Trout Haven Fishing Pond
Trout Haven Fishing Pond
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Our stocked lake is a fun place for all ages. Fishing poles, all equipment, and bait are free. You pay only by the fish inch. Fishing makes people happy. It's great family fun.
Estes Park, Colorado
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Trout Haven Fishing Pond
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
105 reviews
Excellent
50
Very good
27
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
8
Jessica O
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Positives: All the staff was friendly & the kiddos enjoyed seeing the fish.
Negatives: We caught 2 fish TOTALING 17 inches. One was likely 9 inches and the other 7 inches. Those are tiny trout & not what they state on their website. Also when we got there, the fish looked small, but we were told the average size was 10-11 inches. Needless to say we only caught 2 fish & then left....about 15-20 minutes of fishing total (most of which was walking around looking for bigger fish to try to catch) . Then we paid $29 for those 2 tiny fish.
I've seen other reviews that stated the same things, but we wanted to go see for ourselves. The response to those reviews was that the customers were paying for the experience. However catching large trout would have been a much better experience & lower prices for the smaller fish would make people want to stay longer to fish.
We kept the fish & grilled them at the resort. We only got about 3 forks full of fish filet from the 2 fish.
Suggested Fixes: 1) Lower the prices for the smaller fish. 2) Buy larger stock fish.
Negatives: We caught 2 fish TOTALING 17 inches. One was likely 9 inches and the other 7 inches. Those are tiny trout & not what they state on their website. Also when we got there, the fish looked small, but we were told the average size was 10-11 inches. Needless to say we only caught 2 fish & then left....about 15-20 minutes of fishing total (most of which was walking around looking for bigger fish to try to catch) . Then we paid $29 for those 2 tiny fish.
I've seen other reviews that stated the same things, but we wanted to go see for ourselves. The response to those reviews was that the customers were paying for the experience. However catching large trout would have been a much better experience & lower prices for the smaller fish would make people want to stay longer to fish.
We kept the fish & grilled them at the resort. We only got about 3 forks full of fish filet from the 2 fish.
Suggested Fixes: 1) Lower the prices for the smaller fish. 2) Buy larger stock fish.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MsKay84
Denver, Colorado1,908 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We’ve been owners of the timeshare next door for over a decade. We visit Estes Park 2 to 3 times every year, and fish here pretty often… unfortunately, I have to say that this place has really gone downhill.
Once upon a time, they didn’t charge for fishing poles. Then they started charging $1 per fishing pole… and now they’re up to $4. So if you’re going to fish here, then bring your own fishing pole… they will still provide you with the bait.
This last time we visited, we noticed a “Group” charge of $5 on our receipt. My 4 year old son was the only one fishing. When we asked about it, they told us that this was charged no matter how many people in our party were fishing. So why call it a Group charge? Call it a Fishing charge.
The price per inch for the fish has also gone up, but they do warn you about this before you start fishing. It’s only 10 cents extra per inch, so not a huge deal.
But overall, I feel like they’re really nickel and diming their customers. Who knows what other fees they’ll decide to add in the future.
I’m not quite sure yet if I’ll want to return later on.
Once upon a time, they didn’t charge for fishing poles. Then they started charging $1 per fishing pole… and now they’re up to $4. So if you’re going to fish here, then bring your own fishing pole… they will still provide you with the bait.
This last time we visited, we noticed a “Group” charge of $5 on our receipt. My 4 year old son was the only one fishing. When we asked about it, they told us that this was charged no matter how many people in our party were fishing. So why call it a Group charge? Call it a Fishing charge.
The price per inch for the fish has also gone up, but they do warn you about this before you start fishing. It’s only 10 cents extra per inch, so not a huge deal.
But overall, I feel like they’re really nickel and diming their customers. Who knows what other fees they’ll decide to add in the future.
I’m not quite sure yet if I’ll want to return later on.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
speedybreed
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
This pond is so well stocked, I caught a fish in 15 seconds. The staff is friendly, especially Sammy Miller. While he was cleaning the fish, he took out the heart and it was still beating! So cool. We caught six fish and had them for dinner. 5/5
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JB
Naples, FL21 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I didn’t listen closely enough. That’s on me. After about 30 min of fishing for myself and my three kids, we racked up enough trout to cost us over $220. Maybe if I were going to eat them, I might feel better but I’m on vacation in a hotel.
I just provide this review as a warning. This is not free fishing. Not even close.
I just provide this review as a warning. This is not free fishing. Not even close.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mom24Crazies
Kansas City37 contributions
Dec 2019
We headed to Trout Haven with the intent of ice skating, but quickly converted to ice fishing when the kids became bored with skating. This was a huge hit with the entire family (2 adults and 4 kids). The kids all enjoyed fishing, and everyone caught at least one trout. The staff members were very helpful and cleaned our fish for us-it was an amazing dinner! If you and your kids enjoy fishing, this is an absolute must in the winter!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidtsurofchek
Colorado Springs, CO1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Family
We went there and was there no more than 10 minutes. My boy threw his line out 5 times and caught 5 fish instantly. Sounds great but what you don't realized is every fish you catch is $10-$12 regardless of whether you want to keep them or not. We went to the desk to see how much it would cost and it was $60 worth of fish caught in less than 10 minutes. If we would have kept on going we probably would have caught 30 fish in an hour which would have cost me over $300. So I decided to have them clean the fish for me since I bought them and had to at least feel like I got something for my money. My 8 year boy stood on the steps to watch them clean the fish, which he has seen fish get cleaned before. Unfortunately he witnessed the guy hitting the fish on the head with a wood stick to kill them first. I understand they are going to die anyways and that they are fish but having an 8 year old see them beating a fish to death isn't what I would call a good experience. Save you money this place is a scam and a half.
Written August 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrryager
Austin, TX32 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Last time we went fishing while camping, all we caught was a little carp and a snapping turtle. So on our trip to RMNP, we decided we would catch our dinner at Trout Haven.
The equipment was old, and the reel on my youngest daughter's rod didn't wind half the time, but it didn't matter because the fishing was like shooting fish in a -- erm, it was really easy to catch the fish in the stocked pond. We stuck a shrimp on the hook, tossed it in, had nibbles within moments, and both of my girls had reeled in a fish within minutes.
The look on my girls' faces when they reeled the fish in was one of the highlights of our trip. Our 4-year-old was excited to help with the net, and our 9-year-old had a real sense of accomplishment when she brought hers in. They had just enough time to name the fish before we took them into the office for cleaning.
I don't know whether my kids are weird of legitimately curious, but the cleaning station may have been their favorite part of the whole experience. The man preparing the fish for us was nice enough to pull out a heart on request, and the girls were mesmerized by this tiny, still-beating organ sitting on the counter. I know that an earlier reviewer complained that her innocent angel had to watch someone hit his fish on the head, but I think it was a good experience for my kids to be able to tie the food that lands on their plate with the actual process involved with harvesting a living creature.
After cleaning, the staff wrapped them inside an ice-filled bag and sent us on our way. Soon we had our catch roasting in a foil packet over a campfire before delving in.
Our visit to Trout Haven ended up costing around $35 with pole rental, length-based fish cost, and the cleaning fee. For this, my kids got to participate in a popular sport, gain a sense of accomplishment, learn fish anatomy, and help cook dinner. Considering we spent that much buying ice cream and fudge an hour earlier, I'd say it was a great value.
The equipment was old, and the reel on my youngest daughter's rod didn't wind half the time, but it didn't matter because the fishing was like shooting fish in a -- erm, it was really easy to catch the fish in the stocked pond. We stuck a shrimp on the hook, tossed it in, had nibbles within moments, and both of my girls had reeled in a fish within minutes.
The look on my girls' faces when they reeled the fish in was one of the highlights of our trip. Our 4-year-old was excited to help with the net, and our 9-year-old had a real sense of accomplishment when she brought hers in. They had just enough time to name the fish before we took them into the office for cleaning.
I don't know whether my kids are weird of legitimately curious, but the cleaning station may have been their favorite part of the whole experience. The man preparing the fish for us was nice enough to pull out a heart on request, and the girls were mesmerized by this tiny, still-beating organ sitting on the counter. I know that an earlier reviewer complained that her innocent angel had to watch someone hit his fish on the head, but I think it was a good experience for my kids to be able to tie the food that lands on their plate with the actual process involved with harvesting a living creature.
After cleaning, the staff wrapped them inside an ice-filled bag and sent us on our way. Soon we had our catch roasting in a foil packet over a campfire before delving in.
Our visit to Trout Haven ended up costing around $35 with pole rental, length-based fish cost, and the cleaning fee. For this, my kids got to participate in a popular sport, gain a sense of accomplishment, learn fish anatomy, and help cook dinner. Considering we spent that much buying ice cream and fudge an hour earlier, I'd say it was a great value.
Written July 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for posting the comments about your experience at Trout Haven Fishing Pond. It is wonderful to hear the stories about the kids and how much they enjoy the experience. We often say that this pond creates lasting memories for the kids. It is often that we see a father or grandfather bringing in their kids and telling stories of their experiences at this pond when they were kids. Hope you had time to enjoy the "stump jump" which is a new feature we added this year for the kids (and adults) to enjoy. I have to say your kids are not "weird", they are legitimately curious which is a GREAT thing. This past winter we sponsored a "polar jump" raising money for the 3rd grade classes here in Estes to learn about the cycle of fish (even going to an environment prepared for the spawning). The kids loved it and this year they will see the results of the eggs they watched and cared for. Great experience. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Written August 24, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan W
Weatherford, TX21 contributions
Oct 2015
My husband and I stopped here for an afternoon. While others were successful, it took us a while to catch any fish. We ended our time with 5 decent sized fish after 4 hrs. Patience is key, but it was a fun relaxing afternoon. Staff was very helpful.
Written October 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny5123
Denver, CO153 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We went there a few years ago and it was great. The pond was fully stocked and the staff was extremely helpful. They went around to make sure everyone caught something. We caught 5 or 6. We went back a year or two ago. and it was totally different. There weren't as many fish and the staff just stayed in the shack. I think we did catch one fish. We decided to give it one more shot last weekend, and it's even worse. There were barely any fish in the pond, the staff is totally useless, and now they charge for pole rentals, obviously because nobody is catching fish any more. We were there for an hour and we only saw one person catch one. Don't waste your time, the place it total crap now. It's a shame because our kids loved it the first time we went.
Written August 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience at the Trout Pond. We are on a weekly delivery system for the fish stocking so there must have been another reason the fish were not biting. They are very sensitive to the weather and the water temperature which has sometimes contributed to the lack of biting. I don't know the circumstances on the day you visited us.
With regard the the management of the pond, I will certainly look into this. We are working on minimum staff this year as the employee situation here in Estes Park this year has been very difficult. We do attempt to organize our schedules to have people available to help with the catching and netting.
I do apologize that you had such a frustrating experience with us.
Thanks again for responding.
Gail Ellis
Written August 10, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vanessa H
Lago Vista, Texas30 contributions
Yes, that's what we did! Great place with great hospitality. The staff was very helpful and made sure we caught something before we left! We had a great experience and will be back!
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar47550582003
Denver, Colorado
How much do you charge to fish is it by hour by the number of fish or by inches ?? Thanks
Written January 13, 2020
They charge per inch. My grandsons caught 3 fish and it was $40-50. I made the employee tell me how much each fish cost as we went along. It adds up quickly.
Written January 13, 2020
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.