Estes Co

[Robert Riley]

Going to Estes Colorado for a week (Sat to Sat), not really sure what to expect fishing wise, not even sure what to bring. Anyone know what to expect? Should I look to fish for LMB, smallies or trout? Ponds or Rivers, etc etc. 

I'll probably just bring my two spinning rods and buy whatever tackle I need when I'm there. 

[Turkey sandwich]

I was in Estes about 14 years ago and it's absolutely beautiful.  You're likely going to see incredible mountains, an awesome mountain town, and a TON of wildlife (we woke up to herds of hundreds of elk outside).  I've heard that there are largemouth fishing opportunities in a number of ponds, but the area is most known for a wide variety of trout streams and fly fishing.  The Big Thompson and the Fall River are two very different, very beautiful fisheries.  I have a cousin in Ft Collins who fishes them regularly and some of the pictures are amazing.  If you don't fly fish, it may be worth hiring a guide, taking a casting lesson, and trying something different.  Or just go hiking and camping.  There's so much incredible hiking and camping. 

[Dorado]

Estes lake has some nice Brown Trout and plenty of rainbows. I used to do well fishing the dam with Dynamic Lures HD Trout (3" rip bait) in rainbow. Also, bring some chrome Kastmasters fish near islands or by sudden drop offs. Those areas congregate fish and they can't resist a falling fluttering spoon During the fall when the spawn occurs, fish the inlet where the Big Thompson empties in, with salmon eggs or be a hero and use a fly rod with Trout beads. I've had 30 fish days doing a combo of the above. Good luck! The scenery is surreal and the elk walk right up to ya. Check out the hotel from The Shining too. Spooky

[iceintheveins]

Use pieces of crawler where legal, or jerkbaits like the HD trout or J spec when the water is warmer, and you will generally badly outfish flies.