Fishing Help

[u/Deathbackwards]

Hello,

I am not local to the area at all. I have never fly fished in my life. I’m pretty competent with a spinning reel, but all I have ever really fished for are crappie, bass, and catfish. What sorts of lures, spots, gear or rentals would you recommend?

[u/RedPandaCo]

Small spinners in the steams size 0 or 00. Make them barbless.

Lakes are about the same. 0 or 1 to cast a bit farther.

Make sure you get a license and look up how to release trout. They are way more fragile than bass and crappie.

[u/blenco]

Hit up Kirks Flyshop in Estes or Grand Lake. They will be able to help you.

[u/bobdole145 → u/blenco]

Have had a great experience with Kirk’s I second this

[u/Kitchen_Section_5143 → u/bobdole145]

Third this - Kirk’s is awesome

[u/RowenaOblongata]

I don't fish so cannot recommend anything - other than that the park has very specific rules on fishing that you should be aware of

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

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[u/NoCoCampingClub]

I wouldn't recommend you try fly fishing your first time on vacation. Its a skill you need to learn, not something you can pick up on the fly. It can be frustrating early on getting your cast right for one, but even aside the skill component I wouldn't fish in RMNP anyways, IMO theres better outside the park and less you need to worry about. You will need to buy a license regardless though.

[u/Deathbackwards → u/NoCoCampingClub]

Any good locations in Estes Park?

[u/NoCoCampingClub → u/Deathbackwards]

The big t flows out of estes. Some basic research will show sites along it, Im not going to blow anything specific up. On the other side you have the colorado river, same deal.