Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

9-24-2024

Flows got a good bosst from the rain, but expect them to be lowered with the return of warmer weather later this week. So far with the rain and cooler overnight temps, water temps havebeen pretty good. That being said, lower in the canyon it is still a good idea to carry a thermometer. Fish will eat a variety of presentations, with some excellent BWO action in the AM. Browns are also starting to chase streamers more, so add a few of those during the midday lull can lead to a few extra fish in the net. Observed hatches are Midges, BWO's, PMD's, and still a few small caddis.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, MCPH Caddis, Film Critic, Para Extended PMD, Griffith's Gnat, AR's BWO, Daniel's Humpy, Mole Fly, Purple Para Wulff and a Chubby Chernobyl.

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For sub-surface, use a Tung Wonder Nymph, Zebra Midge, Sow Bug, Epoxy Back PMD, Boroff's 2TM, Pandemic May in BWO, Walt's Worm, Aero Baetis, RS-2, Sparring Partner, Chocolate Emerger, Thin Mint, and a Jig Buckskin.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 60's

- Wind Conditions: Light breeze

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Low 60's

- Flow Level: 49.7 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.