Fly Fishing In The Rocky Mountain National Park

Beneath the high ozone-purple peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park lie a myriad of mountain lakes, their mirror finishes reflecting the blue sky. Many of these peaks reach upward to over 14,000 ft, 78 are over 12,000. Glacier carved and erosion worn, they are the catch-all of an amazing lake and river system below. Deposits of glacial moraine in the valley have helped to form many of the 156 lakes of the park, 48 of which have fish populations which entice the fly fisherman.

Fishing history

Fly fishing is a healthy activity, and helps many to fulfill the needful feeling of living-off-the-land. Fishing activities within Rocky Mountain National Park must be balanced with modern conservation and reintroduction methodologies. The history of fishing in the park, like in most, was one of introduction of non-native species. These new species end up competing with, and in many cases, wiping out, the indigenous fish. In Rocky Mountain's case, Yellowstone cutthroat trout were being introduced right up until 1969.

Trout species and conservation

Today at least four species of trout are known to exist within the park. Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. The only native, or indigenous species, are the greenback, and Colorado river, cutthroat, the first of which are fished only on a catch and release basis, and both of which are the subjects of the supplemental stocking / reintroduction process. The biggest fear of the naturalists is the "man-with-a-bucket" syndrome. Many fish have been introduced into western waters by sportsmen.

Know your limits

Since 1975 the reintroduction policies have gone hand in hand with continued fishing. But you must know your fish or pay the fine. If you are out to catch dinner, then you are allowed 8 mixed fish, six of which must be brook trout, two of which may be rainbow, Colorado River Cutthroat, or brown trout, of 10 inches or more. No green back cutthroat allowed. If your catch is purely brook trout, you are allowed 10 or 8 inches or less.

Closed waters

As always government rules are confusing. It's best to carry the regulation with you. Closed waters include areas around Bear Lake's inlet and outlet streams extending to 200 yards downstream. Bench Lake and Ptarmigan Creek are closed above War Dance Falls, and Hunters Creek above Wild Basin Ranger Station, as posted. Lake Nanita's outlet is closed downstream for 100 yards, as is the South Fork of the Poudre River above Pingree Park, and Upper Columbine Creek above 9,000 feet. Lily Lake's east shore is also closed from May to June.

Main regulations

Fly fishermen are not allowed to treat their artificial flies with any sent or attractant. Their is no bait fishing allowed, except in the case of children 12 years-of-age and younger, who are allowed to use worms or preserved fish eggs as bait. Persons 16 years-of-age and older, who wish to fish, must posses an Colorado fishing license. A one day non-resident license is $9. and a five day, non-resident license is $21. Fishing gear must be disinfected to prevent invasive organisms.