What to expect at Lily Lake

Lily Lake sits about two miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7, making it one of the closest alpine waters to town. The lake is small—roughly 5 acres—and shallow, which means it warms faster than the high-country lakes further up the canyon. That warmth brings cutthroat trout and brook trout to the surface throughout the day, especially in spring and early summer when the water is still cold enough to keep fish active.

The shoreline is accessible and forgiving. A trail circles the lake in less than an hour, and you can fish from shore without scrambling over boulders or fighting brush. The water clarity varies with season and recent runoff, but on clear days you can see trout cruising the shallows, which means you can sight-fish if you move slowly and keep your shadow off the water.

Lily Lake draws more people than the backcountry lakes higher up, especially on weekends. The parking area fills by mid-morning in summer. If you want solitude, fish early or come on a weekday. The trade-off is convenience: you can be casting within 15 minutes of leaving your car.

Key Takeaways

  • Lily Lake is a small, shallow alpine lake two miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7, accessible by a short walk from the parking area.
  • Cutthroat and brook trout inhabit the lake year-round, and the shallow water warms enough in summer to keep fish feeding throughout the day.
  • Sight-fishing works well here because the water is often clear enough to spot trout in the shallows, especially early in the morning.
  • The parking area fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early or fish on weekdays if you prefer fewer people.
  • Flies and small spinners both work, but match the hatch in spring and early summer when aquatic insects are emerging.

How to reach Lily Lake from Estes Park

From downtown Estes Park, head south on Highway 7 (also called Bear Lake Road). The Lily Lake parking area is on your right, about two miles down. The lot holds roughly 20 cars, and there is no overflow parking, so if it is full you will need to find a spot along the shoulder or come back another time.

From the parking area, a short trail leads downhill to the lake. The walk is less than a quarter mile and the grade is gentle. No permit is required to fish here—you only need a valid Colorado fishing license. The lake is open year-round, though snow and ice close the road and trail in winter.

What fish live in Lily Lake and when they bite

Lily Lake holds cutthroat trout and brook trout. The cutthroats are native to this drainage and tend to be smaller, usually 8 to 12 inches. Brook trout were stocked years ago and have established a self-sustaining population. Both species eat insects, small crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.

Spring and early summer—May through July—is the most reliable time. Snowmelt keeps the water cool, and emerging aquatic insects bring trout to the surface. Midges hatch year-round, but mayflies and caddisflies peak in late May and June. Summer afternoons can be slow as the water warms and trout retreat to deeper water or shade. Fall fishing picks up again as water temperature drops, and the lake can be good through October if the weather holds.

Winter is possible but difficult. The road is plowed, but ice forms on the lake by December. If you fish in winter, bring a small ice auger or fish from the narrow unfrozen margins near inlet streams.

Flies and lures that work at Lily Lake

Match the hatch if you are fly fishing. In May and June, small mayfly nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work well—try Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear patterns. Caddisfly larvae imitations like Cased Caddis or tan-bodied nymphs are also effective. Midges are present year-round, so a small black or gray midge pupa in size 18 to 20 is never a bad choice.

Dry flies work during hatches, especially in the evening. Small Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Pale Morning Dun patterns in sizes 14 to 16 will take fish when insects are on the water. If nothing is rising, nymphs fished near the bottom or along the shoreline usually outfish dries.

Spin fishers should bring small spinners—size 0 or 1—in silver or gold. Panther Martin and Mepps spinners work well. Cast along the shoreline and near any visible weed beds. Trout here are not leader-shy, so you do not need to go lighter than 4-pound test, which makes landing easier on a small lake where fish have nowhere to run.

Where to fish and how to approach the water

The trail circles the lake, and you can fish from shore almost anywhere. The north shore is shallower and warms faster, making it good in spring and early summer. The south shore drops off more steeply and holds deeper water, which can be better in mid-summer when trout retreat from the shallows.

Sight-fishing is possible here because the water is often clear. Move slowly along the shore and look for trout cruising in 2 to 4 feet of water. Cast ahead of the fish, not at it. A trout moving toward you will see your fly before it sees you if you stay low and keep your shadow off the water. Early morning and late evening are best for sight-fishing because the sun angle is low and you can see deeper into the water.

The inlet stream on the north end brings cooler water and often holds trout, especially in summer. Fish the current seam where the stream enters the lake. The outlet on the south end is also worth a few casts, though it is smaller and less productive.

Regulations and what you need to bring

Colorado fishing regulations apply. You need a valid Colorado fishing license, which you can purchase online, at sporting goods stores in Estes Park, or at the ranger station. Lily Lake is open year-round with no special restrictions. The daily limit is 10 trout of any species combined, and the minimum size is 7 inches.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—there is no shade on the lake and the sun reflects off the water. A small backpack with your fly box or tackle box, a net, and a pair of polarized sunglasses will make the day more comfortable. Polarized glasses let you see trout in the water, which changes how you fish. If you plan to fish in winter, bring extra layers and a headlamp if you are arriving before dawn.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash. The area is part of Rocky Mountain National Park's gateway zone, so pack out everything you pack in.

When Lily Lake is crowded and what to do about it

Summer weekends, especially July and August, bring families, hikers, and photographers. The parking lot fills by 9 a.m., and the trail becomes a social event rather than a fishing trip. If you want to fish without an audience, arrive before 7 a.m. or come on a weekday.

If the lot is full, do not park along Highway 7—the shoulder is narrow and parking there creates a hazard. Instead, drive back to Estes Park and try one of the other lakes on Highway 7, like Nymph Lake or Bear Lake, both of which are further up the canyon and often less crowded. Alternatively, come back the next day or later in the afternoon when some people have left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lily Lake in winter?

Yes, but the lake freezes by December and stays iced through March. You can fish from the unfrozen margins near inlet streams or cut a hole in the ice with an auger. The road is plowed, so access is usually possible, but bring extra layers and be prepared for cold water and wind.

Do I need a guide to fish Lily Lake?

No. The lake is small, the trail is easy, and trout are present year-round. If you have never fished before or want to learn local patterns, a guide can help, but it is not necessary. Fly shops in Estes Park can point you toward current conditions and what is working.

What is the best time of day to fish Lily Lake?

Early morning and late evening are most productive because water is cooler and insects are more active. Midday in summer can be slow. If you are sight-fishing, early morning with low sun angle gives you the best view into the water.

Are there cutthroat trout in Lily Lake?

Yes. Cutthroats are native to this drainage and make up a portion of the population. They tend to be smaller than brook trout, usually 8 to 12 inches, but they are eager feeders and fun to catch on small flies.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Do not park on Highway 7. Instead, return to Estes Park and try Bear Lake or Nymph Lake further up the canyon, or come back to Lily Lake on a weekday or earlier in the morning. The lot typically empties by late afternoon.