Fishing, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park, a protected area. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life.

Fishing was popular with early settlers and visitors in the Rocky Mountains. In an attempt to improve the sport, many streams and lakes were stocked with non-native species of trout. Waters with no sport fish were also stocked. The National Park Service stocked non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as late as 1969. The only trout native to the park are the greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat.

These efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in National Park areas were reconsidered in the 1970's. Since 1975, native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are being restored to park waters and exotic or non-native fish are being removed.

Protect Fish and their Habitats
Park fish are vulnerable to several invasive organisms that can be carried on waders and other gear. Please read and follow these guidelines to disinfect your gear before entering park waters and when moving between different lakes and streams.

Today's Fisheries
Populations of at