Big Thompson River

Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate

Winter is in full swing and flows are low (14 cfs) on the Big Thompson and as a result, your options are limited. While you can still find some open stretches below the tailwater section, your time will be better spent fishing the tailwater stretch below Lake Estes dam. There is less ice buildup and trout are relatively active. The morning hours have been slow due to freezing overnight/morning temps but as the day progresses, trout will become more active. During the 11 am 4 pm window, trout are stacked up and feeding in the soft pools, runs and pockets. These trout typically arent spooky or selective, but accounting for low flows and clear water, plan to work a little harder. Small (#22-24) midge larva and pupa patterns have been the most productive. Baetis and searcher patterns such as Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, JuJu Baetis, Blue Poison Tungs, Guides Choice Hares Ears, Frenchies and small stones are productive lead flies if trout arent responding to a double midge setup. Miracle Midges, Bling Midges, Black Beauties, Top Secrets and Chocolate Foam Back Emergers are our go-to midge patterns. Focus on getting your flies deep early in you drift and youll find a few trout willing to play.

Ideal Days to Fish: 1/13, 1/14 & 1/15

Suggested Flies:

Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Foam Back Emerger (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#20-22), Blue Poison Tung (#20-22), Mercury Midge (#22-24), Black Beauty (#22-26), Zebra Midge (#20-24), Blood Midge (#20-22), Miracle Midge (#22-24), Bling Midge (#22-24), Disco Midge (#20-22), Guides Choice Hares Ear (#16-18), red Copper John (#18-20), Rainbow Warrior (#18-20), Pat's Rubber Legs, pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.

Surface: Parachute Adams (#24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)