Big Thompson River Report

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Big Thompson River Report

9-22-2024

Flows dropped, but are trending upward, which is good news. Flows will likely boost if the forecast is accurate, which will only improve the already great fishing. Dry droppers have been the most succesful, but single dries, nymphs, and streamers on the smaller side have all been great as well. Observed hatches are Midges, PMD's, and Caddis. With very small Caddis being the most prevelant.

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For dries, use a Chubby Chernobyl, AR's PMD Adult, Roza's Caddis, Hi Viz Quill Midge, Hanging Midge, Rosa's Red Butt Caddis, NTN PMD, Micro Chubby, 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, Thin Mint, Prairie Doggin' Pupa, Jigged Leech, Tung Wonder Nymph in PMD, America Nymph, Baltz's Tung Caddis, Aero Baetis, and a Boroff's Homie.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 60's

- Wind Conditions: Light breeze

- Precipitation: 80% chance of PM storms

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Upper 50's

- Flow Level: 44.10 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.