Big Thompson River Report

Big Thompson River Report

7-23-2024

Flows and fishing pressure have remained constant on the Big T. Water is getting hot, and are at near lethal levels by 11AM as of recent. Do a early start to protect our shared resource, and carry a thermometer. 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

5/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 70's

- Wind Conditions: Breezy at times

- Precipitation: 60% chance of PM showers/storms

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Lower to mid 60's

- Flow Level: 120 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.