Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing Photos for Editorial and Commercial Use

Chasing Trout in the High Country: A Fly Fishing Journey Through Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is filled with iconic destinations for fly fishing, and for good reason, Rocky Mountain National Park is near the top of the list. The quality of fishing their combined with the views make it world class. The fishing here isn’t just good, it’s meaningful. These rivers and creeks are full of native greenback cutthroat, wild browns, and brook trout that look like they were painted by hand. You earn your casts, too. Some of these spots are a few miles in on foot, tucked beneath craggy peaks and snowfields, far from the roadside crowds. That’s part of what makes it special—and part of why I photograph it the way I do. There are far too many places in the country where you can just pull over a toss a line, but here you need to be skilled and focused. The park is rugged and varied from one section to the next. The Moraine is big open country where you backcast is never a concern, but fighting the wind sure is, so finding those trophy trout 9ft deep in the banks can be quite the challenge. And as you move back along the Big Thompson River, the forest starts to move in around you, making each cast more difficult and technical the further you go. Have you been practicing your slingshot cast, because you’re gonna need it?!

I’m not staging anything. I’m out there for real. Early mornings, cold fingers tying on flies, watching the fog lift off the water. That’s the stuff I try to capture—authentic moments that feel lived-in and true to the experience. If you're a fly fisher yourself, you’ll recognize it. And if you're looking for images that tell a genuine story—one about wild fish in wild places—then you've come to the right place.

This collection of photographs from Rocky Mountain National Park is available for editorial and commercial licensing. Whether you're working on a magazine spread, a catalog, a branding campaign, or just need images that reflect the quiet power of time spent on the water, these visuals are built for it. They're not just pretty—they're grounded, real, and made by someone who knows what it means to be waist-deep in cold mountain water, focused on dead drifting to smart trout.

If you need photography that feels real, something that captures the spirit of fly fishing in wild places, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you find the right photos for your editorial, commercial, or branding needs. Just shoot me a message and let me know what you're looking for - rob@robhammerphotography.com

A fly fisherman ties a fly to his line while sitting on the back of his car in a beautiful mountain location

Fly fishing guide tying a fly to his line before fishing in front of snow capped peaks

Photograph of a fly fisherman surrounded by rugged terrain and snow capped mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park

Fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park

A fly fisherman walking through a beautiful section of the Big Thompson River in Rocky Mountain National Park

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing - Rocky Mountain National Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman putting floatant on his fly while standing in front of snowy mountains

Fly fisherman adding floatant to his fly

A fly fisherman walking through the Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park

Fly fishing the Moraine - Rocky Mountain NP

A fly fisherman netting a fish surrounded by dense brush in rugged terrain

Backcountry fly fishing

Photograph of a fly fisherman walking through a dense forest of burned trees

Fly fisherman walking through a forest of burned trees in Rocky Mountain National Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman frustrated after losing a fish in Rocky Mountain National Park

Frustrated fly fisherman after losing a fish

A fly fisherman fishing a rugged section of the Big Thomson River

Fly fisherman netting a trout in a backcountry section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a fly fisherman on a high alpine river in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park fly fishing

Photograph of a fly fisherman smiling

Smiling fly fisherman

A fly fisherman walks up the river past a huge dead tree in Colorado

Authentic fly fishing photography

Best Places to Fly Fish in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park Fly Fishing Photographs

Big Thompson Canyon

Whether you’re a Denver/Boulder local or just visiting the area from out of town, Colorado has incredible fly fishing for everyone! Only an hour and a half from Denver International Airport, Estes Park offers world class views and countless fly fishing opportunities. The hardest part is choosing which one!

The Beauty of Big Thompson Canyon

Big Thompson Canyon is not just a pathway to Estes Park but a destination in its own right. The canyon's river winds through rugged terrain, with clear waters that are perfect for fly fishing. The natural beauty of this area provides a jaw dropping backdrop for a day of fishing, where the only sounds are the rushing waters and calls of local wildlife. At any point of any day you’re likely to catch sight of elk, deer, and other wildlife that make the Rocky Mountains their home. Unlike a lot of other locations that require long hikes into the backcountry, this section of the Big Thompson River is not only stunning, it’s also easily accessible. There are endless pull-offs on Route 34 (Big Thompson Canyon Rd) that grant you access to peaceful isolation just a few minutes from your truck. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few hours to get your fix, then be back in time for lunch or dinner depending on the time of day. And with so much access, there’s no need to be fishing around other people. Just the drive through the canyon alone is worth the effort!

If you’re in need of a fly fishing guide for a day on the Big Thompson River, contact Front Range Anglers. They’ll take good care of you.

Click HERE to shop my fly fishing wall art

Photograph of a fly fisherman kneeling on ice while casting into the Big Thompson River near Estes Park, Colorado.

Estes Park Fly Fishing

Winter fly fishing near Estes Park, Colorado

Winter fly fishing - Estes Park, CO

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout in Estes Park, Colorado

Winter trout fishing in Colorado

Rainbow trout caught in winter near Estes Park, CO

Rainbow Trout - Estes Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman in a snowstorm in Colorado

Fly fishing in the snow

Colorado winter fly fishing

Winter fly fishing in Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman crouching in the river to avoid being seen by fish

Colorado Fly Fishing

Photograph of a mallard swimming by a fly fisherman

Mallard

Photograph of a fly fsherman removing a hook from the mouth of a rainbow trout

Removing hook from Rainbow Trout

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman in Big Thomson Canyon near Estes Park

Black and white photo of fly fishing in Estes Park

Long exposure photograph of water flowing on a river

Abstract river photograph

Chasing Trout and Capturing Moments: Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing Photograph

A Real Day on the Big T

The Big Thompson River has always felt like one of Colorado’s more underrated fisheries - quiet, accessible, and full of character. On this particular fall day, I was out on the water with a couple guides from Front Range Anglers - John Brown and Charlie Schaeffer, documenting what turned into a textbook session of Euro-nymphing. No setups, no staging, just real moments of passionate fly fisherman doing what they do best.

The river was clear and low, which made for sharp visuals and technical fishing. Golden leaves clung to the canyon walls, and every part of the vibe was a reminder of why people fall in love with fall fly fishing in Colorado.

Focused on the Details That Matter

I approach fly fishing photography the same way I approach a day on the water, with attention to the subtle things. The angle of the line during a drift, the tension in a cast, the texture of the rocks beneath the current. These photographs aren’t meant to glamorize the experience, but to reflect it honestly.

There’s a quiet rhythm to these canyon rivers, especially in the fall. That atmosphere - still, alert, and full of potential is what I try to capture in the frame. Whether it's the guide moving downstream with intent, or the landscape holding everything together in the background, the goal is always the same: make something that feels like what it was really like to be there.

H2: These Images Are Available for Licensing

If you’re working on a story or campaign that needs authentic fly fishing photography, something that shows real anglers in real environments - these images from the Big Thompson River are available for licensing. They’re a good fit for editorial features, conservation messaging, brand content, or anything that values credibility over cliché.

Get in touch - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view more of my fly fishing photography that is available for licensing

Click here to view my photo essay on Colorado fly fishing artist Martin Gerdin

Black and white photograph of fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River

Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

Photograph of fly fisherman and guide on the Big Thompson River

Fly fishing guides on the Big Thompson River

Colorado fly fishing photo for licensing

Fly Fishing in fall color in Colorado

Fly fishing in fall foliage

Fly fisherman walking through fall colors in Colorado

Black and white photo of a fly fisherman in Big Thompson Canyon

Fly fishing a canyon section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of trout jumping out of the Big Thompson River

Rainbow trout jumping out of the river

Fly fishing photograph for licensing

Netting a Rainbow Trout on the Big Thompson River

Black and white portrait of a fly fishing guide

John Brown of Front Range Anglers having a laugh during a day on the river

Black and white photo of two fly fisherman walking up a river - available for licensing

Fly fishing guides from Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman and guide walking up a river in beautiful light

Looking for trout on the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a tree growing out of a rock along the Big Thompson River

Tree roots growing out of a rock

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a large trout in a rugged setting on a river in Colorado

Charlie Schaefer netting a trout on the Big Thompson River outside Loveland, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman holding a trophy trout on the Big Thompson River

A beautiful Rainbow Trout

Two fly fisherman walking through fall foliage on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Fall colors in the river in Colorado

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman holding a rod and reel on the river

Hardy fly rod and reel

Black and white photograph of a fly fishing guide in Colorado available for licensing

One handed

Photograph of a large trout in a net caught by a fly fisherman

Netting a large Rainbow Trout

A fly fisherman smiles while holding a trophy Rainbow trout

Trophy Trout - Colorado

Fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River in Colorado - Black and White Photography

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's arm setting the hook on a trout

Setting the hook

Photograph of a Boulder, CO fly fishing guide on the Big Thompson River

A proper bend in the rod

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's hand holding a trophy rainbow trout

Won’t forget this one

Photograph of a Colorado fishing guide available for licensing

Charlie Schaefer - Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman trying to net a fish on the Big Thompson River

The big ones put up a good fight

Photograph of a beautiful rainbow trout caught on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Textbook Rainbow Trout

Aerial view of a fly fisherman walking up river

Fly fisherman moving up river

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout surrounded by fall colors in Colorado

Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River surrounded by fall color in Colorado