Big Thompson
Exploring the Big Thompson River in Colorado: An Angler's Paradise
Welcome to the Big Thompson River, an angler's paradise in the beautiful Colorado landscape. This high-level guide provides concise and informative information on fishing the Big Thompson, addressing challenges, the preferred season, ideal flow rate, river access, and more. River stewardship, sustainability, and conservation are top priorities, promoting the practice of Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, we highlight three of the highest-rated local fly shops and guides, ensuring you have access to reliable and expert assistance for your fishing endeavors.
Challenges
The Big Thompson River offers a diverse fishing experience, but anglers should know specific challenges. The river's fast-flowing waters can be unpredictable, requiring careful navigation and sturdy equipment. The river's fluctuating water levels can also impact fish behavior and accessibility to various areas. It's essential to stay updated on river flow data and plan
Preferred Season
The preferred season for fishing on the Big Thompson River is late spring to early fall. During this time, the river comes alive with abundant insect hatches, attracting various trout species, including browns, rainbows, and cutthroats. The mild temperatures and pleasant weather make it an ideal time to explore the river's breathtaking surroundings and cast your line into its crystal-clear waters.
Ideal Flow Rate
To optimize your fishing experience on the Big Thompson, an ideal flow rate is around 100 to 300 cubic feet per second (CFS). This flow rate balances manageable water conditions and active fish populations. Troutleader.com offers mean temperature and CFS rates, ensuring anglers have up-to-date information to plan their fishing trips effectively.
River Access Issues
While the Big Thompson River offers excellent fishing opportunities, it's important to note potential river access issues. Access points can be limited in certain areas, and private property may restrict access to river sections. Familiarize yourself with public access points and respect any signage or regulations to ensure a positive fishing experience while preserving the river's natural environment.
Local Fly Shops and Guides
River Conservation
River stewardship, sustainability, and conservation are vital components of responsible angling on the Big Thompson River. To deepen your understanding and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, we encourage you to visit the nonprofit organization Running Rivers. Learn more about their initiatives and how you can get involved by visiting their website.
| Gage Station |
Temp
℉
|
Flow
(ft ³/s)
|
Mean
(ft ³/s)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| big thompson bl moraine park nr estes park, co | 38 | 269 | 285 |
| Name | Fishy | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Just Below the Dam | · Pretty Darn Fishy | almost 2 years ago |
| Rock Canyon Road | · Pretty Darn Fishy | almost 2 years ago |
| Sleepy Hollow Park | · Fishy | almost 2 years ago |
Jul 05, 2021
Aug 07, 2021
| Type | Species | Up To |
|---|---|---|
| Trout | Brown | 10 in. |
| Trout | Rainbow | 10 in. |