Big Thompson River
Recent Guide Reports
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Parachute Adams
- Hopper
- RS-2
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Woolly Bugger
- BWO
- Parachute BWO
- Pheasant Tail
- Chubby Chernoble
- Copper John
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Jul 12
Estes Angler
Big Thompson - Canyon
Big Thompson Canyon
Updated 7/13/26 The flows into Lake Estes are currently 89 cfs. Flows out of Lake Estes are running at 95 cfs. Steady flows out of Olympus dam, Fishing continues to be very good from the tail water down through the Big Thompson canyon. Stonefly Nymphing patterns try Patts rubberleg, Copper Johns, Golden Stones, Prince nymphs, perdigons like the Spanish Bullet have been working very well down into the canyon. Hopper dropper pattern are also working very well with the hot days bug activity is increasing. Try Chubby Chernobyls Hippie Stompers, Yeager 409 type patterns to Mayfly nymphs, pheasant tails, Hares ears, CDC Pheasant tails. As always try Sparkle wing and foam head RS2. Below the dam there has been mid morning and early evening hatches coming off. Try Sparkle Dun and small Elk hair caddis patterns. Other dry flies include BWOs, Mole flies, Yellow Sallies, PMD,Parachute Adams, Adams, Elk hair caddis. Parachute Adams in size 26 behind a bigger dry fly seemed to work on short, high sticked drifts behind rocks and slower seams in the tailwater. Deep and slower moving waters down in the canyon try wooly bugger and streamer patterns in Blk, Olive and Thin Mints can also produce nice trout.
Big Thompson Canyon
Updated 7/13/26 The flows into Lake Estes are currently 89 cfs. Flows out of Lake Estes are running at 95 cfs. Steady flows out of Olympus dam, Fishing continues to be very good from the tail water down through the Big Thompson canyon. Stonefly Nymphing patterns try Patts rubberleg, Copper Johns, Golden Stones, Prince nymphs, perdigons like the Spanish Bullet have been working very well down into the canyon. Hopper dropper pattern are also working very well with the hot days bug activity is increasing. Try Chubby Chernobyls Hippie Stompers, Yeager 409 type patterns to Mayfly nymphs, pheasant tails, Hares ears, CDC Pheasant tails. As always try Sparkle wing and foam head RS2. Below the dam there has been mid morning and early evening hatches coming off. Try Sparkle Dun and small Elk hair caddis patterns. Other dry flies include BWOs, Mole flies, Yellow Sallies, PMD,Parachute Adams, Adams, Elk hair caddis. Parachute Adams in size 26 behind a bigger dry fly seemed to work on short, high sticked drifts behind rocks and slower seams in the tailwater. Deep and slower moving waters down in the canyon try wooly bugger and streamer patterns in Blk, Olive and Thin Mints can also produce nice trout.