Fly Fishing Estes Park|Fly Fishing The Big Thompson River
The Big Thompson River is a Classic Colorado Canyon Fly Fishing Experience.
Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River near Estes Park, Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park is the headwaters of the Big Thompson River. The Thompson just below the mountain town of Estes Park is classic canyon trout water. Highway 34 parallels most of the Big Thompson River from Loveland to Estes Park, which makes for easy access. From the bridge at Waltonia to Olympus Dam the Thompson is designated catch and release. You will find rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in the river. Fish average 8-14 inches.
Big Thompson River Hatches:
-Feb to April: Midges
-April to May: Blue Winged Olives
-May-July: Caddis, Stoneflies
-July-August: Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes
-August-November: Blue Winged Olives
Big Thompson River Equipment:
-Fly Rod: 3-5 weight 8.6 to 9 foot
-Reel: Disc or mechanical
-Line: Floating
-Leader: 9ft 4x or 5x
-Tippet: 5x or 6x
-Wading: A wading staff on the Big Thompson is great idea.
Best Months to Fish the Big Thompson
-Feb to Nov: Most of the river will ice up in December and January.
Nearby Fishing Opportunities.
-Fly Fishing Estes Park: Rocky Mountain National Park
-Fly Fishing Fort Collins: Cache La Poudre River
*Information on a Colorado Fishing License