Big Thompson River

Say hello to October and the beloved fall fishing that everyone has been on their toes for. We have wonderful, low, clear water that provides us with some of the best sight fishing fall has to offer. 5x tippet has been necessary and sometimes 6x will have to pull through when the fish are being extra picky. As we get closer to cold weather and shorter days fish will start looking at smaller, natural bugs. Classic patterns such as Prince nymphs and Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20 has always and will always work. Baetis and smaller mayfly nymphs are a great way to grab attention and seal commitment in clear water. We will also begin to start fishing midges and emergers a lot more this time of year. At warmer times in the day you can catch the caddis hatches that will shortly taper off but in the mean time fishing hydropsyche caddis for the pupae and kryptonite caddis for case caddis are great options. We can also look for some Blue Wing Olives in the late mornings and throughout the afternoon as it cools down again. Rocky Mountain Mints in a 16-20 are a unique take on classic patterns used to move a lot of fish but bigger BWO's have also been our main hatches in the early mornings and on those cooler cloudier days. Remember: it's key to have nymphs, emergers, and adults when fishing a hatch. Imitating the correct stage of an insect's life cycle can be the difference between frustration and elation!

Fall offers some of the best streamer fishing all year! Don't be afraid to try some larger, flashier streamers in the higher water and deeper runs. Be ready with a couple of Thin Mints or Mini Peanut Envys for the fish looking for some meat. Both dead drifting and swinging these is a fast and effective way to cover the water. Trying something new on the water can often be a fun strategy to save the day when those fish are being stubborn!

Give the shop a ring if you have any questions!

Recommended Flies

Dries :: Irresistible Adams #18-22, Sparkle Flag BWO #16-20, Amy's Ant #14-18, Mole Fly PMD #16, PMX #12-16, Headlight Caddis #14-18, Ext. Body Bwo #16-20

Nymphs:: Black/Green Poison Tung #18-20, Rainbow Warrior's #18-20, Olive and Red Two Bit Hooker 's#16-18, Foam Wing RS2 #18-22, Sparkle Wing RS2 #18-22, Biot Midge Emerger #20-22, WD-40's #18-22, Gabriel's Trumpet #16-18, Guides Choice Hare's Ear #16-20, Pure Fire Midge Red #18-20

Streamers:: Thin Mint #8-12, North Platte Spiders, Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnow #8, Hot Head Leech #10, Black & Red Zonker #10

To Book your Guided Trip please contact the shop at (970)498-8968. Come Fly Fish Rocky Mountain National Park!

Below Drake:Very good fishing all the way to Loveland. Flow is 55 CFS, Use Chubby and Flashback Pheasant tail or Double Down.