Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

3-25-2024

Flows are up and down, seems to be depending on weather. Flows are about 4 CFS better than the weekend, but still a bit low. Fishing has been pretty good, and recently the smaller the better. 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, but BWO nymphs are starting to become more active.

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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 Emerger, Hippy Stomper, and a Slick Midge.

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For sub-surface, use a Juju Baetis, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Sow Bug, Perdichingon, AR's Spanish Bullet, Crust Nymph, Egg Tasty, Tag Perdigon, Barr's Emerger, Bling Midge, Chocolate Emerger, Aero Baetis, and a Boroff's Homie.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 50's

- Wind Conditions: Breezy

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Upper 30's

- Flow Level: 15.40 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.