Big Thompson River
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Juju Baetis
- San Juan Worm
- Baetis Nymph
- Zebra Midge
- Leech
- WD-40
- RS-2
- Copper John
- Rainbow Warrior
- Black Beauty
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
May 29
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Over the last few days, Big Thompson flows below Lake Estes increased by roughly 300 cfs. Currently sitting in the mid 500 cfs range, water color is stained but clarity is still in tack. The biggest change is the trout holding positions. At this level, trout have been pushed towards the banks or behind structure. Focusing on the soft water with a heavy nymph rig is the best tactic right now. If youre not seeing any action or snagging the bottom every few casts, add more weight. Lead your nymph rig with a large pattern such as a Pats Rubber Legs, San Juan Worm, leech or caddis larva. For your trailer, go with something flashy. Good options are Blue Poison Tungs, Rainbow Warriors, Psycho Prince Nymphs, Flashback Pheasant Tails and red Copper Johns. Fishing is definitely a bit harder right now, but if you get your flies down quickly in soft water and get the trouts attention, youll have a good day.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Over the last few days, Big Thompson flows below Lake Estes increased by roughly 300 cfs. Currently sitting in the mid 500 cfs range, water color is stained but clarity is still in tack. The biggest change is the trout holding positions. At this level, trout have been pushed towards the banks or behind structure. Focusing on the soft water with a heavy nymph rig is the best tactic right now. If youre not seeing any action or snagging the bottom every few casts, add more weight. Lead your nymph rig with a large pattern such as a Pats Rubber Legs, San Juan Worm, leech or caddis larva. For your trailer, go with something flashy. Good options are Blue Poison Tungs, Rainbow Warriors, Psycho Prince Nymphs, Flashback Pheasant Tails and red Copper Johns. Fishing is definitely a bit harder right now, but if you get your flies down quickly in soft water and get the trouts attention, youll have a good day.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
May 28
St. Peter's Fly Shop
The Big T above lake Estes jumped up big yesterday and the river below the lake has seen a rise in flows as well. Expect off-color water and most of the fish being pushed to the edges. The Big T is still fishing best below Lake Estes and down through the canyon. Up high in the canyon below Lake Estes, the flows have stabilized with decent clarity. At Drake and below, about 50cfs of water is coming in from the North Fork of the Big Thompson and is adding color as well. However, the river is fishing well through the whole canyon stretch. Just be ready to change flies and tactics according to where you are fishing. Below Drake, nymphing and streamers will be the name of the game. We have officially transitioned into spring weather and flows, so a variety of tactics will be key. Rocky Mountain National Park is now in a phased re-opening which will allow for access to the upper Big T by Moraine Park. Most of the good fishing is still between Drake and the dam. We are seeing the start of Caddis and a few stoneflies. If fish aren't taking bugs off of the surface stick to a nymph rig or a dry/dropper rig fished right along the bank. Always remember to fish the bank first before stepping into a run...with higher flows, fish push tight against the bank looking for slower water. Leaders in the 7.5 foot range and 3x-4x tippet will be the ticket.
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
May 26
St. Peter's Fly Shop
The Big T above lake Estes is quite a bit lower, but the river below the lake has seen a rise in flows. The Big T is still fishing best below Lake Estes and down through the canyon. Up high in the canyon below Lake Estes, the flows have stabilized with decent clarity. At Drake and below, about 50cfs of water is coming in from the North Fork of the Big Thompson and is adding color as well. However, the river is fishing well through the whole canyon stretch. Just be ready to change flies and tactics according to where you are fishing. Below Drake, nymphing and streamers will be the name of the game. We have officially transitioned into spring weather and flows, so a variety of tactics will be key. Rocky Mountain National Park is currently closed to all visitors to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but you can still access the stretch below the dam at Lake Estes and the canyon. Most of the good fishing is still between Drake and the dam. We are seeing some BWO activity as well as the start of Caddis and a few stoneflies. If fish aren't taking bugs off of the surface stick to a nymph rig or a dry/dropper rig fished right along the bank. Always remember to fish the bank first before stepping into a run...with higher flows, fish push tight against the bank looking for slower water. Leaders in the 7.5 foot range and 4x-5x tippet will be the ticket.
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
May 24
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Big Thompson flows spiked over the weekend, increasing by roughly 100 cfs. Currently sitting at 220 cfs, trout have migrated into the soft water along the banks. Dry droppers and nymph rigs are the most productive methods when targeting the outer part of the river. Elk Hair Caddis and Amys Ants are great dry fly options for a dry dropper. Below one of those patterns, trail a nymph with some flash. Frenchies, Blue Poison Tungs, Rainbow Warriors and red Copper Johns are all solid options. If you dont have a flashy nymph, black, white, red and purple patterns will also work as they contrast the off-color water. If you notice that your dropper isnt getting down quickly, dont hesitate to throw on a small split shot.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Big Thompson flows spiked over the weekend, increasing by roughly 100 cfs. Currently sitting at 220 cfs, trout have migrated into the soft water along the banks. Dry droppers and nymph rigs are the most productive methods when targeting the outer part of the river. Elk Hair Caddis and Amys Ants are great dry fly options for a dry dropper. Below one of those patterns, trail a nymph with some flash. Frenchies, Blue Poison Tungs, Rainbow Warriors and red Copper Johns are all solid options. If you dont have a flashy nymph, black, white, red and purple patterns will also work as they contrast the off-color water. If you notice that your dropper isnt getting down quickly, dont hesitate to throw on a small split shot.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
May 19
St. Peter's Fly Shop
Huge bump in flows on the Big T above Lake Estes. The Big T is fishing best below Lake Estes and down through the canyon. Up high in the canyon below Lake Estes, the flows have stabilized with decent clarity. At Drake and below, about 50cfs of water is coming in from the North Fork of the Big Thompson and is adding color as well. However, the river is fishing well through the whole canyon stretch. Just be ready to change flies and tactics according to where you are fishing. Below Drake, nymphing and streamers will be the name of the game. We have officially transitioned into spring weather and flows, so a variety of tactics will be key. Rocky Mountain National Park is currently closed to all visitors to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but you can still access the stretch below the dam at Lake Estes and the canyon. Most of the good fishing is still between Drake and the dam. We are seeing some BWO activity as well as the start of Caddis and a few stoneflies. If fish aren't taking bugs off of the surface stick to a nymph rig or a dry/dropper rig fished right along the bank. Always remember to fish the bank first before stepping into a run...with higher flows, fish push tight against the bank looking for slower water. Leaders in the 7.5 foot range and 4x-5x tippet will be the ticket.
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
Above Lake Estes, the flows will continue to increase as Spring weather is heats up. At this point, fishing through the town of Estes Park will be tricky due to high flows.
Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!
Recommended Flies
Dries :: Yellow and Orange Stimulator #12-16, Tan or Gold Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, PMX #14-16, Film Critic BWO #18, Elk Caddis #14-16, Headlight Caddis #14-16
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
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!
May 17
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
On Friday, flows increased on the Big Thompson from 100 cfs to 125 cfs. The water is stained but with several feet of visibility, sight fishing is still possible. We fished between Drake and Lake Estes Dam last weekend and found most trout on a dry dropper setup within 2 ft of the bank. While trout were looking up, all takes were on the dropper. Frenchies, Blue Poison Tungs and Rainbow Warriors were the MVPs. We found a few trout feeding in the deeper runs as well. When fishing the deeper and faster moving water, a heavy nymph rig is the way to go. Lead with something flashy to get their attention and trail a baetis emerger. Grey Sparkle Wing RS2s, Darth Baetis and Barrs Emergers are all productive options. We saw some BWOs flying around between noon and 2 pm but there wasnt much surface activity.
Ideal Days to Fish: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
On Friday, flows increased on the Big Thompson from 100 cfs to 125 cfs. The water is stained but with several feet of visibility, sight fishing is still possible. We fished between Drake and Lake Estes Dam last weekend and found most trout on a dry dropper setup within 2 ft of the bank. While trout were looking up, all takes were on the dropper. Frenchies, Blue Poison Tungs and Rainbow Warriors were the MVPs. We found a few trout feeding in the deeper runs as well. When fishing the deeper and faster moving water, a heavy nymph rig is the way to go. Lead with something flashy to get their attention and trail a baetis emerger. Grey Sparkle Wing RS2s, Darth Baetis and Barrs Emergers are all productive options. We saw some BWOs flying around between noon and 2 pm but there wasnt much surface activity.
Ideal Days to Fish: Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
May 10
FlyCast River Forecast
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Big Thompson flows held steady last week and clarity is favorable for this time of year. With decent water clarity, sight fishing has been productive. During the morning, trout will hold deep and feed on various midge, baetis, caddis and attractor patterns. Some of our favorites right now are Black Beauties, Sparkle Wing RS2s, Electric Caddis, Rainbow Warriors and red Copper Johns. In the afternoon, trout are looking up. If you dont see aggressive surface activity, fish a dry dropper. Elk Hair Caddis and Amys Ants are both productive dry fly options for dry dropper setups. If you find yourself in a Midge or BWO hatch, throw on a single (#22) Griffiths Gnat, Parachute Adams or Sparkle Dun.
Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Big Thompson flows held steady last week and clarity is favorable for this time of year. With decent water clarity, sight fishing has been productive. During the morning, trout will hold deep and feed on various midge, baetis, caddis and attractor patterns. Some of our favorites right now are Black Beauties, Sparkle Wing RS2s, Electric Caddis, Rainbow Warriors and red Copper Johns. In the afternoon, trout are looking up. If you dont see aggressive surface activity, fish a dry dropper. Elk Hair Caddis and Amys Ants are both productive dry fly options for dry dropper setups. If you find yourself in a Midge or BWO hatch, throw on a single (#22) Griffiths Gnat, Parachute Adams or Sparkle Dun.
Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20-22), Barr's Emerger (#20-22), Chocolate Thunder (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Mercury Pheasant Tail (#20-22), WD 40 (#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), pink/green scud, leech pattern and San Juan Worm.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)