Fly fishing the Big Thompson River is one of the best summertime sports along the northern Front Range of Colorado. The Big Thompson River is one of the most famous rivers along the Front Range because vacationers must travel up highway 34 along it on their way to Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Big Thompson has its headwaters in the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. It was named for David Thompson, an English engineer and astronomer who explored and mapped the Big Thompson and surrounding areas in the 1800's. The river itself consists of a number of drainages that come together to form the river proper before it begins its awe inspiring tumble down the canyon towards Loveland and the eastern plains. The river flow is aided by water brought through the Alva B. Adams Tunnel from the Shadow Mountain Reservoir across the Continental Divide on the Western Slope.
Fly Fishing the Upper Big Thompson River
Fishermen divide the Big Thompson into two large sections, the Upper Big Thompson River and the Lower Big Thompson. The upper section of the river is that portion which flows through the National Park to the dam at Lake Estes. This stretch of the river comes straight from the headwaters and tributaries and is freestone. The upper portions are too fast moving to fish, but by the time it reaches Moraine Park, it begins to slow down and wind through the wide, open meadow found there. Access to this area is found at the Bear Lake Road bridge as you travel over Big Thompson River.
You'll find plenty of water variety for fishing in the river here. There's riffles, runs, pools, undercut banks, and backwaters, all of which the trout love. The big undercuts hold special a fascination for these fish. Since this is a meadow, there's grasses and an occasional alder, but there's little cover for you along the banks. You'll have more luck catching those trout by keeping a low profile. I've found the best luck from the bridge at Bear Lake Road upstream to the footbridge at the Cub Lake Trail.
The whole Moraine area is great habitat for trout, Browns and brookies seem to do best here, probably because the water gets so much exposure to the sun, yet remains cold because of the 8,000 foot elevation. Rainbows and greenbacks are also found in the upper Big Thompson, but aren't as plentiful. Fish tend to obtain a maximum of 14-15 inches in here but once in a while you'll hook the "Big One".
Fly hatches occur throughout the 4-5 month ice-free season. Early on and late in the season you'll find midges and Baetis. Caddis seems to be the mainstay for trout in the area. All caddisfly life phase imitations are vital to your fishing success in the Moraine. When all other imitations fail, try a caddis larva fished deep. Brown or black leech patterns often produce when nothing else will, Little brown stonefly imitations also work well in mid-summer.
Fly Fishing the Lower Big Thompson River
The Lower Big Thompson begins below the dam on Lake Estes and the river begins its plunge down the rocky Big Thompson Canyon. Most of the canyon is National Forest land but this is mixed with pockets of private property all along its length. During peak snowmelt and runoff (late May through mid June) the water below the dam can be very dirty and the flows quite high, making fishing difficult. But, during the middle of summer, the stream can easily be waded, The rocks can be slippery though, so felt or studs should be used.
The Big Thompson River offers excellent fishing from the Lake Estes dam downstream past the town of Drake. Past Drake, the waters get warmer and although you will find fish, it's just not as good for fishing. Downstream of the Waltonia bridge on through the town of Drake you will find no special regulations in effect. Much of the river is steep and full of plunge pools, pockets, and narrow runs. Just perfect conditions for a fun afternoon of fly fishing.
The lower river has lots of large rocks, deep runs, and plenty of pools. Food is more readily available in this section of river and it is home to some truly large rainbow and brown trout. Golden stoneflies and little brown stoneflies are a significant part of Big Thompson's trout food and thus make the best imitations for hooking that big trout.
In the afternoon Green Drake and Red Quill hatches will give you another clue to which fly to use. Caddis hatches in the evening provide the clues to the fishing opportunities at this time of day. Anglers will find the five-mile stretch of the river between the Estes Gun Range bridge downstream to the Waltonia bridge is restricted to artificial fly or lures and is designated catch-and-release fishing only.
This section of the Big Thompson River can be fished year round. Whenever you next visit Estes Park, bring your fly rod and take some extra time to feel the thrill and excitement that this river has to offer anglers. It's a fisherman's paradise in Colorado.
