Lake Estes Fishing Map

Estes Park is a dream location for almost every angler. Whether you're interested in fishing on rivers or lakes, by boat or by land, there's something for you in this beautiful mountain town.

1. The Big Thompson River flows out of Lake Estes and follows US 34 through Drake and down to Loveland. The river offers plenty of 10 to 12-inch brown and rainbow trout for anglers and is a favorite spot for fly-fishers in July and August. Avoid the river in the winter months, though, - it's often very cold and difficult to fish.
2. Lake Estes is located on the west end of Estes Park between US 34 from Fort Collins and US 36 from Boulder and Denver. With roughly 185 surface acres of water, the lake teems with rainbow trout stocked regularly by the Colorado Department of Wildlife.
   • The nearby Lake Estes marina sells fishing licenses, which are required for anglers 16 and older at the lake, and rents boats from kayaks to pontoons. A launch site is also available for those who bring their own boats, but hours for power boating are limited, so be sure to check ahead if your watercraft is motorized.
   • Take a break from fishing to enjoy the lake's many picnic and barbecue areas or play a game of volleyball or horseshoes. The marina also rents bikes for the Lake Estes trail.
   • Make sure you hit the lake in the spring and summer though; all facilities are closed in the winter.
3. The north fork of the Big Thompson River is located north of Estes Park and runs through the town of Glen Haven to its confluence with the Big Thompson. The river can be accessed from Estes Park via CR 41 or CR 63, which connect to CR 43. From Drake, travel west on CR 43 until the river begins north of Glen Haven in Rocky Mountain National Park. Anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license to cast in the park. There are also possession limits on certain types of fish and some areas of the North Fork are catch and release only. Check with the park before entering to get the most current information.

More Activities & Information

Estes Park - includes Drake

Arkansas River Headwaters - North Fishing Map • Arkansas River Headwaters - East Fishing Map • Big Thompson River Fishing Map • Blue Mesa Reservoir Fishing Map • East River Fishing Map • Elevenmile Reservoir Fishing Map • Lake Estes Fishing Map • Grand Lake Fishing Map • Grand Mesa Fishing Map • Gunnison River Fishing Map • Lake Fork Gunnison River Fishing Map

Middle Colorado River Fishing Map • North Fork South Platte River Fishing Map • Pagosa Springs Fishing Map • Rampart Reservoir Fishing Map • Rio Grande Fishing Map - Creede to South Fork • Rio Grande Fishing Map West of Creede • San Juan River Fishing Map • San Juan River - Navajo Dam Fishing Map • South Park Fishing Map • Taylor River Fishing Map • White River Fishing Map

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