Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

3-10-2024

Flows dropped by 4 CFS over the weekend, but the fish have adjusted and are feeding. Ice conditions vary, with a good portion of the canyon open, but areas will have ice shelves. Some areas are completely open as well. Just look for the sunniest areas you can find for active fish. Fish will still be in the deepest water available, and a dry dropper remains a excellent choice to avoid spooking fish. Observed hatches are primarily Midges.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, Peacock Cluster, Griffith's Gnat, Hi Viz Quill Midge, Hanging Midge, Mole Fly, AR's BWO, and a Slick Midge.

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For sub-surface, use a Black Beauty Emerger, Zebra Midge, Sow Bug, Perdichingon, AR's Spanish Bullet, Egg Tasty, Tag Perdigon, Top Secret Midge, Bling Midge, Chocolate Emerger, Aero Baetis, and a Boroff's Homie.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Mid 50's

- Wind Conditions: Breezy

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Mid 30's

- Flow Level: 12.80 CFS

- Water Clarity: Clear

About Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Starting as a mere trickle on the east side of the Continental Divide, inside Rocky Mountain National Park, the Big Thompson flows from Forest Canyon Pass near the top of Trail Ridge Road through Forest Canyon. As small drainages offer additional snowmelt, the Big Thompson picks up volume, turning into one of Colorado’s finest streams.

The Big Thompson becomes fishable at Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, about six miles downstream of its headwaters. It’s there at Moraine Park, where the river splits into numerous braids and channels, that fisherman encounter the river’s first public access. Trails leading up and down the river from that point will lead you to great flyfishing experiences.

Moraine is a wide-open area, but the Big Thompson’s banks are lined with willows. It’s typical small stream conditions, and the river is filled with, you guessed it, brook, brown, and cutthroat trout in the 6- to 12-inch range. They’ll readily take a variety of general attractor flies.