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Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

1-21-2026

Flowsa re still in the usual low winter mode, which means light tippet, and small flies. Also focus on getting a good drift, and approach holes and pools from behind if possible. Right now there is open water in the meadows, and lower canyon, with the middle canyon being mostly capped. However, with some cold air moving in over the end of the work week, expect much more ice coverage all around. Observed hatches are Midges.
Please note that we will now be updating the River Reports once a week, typically on Wednesday until warmer weather returns.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, Tail Water Midge, Hi Viz Quill Midge, Hanging Midge, Peacock Cluster, Griffith's Gnat, Micro Chubby, Mole Fly, and a Dry Humper.

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For sub-surface, use a Juju Baetis, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Fire Bead Sow Bug, AR's Spanish Bullet, Thin Mint, Blue Poison Tung, Lil Bit, Tung Stud, Tail Water Tiny, Chocolate Emerger, and a Bling Midge.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Mid 30's

- Wind Conditions: Breezy

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Upper 30's

- Flow Level: 14.1 CFS

- Water Clarity: Near crystal 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.