here: http://www.kirksflyshop.com/fishing-report. Here is another good resource: http://www.flyfishingrmnp.com/

[addie0919]

i will echo what Brian said.

[john michael white]

Thanks for the help guys.

[mike b.]

September is one of the best times to fish RMNP.

[Cameron Mortenson]

John Michael White…RMNP is a great place to explore.

[greg mitchell]

When I was there about a year ago (at RMNP) on a family vacation I fished the Big Thompson exclusively. Caught a lot of fish and had a great time. I fished the Big T in 3 different areas and I liked them all.

Fished the Big T in the canyon area below Estes park. It was raining hard off and on the day I fished it but I still did pretty well. Caught several nice rainbows and several small browns.

My wife, son, and I took a guided trip fishing the Big T way up in the upper reaches. It was kind of rough going. But we had a good day. We all caught quite a few small brookies and my son and I both took a decent brown.

My favorite day was fishing the moraine park area of the Big T. I had been advised by the fly shop not to try this area that it was heavily fished and the trout were very picky. But I tried it one evening and had a blast. Nothing big but I caught lots of small brown trout. All on a black beetle (dry fly). The moraine park area is kind of at the entrance. The water there is just beautiful.

We were there in Aug so it should be somewhat similar to your Sept trip. Just a word of advice – take some warm clothes. Several of the evenings and nights were VERY cold.

I hope you have a great trip. Wish I was going again this year.

Greg

[Tim Angeli]

Check your PM.

[john michael white]

Thanks again everyone for all the tips and pointing me in the right direction.  

Yeah, Greg, I know what you mean about packing for the cold.  If I go anywhere out West in late September, I will be packed to expect anything from hot dry weather to cold freezing snowy weather.  You never know when that Blue Nother will roll in…, and even if it is just typical Indian Summer, the mornings and evenings are crisp.

[Shannon Drawe]

I was there a few weeks ago, and the only thing I can add is HECK OF A CROWD! September probably makes a world of sense as the kids get back to school. I haven’t done any National Parks, so I was a bit … stunned. I opted out and for the St. Vrain.

[brian barnes]

Shannon – Going in September make a big difference regarding crowds. October is even better but the weather gets quite a bit more unpredictable.

[Tim Angeli]

Shannon,

Did you run into a lot of fisherman while you were there, or just non-fishing crowds?

[mike b.]

I agree with Tim…I’ve fished RMNP for years as it is only a few minutes away.

[dan cone]

From Estes, I always liked going up the Lawn Lake Trail to go after green back cutties.

[tradd d]

Sounds like a fun trip planned. I always have friends come out in Sept to RMNP, it’s the best time. Perfect weather and even snow any given day.

Standard Big T can be good if flows aren’t bumped up too high like they normally do. Sprague lake will have Brookies by the masses so you can catch a ton or just watch some gorgeous colored fish swim by. Don’t forget Lily Lake also for some nice scenery and good fishing for Greenbacks.

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