Fly Fishing Photography in Estes Park, Colorado

Rob Hammer March 29, 2025

A Fly Fishing Photo Essay from the Colorado Front Range

Fly Fishing in Estes Park, Colorado

I’ve spent a lot of happy time over the years fishing and photographing rivers in Colorado, and the water around Estes Park always pulls me back. The Big Thompson River, especially as it cuts through the Front Range, has a way of offering both challenge and calm in the same stretch of water. It’s not flashy fishing. It’s honest, technical, and deeply tied to the landscape.

This series was photographed in and around Estes Park, focusing on fly fishing along the Big Thompson River under real conditions. No staging, no models—just anglers working the water as the light shifts through the canyon. I’m interested in the quieter moments: the pause between casts, the scale of a person against the river, and the way fly fishing becomes part of the place rather than something imposed on it.

As someone who fishes as much as I photograph, that authenticity matters to me. Fly fishing has always been as much about paying attention as it is about catching fish. The rhythm of the river, changing weather, and the subtle decisions made on the water are what shape the experience—and that’s what I try to reflect in the photographs.

The Big Thompson River & the Front Range

The Big Thompson is one of those rivers that demands respect. Flows can change quickly, access varies by stretch, and the canyon funnels light in ways that keep things visually interesting throughout the day. Fishing here requires patience and adaptability, which makes it a rewarding place to photograph as well.

These images were made during typical Front Range winter conditions— cold mornings, overcast skies, and snow storms coming in and out. Rainbow and brown trout are the primary species in this stretch, and the river supports a strong dry-fly and nymph fishery depending on the season.

Photographing Fly Fishing in Real Conditions

I photograph fly fishing the same way I fish it: simply and without shortcuts. Natural light only, real anglers, and real water. I’m drawn to compositions that show how small gestures—mending a line, stepping into current, watching a drift—fit into a much larger landscape.

From a photography standpoint, the Big Thompson offers a balance of intimacy and scale. You can work tight when the moment calls for it, or pull back and let the river and canyon do the talking. That balance is important to me, especially when creating imagery that needs to feel timeless and usable across different editorial and commercial contexts.

Image Licensing Applications

The photographs in this series are available for editorial and commercial licensing. They are well suited for:

Editorial features and long-form stories on fly fishing and the American West
Outdoor and fly-fishing brands
Tourism and destination marketing for Estes Park and Northern Colorado
Conservation and public-lands organizations
Lodges, outfitters, and guide services
Digital and print campaigns seeking authentic outdoor imagery

All images were created on location and are grounded in real use, real places, and real moments on the water.

Photo Licensing Inquiries

If you’re an editor, brand, agency, or organization interested in licensing images from this series, I’m happy to provide selects, usage details, and rates.

Contact: rob@robhammerphotography.com

Additional fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle photography can be viewed in the main portfolio on my website.

View More: Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing

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

Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Photographs

Rob Hammer November 6, 2022

Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Photography – Prints & Licensing

That old saying, “you get what you put in,” always seems to ring true with fly fishing — especially in Cheesman Canyon. Some folks only fish a couple of minutes from their truck, others hike deep into the canyon for solitude, but no matter how far you go, the river has a way of revealing something new.

The South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado is a local favorite for anyone living in the Denver/Boulder area and a destination for people flying in from out of town, for good reason, it’s got great fishing and incredible views. As a photographer it’s one of my favorite places to shoot. The canyon walls, shifting light, and relentless water create a stage that’s never the same twice. These photographs are my attempt to capture that feeling — part of an ongoing collection that’s available as fine art prints and for licensing to magazines, brands, and editors.

Why Cheesman Canyon Inspires Me

Standing knee-deep in the South Platte, you start to feel the rhythm of the place. You have to work to get there and landing fish is never ever a given. A cast that feels ordinary in tamer water takes on a different kind of weight here. Photographing it is no easier — reflections, shadows, and current can ruin a frame in a second.

But that’s why it’s worth it. The challenge makes the images stronger, and the story behind them richer.

Moments from the River — Cast, Water, Light

Every frame I made here comes back to the thing I hold in the highest regard when it comes to fly fishing photography, and that’s authenticity. I photograph real people really fly fishing for real fish. None if it is posed or planned out. Each photograph is a reminder that Cheesman Canyon demands patience. Both from the fisherman, and from the photographer.

How These Images Work for Brands, Magazines & Editors

These aren’t just personal snapshots — they’re images built for storytelling.

They work especially well for:

Magazines & editorial features on fly fishing, conservation, or outdoor life.
Gear & apparel brands needing authentic lifestyle and environment shots.
Travel and adventure outlets highlighting Colorado’s rivers and landscapes.
Lodges, outfitters, and conservation groups looking for fine art displays.

Every client’s needs are different — usage territory, exclusivity, duration, and medium all shape licensing. If you’re building a feature, campaign, or branded content and need images from this series, just reach out.

Behind the Lens: Gear, Challenges & Intent

Cameras don’t like rushing water, and neither do tripods in slick current. But the mistakes — falling in, missing a cast — are part of why I keep coming back.

I look for the action, but just as important are the moments between action. The way light reflects off a canyon wall, or the way an angler waits with rod tip down. Sometimes the strongest images come after the catch, when the canyon quiets down again.

That’s what I try to photograph — not just the fish, but the entire experience of being there.

Get Prints or License These Shots

If you’d like a framed print, a large-scale wall piece, or want to license images for editorial, branding, or advertising, get in touch:

📩 rob@robhammerphotography.com

I’m happy to send you usage options, pricing, and custom packages depending on your needs.

You can also see more fly fishing photography HERE and prints HERE.

A fly fisherman hops from rock to rock on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — A fly fisherman navigating rocks in Cheesman Canyon

A person standing on top of a large boulder looking into the South Platte River during a day of fly fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — Looking for trout from atop a boulder

Overhead view of a Fly Fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — Overhead view of a fly fisherman’s casst

A fly fisherman walks through large boulders on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — A fly fisherman walking underneath large boulders

A fly fisherman jumps from boulder to boulder on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — A fly fisherman leaps from rock to rock in a picturesque Colorado trout stream

A large trout in the South Platte River in Colorado — A trout illuminate by beautiful light

A fly fisherman wades through a beautiful section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — Wading across South Platte River

A photo with motion blur of a fly fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Colorado — Motion blur photograph of fly fisherman

A Fly Fisherman hiking up a rocky cliff with a bottle of whisky in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — Fly fisherman with a bottle of whisky

A fly fisherman on the South Platte River casting near large rock cliffs in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado. Available for editorial and commercial licensing. — Fly fishing in Cheesman Canyon - Colorado

Stock photograph of a a fly fisherman on the South Platte River navigates a rocky section in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — The rocky cliffs of Cheesman Canyon

A fly fisherman rigs up his rod while sitting on rocks in Cheesman Canyon near Deckers, Colorado — A fly fisherman sitting on a rock preparing his gear

A fly fisherman on a beautiful rocky section of the South Platte River nets a fish in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado — Netting a trout in Cheesman Canyon

A stock photograph of a fly fisherman hiking into a remote section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado. Available for editorial and commercial licensing. — Fly fisherman hiking out of Cheesman Canyon

San Diego Fly Fishing

Rob Hammer August 22, 2022

Blacks Beach Fly Fishing

San Diego, CA - Photographs

San Diego’s stunning coastline is a paradise for anglers, and Black’s Beach, located beneath the rugged cliffs of Torrey Pines, offers a distinct and rewarding fly fishing experience. Known for its seclusion, surf, and dramatic natural beauty, Black’s Beach is more than a surfing destination—it’s a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts looking to try their hand at casting for Corbina from the beach.

If you’re looking for a fly fishing guide in San Diego, contact Tyler Vanosdell at Mission Bay Fly Fishing.

Tyler on Instagram - @missionbayflyfishing

Olivia on Instagram - @merlinoolivia

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography

Two fly fisherman walking on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Blacks Beach in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly fishing. — San Diego Fly Fishing

Photograph of two fly fisherman hiking down a dirt trail to Blacks Beach to fish for Corbina in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — Fly fisherman in Lajolla, San Diego

A girl and guy laugh together on Blacks Beach before fly fishing for Corbina in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — Two fly fisherman having fun on Blacks Beach in LaJolla, CA

Photograph of a fly fisherman's rod bends as he connects with a Corbina on Blacks Beach in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — Fly fishing for Corbina on Blacks Beach in San Diego, CA

Photograph of a female fly fisherman casts into the surf for Corbina at Blacks Beach in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — A female fly fisherman surf casting in San Diego, CA

A girl and guy walking down Blacks Beach to fly fish for Corbina in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — Two fly fisherman walking on a beautiful section of Black Beach in LaJolla, CA

A fly fisherman standing on a rock gets hit by a large wave on Blacks Beach in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — A fly fisherman getting hit by a wave on Blacks Beach in San Diego, CA

A female fly fisherman stands in front of the cliffs on Blacks Beach early in the morning casting for Corbina in San Diego, California. Patagonia Fly Fishing. — A girl fly fishing in front of the beautiful cliffs of Blacks Beach in San Diego, CA

Two fly fisherman hike up a dirt trail after fishing for Corbina on Blacks Beach in San Diego, California. — Two fly fisherman hiking up the dirt trail from Blacks Beach in San Diego, CA

Chasing Wild Fish - Fly Fishing Photography from Iliamna, Alaska

Rob Hammer April 3, 2022

Authentic Moments of Fly Fishing Adventure in the Remote Waters of Alaska

If you ever get the chance to fly fish in Alaska, don’t think twice, just go. It’s one of the last truly wild places left, and every trip feels like stepping back into a world untouched by time.

Up there, adventure isn’t a side note, it’s part of the deal. The rivers that hold the biggest rainbow trout, the brightest Dolly Varden, and the hard-fighting king and silver salmon aren’t lined with parking lots or lodges. They’re remote, winding through endless stretches of wilderness where the only way in is by float plane. You lift off from the lodge in Iliamna, and before long, you’re flying low over dense forests, braided rivers, and snow-dusted peaks, searching for a sliver of water that could be the site of your next great story.

When that plane skids to a stop on a remote lake or river bend, it’s just you, your gear, and the wild. No roads. No crowds. Just the sound of the current and maybe the distant call of a bald eagle overhead.

Of course, you’re not the only one fishing those waters. Spend enough time wading a remote Alaskan river, and you'll likely be forced out by a grizzly or two doing a little fishing of their own. It's humbling, to say the least. Encounters with bears are a part of the experience — a sharp reminder that you're a visitor in their kingdom. Give them space, respect their presence, and you’ll walk away with stories that last a lifetime.

The fishing itself is nothing short of legendary. Big, bruising rainbow trout that crush mouse patterns in the twilight hours. Dolly Varden dressed in their fall colors, flashing pink and orange like living jewels. Silvers leaping clean out of the water, their sides flashing like mirrors. And kings — heavy, relentless, and every bit as powerful as you’ve heard.

But beyond the fish, it's the feeling that hooks you the hardest. Standing waist-deep in a crystal-clear river, surrounded by wilderness that stretches to the horizon in every direction, you realize Alaska offers something rare: true solitude. True connection to the wild. No cell service. No distractions. Just you, the river, and the fish.

If you’re looking for something more than just another fishing trip — if you want an adventure that shakes you up, fills your lungs with clean air, and leaves you with memories stamped deep into your soul , Alaska’s remote rivers are the answer.

Click HERE to see more of my fly fishing photography.

Click HERE to shop my fly fishing prints and contact me directly about licensing these Alaska fly fishing photographs for editorial or commercial usage

Aerial view of volcanoes in Alaska from a flat plane at sunset — Sunset over volcanoes in Alaska

Black and white photograph of fly fishing in Alaska — Alaska Fly Fishing

Photograph of a grizzly bear walking in front of a fly fisherman in Alaska — Alaska Grizzly Bear

View of the colorful ground in Alaska as seen from a flat plane — Aerial view of Alaska

Photograph of a grayling caught on a fly fishing trip in Alaska — Alaska grayling fly fishing

Black and white photograph of fly fisherman walking in front of a glacier in Alaska — Fly fishing in Alaska

View of Alaska from inside a deHavilland Beaver float plane — Float plane ride - Iliamna, Alaska fly fishing

Photograph of a fishing guide and pilot walking away from a float plane — Iliamna, Alaska fly fishing guide

Photograph of a trophy trout caught in Alaska

Photograph of whisky and bear spray on the dashboard of an old pickup truck in Alaska — Every day carries in Alaska

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman on a remote river in Alaska — Fly fishing a remote river in Alaska

Photograph of a fly fishing guide holding a Silver Salmon in Alaska — Silver Salmon fly fishing - Iliamna, Alaska

Photograph of a fly fisherman at sunset on Lake Iliamna, Alaska — Fly fishing lake Iliamna, Alaska

Best place to fly fish in Mammoth, California

Rob Hammer June 5, 2019

Fly fishing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Backpacking in the Flat Tops Wilderness - Yampa, Colorado

Rob Hammer February 5, 2016

Flat Tops Wilderness - Yampa, Colorado

Backpacking - Fly Fishing - Photography

Only about 6 months late on this post, so yeah. Trying to chip away at the piles of images gathering dust on my hard drives from the past year. These are from an incredible camping trip in the Colorado backcountry. Specifically in the backcountry of Yampa. A very small and very remote town that is only frequented by locals, and those lucky enough to know about it. Our "campsite" was about a 5 mile hike from the car. So not crazy, but certainly enough to get far away from everything. Mojo was with me on this one, and he had a blast to say the least. We got in a lot of fishing and a lot of eating. One thing the Yampa backcountry is famous for is the "Devil's Causeway" (seen below). It's part of a trail with a narrow strip of rock with very immediate and very long drops on both sides. If you fall, you're down. Walking up to it doesn't seem that bad, but once you're there, it gets in your head a little. I saw one kid completely freeze while trying to cross it.

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