Big Thompson River
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Juju Baetis
- Leech
- Ant
- Poison Tung
- Copper John
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Rainbow Warrior
- San Juan Worm
- Baetis Nymph
- RS-2
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Oct 21
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Due to the fires in Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service temporarily closed the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to all recreation. The Big Thompson River below Lake Estes runs through Roosevelt National Forest and falls under this closure. Until the closure is lifted, fishing this stretch of the Big T is not allowed. We will resume our weekly reports and daily forecasts once the national forest reopens.
Ideal Days to Fish: N/A
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)
Due to the fires in Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service temporarily closed the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to all recreation. The Big Thompson River below Lake Estes runs through Roosevelt National Forest and falls under this closure. Until the closure is lifted, fishing this stretch of the Big T is not allowed. We will resume our weekly reports and daily forecasts once the national forest reopens.
Ideal Days to Fish: N/A
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)
Oct 21
St. Peter's Fly Shop
*Update: 10/21/2020, 10 AM*- Highway 34 is closed to recreation past Loveland with the recent fire activity*
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there is recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. Start to think about making a trip to see some new fish and water. Getting out of our comfort zones is a good reality check for our fishing skills. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there is recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. Start to think about making a trip to see some new fish and water. Getting out of our comfort zones is a good reality check for our fishing skills. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Oct 21
St. Peter's Fly Shop
*Update: 10/21/2020, 10 AM*- Highway 34 is closed to recreation past Loveland with the recent fire activity*
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there is recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. Start to think about making a trip to see some new fish and water. Getting out of our comfort zones is a good reality check for our fishing skills. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there is recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. Start to think about making a trip to see some new fish and water. Getting out of our comfort zones is a good reality check for our fishing skills. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Oct 17
St. Peter's Fly Shop
*Update: 10/17/2020, 10 AM*- Highway 34 is closed to recreation past Loveland with the recent fire activity*
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there may be some recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there may be some recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Oct 15
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Over the last few weeks, Big Thompson flows below Lake Estes have fluctuated between 140 and 65 cfs. This is a healthy range for this time of year and fishing has been productive as a result. Currently sitting at 77 cfs, the water is gin clear, so practice stealthy fishing. Trout are holding in shallower water during the morning as they feed on midges but once the water warms up in the afternoon, trout will retreat to deeper runs, pools, riffles and pockets. Were still seeing good surface activity during the morning and early afternoon, so come prepared to fish Griffiths Gnats and Parachute Adams. Target the banks, slack water and outer seams with these patterns and dont hesitate to trail baetis emergers or midge larva/pupa. Black RS2s, Black Beauties and Chocolate Foam Back Emergers are great options for a dry dropper setup. During the middle of the day, most of the action will be sub-surface. Either add a second nymph to your dry dropper or rig up a light nymph rig. Rainbow Warriors, red Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and Frenchies are great point flies. For your trailer, keep it simple with midges in the morning and baetis emergers in the afternoon. An alternative option to dry droppers and nymph rigs is streamers. Streamers are becoming increasingly more productive as we move deeper into fall. During the morning and evening, strip Woolly Buggers and Sparkle Minnows through deep pools/runs and pockets.
Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)
Over the last few weeks, Big Thompson flows below Lake Estes have fluctuated between 140 and 65 cfs. This is a healthy range for this time of year and fishing has been productive as a result. Currently sitting at 77 cfs, the water is gin clear, so practice stealthy fishing. Trout are holding in shallower water during the morning as they feed on midges but once the water warms up in the afternoon, trout will retreat to deeper runs, pools, riffles and pockets. Were still seeing good surface activity during the morning and early afternoon, so come prepared to fish Griffiths Gnats and Parachute Adams. Target the banks, slack water and outer seams with these patterns and dont hesitate to trail baetis emergers or midge larva/pupa. Black RS2s, Black Beauties and Chocolate Foam Back Emergers are great options for a dry dropper setup. During the middle of the day, most of the action will be sub-surface. Either add a second nymph to your dry dropper or rig up a light nymph rig. Rainbow Warriors, red Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and Frenchies are great point flies. For your trailer, keep it simple with midges in the morning and baetis emergers in the afternoon. An alternative option to dry droppers and nymph rigs is streamers. Streamers are becoming increasingly more productive as we move deeper into fall. During the morning and evening, strip Woolly Buggers and Sparkle Minnows through deep pools/runs and pockets.
Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)
Oct 15
St. Peter's Fly Shop
As we approach the middle of October start thinking about how you are going to cover some water with the new season among us. This last week temperatures really took a plunge and now we are able to see our breathe in the mornings. Pack a jacket, some gloves, wear good socks and be ready to delayer as the day grows older. Due to high fire activity there may be some recreational restrictions in The Big Thompson Canyon but we will do our best to keep updates accurate and current. As for the fishing, the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky, small terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Baby Boy Hopper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Oct 08
St. Peter's Fly Shop
Colors are really starting to change here in Northern Colorado and any day now we'll see leaves falling as Autumn slowly settles in. Despite it being smoky out here, fishing is still one of the best ways to away from the real world and find some peace and quiet by yourself. The fishing has been stellar here in the Big Thompson and a lot of it stems from the fact that Lake Estes has been consistently releasing water just enough to create a very stable environment for the fish. Air temperatures will be in the lower 80's for the next couple of days but we are about ready for a cool down now that we have reached the second weekend of October. As cooler air temperatures move in so will cooler water temperatures. With this being said we will also be seeing fish munching on smaller insects. Recently the Baetis Hatches have been great not just in the mornings but often times it carries into the afternoon as well. For this hatch having some Ext. Body BWO's in the size range of 18-22 will be extremely important. Fishing one fly will get you some fish but if you follow the BWO Dun with a mayfly emerger like the Split Foam Back or Juju Emerger about 2 feet apart you are bound to rack up a couple more catches. Smaller dry flies and nymphs will be the name of the game in the morning but as soon as the sun starts to get higher in the sky terrestrials will start to move around a little more. That's a great time to think about putting on a Para Ant, Hippie Stomper, Gulp Beetle, or our trusty #16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl. We have still been catching fish eager to see a hopper or beetle but the sun also exposes fish so in the afternoon think about targeting some deeper slower water where you will find fish eating safely without exposure. This type of water will be best suited for either a streamer or a double nymph rig. Nymph an Anotomical BWO closest to the bottom with a UV midge floating in the middle of the water column. Something similar to the bugs mentioned above will also catch fish. Just be sure you are matching the hatch to a similar size and shape of the flies in your box. This is also a great time to start stripping around larger flies like bait fish and leech patterns. These offerings give a large amount of protein to bigger fish just before winter arrives which will help them endure the cold season ahead. Patterns like Mini-Peanut Envy's, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendors, and Mini Dungeon's will be on our rigs. Even taking a Leech Pattern and putting that below an indicator and letting it dead drift will catch you some fish. Either way be prepared with some more natural looking insects and streamers in your box. Attractor patterns will always work great but we are getting into the time of the year where fishing the Big Thompson can be a bit technical. This means we will be using smaller tippets, longer leaders, smaller bugs, and fish can be pretty picky. We want you to be able to piece the puzzle together and we would love to help. Give us a ring at the shop if we can offer any tips and tricks on fishing during the fall saeason.
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Purple PMX #14-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18-22, Elk Caddis #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #18, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Gulp Beetle #14, Para-Ant #16, Hi-Vis Ant #16
Nymphs:: Blue Poison Tung #18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red, Chartreuse, Copper Copper John #14-18, San Juan Worm #10-14, The Ticket #14-16, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Two Bit Hooker Olive #18-20
Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black Wooly Bugger #10
To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!
Oct 07
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Flows below Lake Estes doubled since last week and currently sit at 135 cfs. With increased flows, there are more bugs churning in the water and trout are able to spread out more. While those are both positive impacts, anglers may experience hit or miss fishing until flows stabilize. When flows increase, trout generally take a few days to adjust to their new habitat, which can make it difficult for anglers to dial it in. Assuming flows stabilize, fishing this weekend should be highly productive. Flashy searcher patterns, San Juan Worms, eggs and Mini Leeches are productive point flies at the moment. Below one of those patterns, trail a Black Beauty, Mercury Midge, Chocolate Foam Back Emerger, olive/grey RS2 or JuJu Baetis. Midge patterns are particularly effective during the morning and late afternoon. From 12 pm 3 pm, trout will key in on baetis offerings. Aside from nymphing, dry flies and streamers are viable options as well. Griffiths Gnats, Parachute Adams, Amys Ants, stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis will tempt trout feeding on the surface. If youre fishing a caddis, Amys Ant or stimulator, dont hesitate to trail it with one of the sub-surface patterns mentioned above. If youre jonesin to chuck streamers, target the morning and evening hours. Swing your streamer into a deep pool, run or eddy and strip it upstream.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)
Flows below Lake Estes doubled since last week and currently sit at 135 cfs. With increased flows, there are more bugs churning in the water and trout are able to spread out more. While those are both positive impacts, anglers may experience hit or miss fishing until flows stabilize. When flows increase, trout generally take a few days to adjust to their new habitat, which can make it difficult for anglers to dial it in. Assuming flows stabilize, fishing this weekend should be highly productive. Flashy searcher patterns, San Juan Worms, eggs and Mini Leeches are productive point flies at the moment. Below one of those patterns, trail a Black Beauty, Mercury Midge, Chocolate Foam Back Emerger, olive/grey RS2 or JuJu Baetis. Midge patterns are particularly effective during the morning and late afternoon. From 12 pm 3 pm, trout will key in on baetis offerings. Aside from nymphing, dry flies and streamers are viable options as well. Griffiths Gnats, Parachute Adams, Amys Ants, stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis will tempt trout feeding on the surface. If youre fishing a caddis, Amys Ant or stimulator, dont hesitate to trail it with one of the sub-surface patterns mentioned above. If youre jonesin to chuck streamers, target the morning and evening hours. Swing your streamer into a deep pool, run or eddy and strip it upstream.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#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), 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 (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#14)