The water levels on the Big Thompson have dropped back down to their normal flows for this time of year after being around 400cfs the last week or two. These higher flows we saw on the Big T have helped clear most of the ice out of the canyon. Midges and blue wing olives will still be the bugs of focus for the fish right now, and as the temps keep warming up we will soon see caddis as well. Rainbows will start spawning soon in shallow, riffle water so be sure to let them do their thing to ensure fish for the future. Let us know if you have any questions or looking for more info on fishing the Big Thompson!
Dries: Adams#18-24, Para Winger BWO #18-20, Rocky Mountain Mint #16-18, Tailing Midge #20, Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Erics Hi-Vis Midge #20-22, CDC Baetis Dun #20-22, Mole Fly Olive #20-22, Ext. Body Blue Winged Olive #18-22, Sprout Midge #20-22
Nymphs:: Copper John #18-22, Flashback Scud Olv. #14-16, Rs2 #18-22, Zebra Midge #20-24, Poison Tongue #18-20, Mercury Black Beauty #18-22, Soft egg Orange #12, Splitback Shady BWO#16-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-#18, Copper Rib RS2 #18-22, Flossy Worm #14-18, Pheasant Tail #18-22, Barr's Emerger BWO #18-22
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, Beldar Bugger #8, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10, Mini Peanut Envy, Cousin It Sculpin, Baby Swim Coach, Mini Peanut Envy #6.
The 2022 season on the Big Thompson was an absolute blast! Give us a call at (970) 498-8968 to book your guided trip.
The Big Thompson has continued to fish well throughout the winter, and we are now seeing some change in water levels. We have heard reports that there is some water being moved between some reservoirs, including Lake Estes, so the flows below the dam will be fluctuating and quite high for the next week or two. Look for fish to be holding in the slower pockets out of the current as the water is still very cold. Midge patterns and small BWOs are both still great options right now, and don't be afraid to try a leech or larger attractor as a lead fly when nymphing. Some flies to tie behind a larger lead fly include a Poison Tongue #18-20, Bling Midge #20-22, and Sparkle Wing rs2 #18-22 have been effective. With the higher than normal flows right now, be sure to have enough weight on your rig to get down in the current. Let us know if you have any questions or looking for more info on fishing the Big Thompson!
Dries: Adams#18-24, Para Winger BWO #18-20, Rocky Mountain Mint #16-18, Tailing Midge #20, Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Erics Hi-Vis Midge #20-22, CDC Baetis Dun #20-22, Mole Fly Olive #20-22, Ext. Body Blue Winged Olive #18-22, Sprout Midge #20-22
Nymphs:: Copper John #18-22, Flashback Scud Olv. #14-16, Rs2 #18-22, Zebra Midge #20-24, Poison Tongue #18-20, Mercury Black Beauty #18-22, Soft egg Orange #12, Splitback Shady BWO#16-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-#18, Copper Rib RS2 #18-22, Flossy Worm #14-18, Pheasant Tail #18-22, Barr's Emerger BWO #18-22
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, Beldar Bugger #8, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10, Mini Peanut Envy, Cousin It Sculpin, Baby Swim Coach, Mini Peanut Envy #6.
The 2022 season on the Big Thompson was an absolute blast! Give us a call at (970) 498-8968 to book your guided trip.