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Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

6-5-2026

Flows are still pretty level, as are water temps. Fish are still spread out, so it's not a bad idea to move around a bit. All up and down the canyon has been excellent, though flows are considerably higher below the confluence with the North Fork. Dries, nymphs, and streamers have all been great, so while we are starting off with dry droppers, it's not a issue to start out with your favorite technique. Observed hatches are Midges, and BWO's with some Caddis, and PMDs.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, AR's Adult PMD, Hi Viz Quill Midge, No See Um Hi Viz BWO, Peacock Cluster, Griffith's Gnat, AR's BWO Adult and Emerger, Fin Fetcher Caddis, Superman Caddis, and a Hot Mess Midge.

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For sub-surface, use a Juju Baetis, RS-2, Puparazi, Zebra Midge, Tailwater Sow Bug, AR's Spanish Bullet, America Nymph, Crust Nymph, Lil Bit, Tung Stud, Angel Case Emerger, Juggarate Chocolate Baetis, and a Hogan S&M Nymph.

Guide Rating

5/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 70's

- Wind Conditions: Light breeze

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Lower 50's

- Flow Level: 124 CFS

- Water Clarity: Light stain

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.