Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

8-22-2024

Flows have boosted by over 10 CFS over the weekend thanks to the rain, and the water has generally been cooler longer. This has been great for both anglers and fish, and the fishig has improved as a result. Dry dropper rigs are the way to go until you notice a hatch and rising fish occuring. It's been a good 50-50 mix on dries and nymphs. Observed hatches are Drakes, Midges, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis, with crane flies in the lower canyon.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, AR's PMD Adult, March Brown, Hi Viz Quill Midge, Hanging Midge, CDC Green Drake, NTN PMD, Dry Humper, Headlight Sally, and a Superman Caddis.

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For sub-surface, use a Juju Baetis, RS-2, Zebra Midge, UV Yum Yum, MO River Killer, AR's Spanish Bullet, Arizona Nymph, Prairie Doggin' Pupa, My Gal Sal, Tung Wonder Nymph in PMD, America Nymph, Baltz's Tung Caddis, Aero Baetis, and a Boroff's Homie.

Guide Rating

3/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Lower 60's

- Wind Conditions: Light breeze

- Precipitation: 80% Chance of PM storms

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Mid 60's to lower 70's

- Flow Level: 69.20 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.