Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

5-5-2024

So long as the rain is not a complete washout, expect some excellent BWO weather. If we do get a washout rain storm, expect areas of the canyon to get muddy, and your best bet for clear water will be the meadows. With the flows, fish are starting to spread out, so don't ignore fishy looking pocket water and such. Observed hatches are primarily Midges, BWO's, Winter Stones, and Caddis.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, AR's BWO, Griffith's Gnat, Hi Viz Quill Midge, Hanging Midge, Mole Fly, AR's BWO Emerger, Hippy Stomper, Miller's Caddis, and a Superman Caddis.

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For sub-surface, use a Juju Baetis, RS-2, Zebra Midge, UV Yum Yum, Perdichingon, AR's Spanish Bullet, Crust Nymph, Prairie Doggin' Pupa, Broff's A-Worm, Rock Grinder, Chewing Gum Caddis, Chocolate Emerger, Aero Baetis, and a Boroff's Homie.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Mid 50's

- Wind Conditions: Breezy

- Precipitation: 80% chance of showers

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Mid 40's

- Flow Level: 124 CFS

- Water Clarity: Slight 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.