Fishing Season: All year

Big Thompson - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Sunrise Anglers's Tip of the Week

Some of the better conditions in the state Low, but very doable,,, hopper dropper rigs, keep moving… Red quills, trico, hopper, ants, and smaller crickets

Directions open in app

Map of Big Thompson

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Sunrise Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 8/17/26

Adams tunnel update :: 430 +- cfs sucking the Colorado dry

Techniques & Tips as of 8/17/26

Double dry,,, long leaders On larger slicks Nymphing with indicators

Local Species Available All year

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    Brown

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    Rainbow

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    Cutthroat Trout

Sunrise Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
RS2 Dark 18, 14
CDC Emerging Caddis Bl 18
Dave’s Cricket Black 14, 16
Indicator Parachute - Lt. Cahill Dark 18
Flash Beetle Dark 16
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper Y 10
Bighorn Midge Cream 18
Reverse pupa Black 18
Montana stone Brown 19
Streamer Black 6

RS2

The RS2 is a must-have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

2.99

Item #067T

Buy Now

Sunrise Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Big Thompson

The Big Thompson River flows out of the Rocky Mountain National Park and empties into Lake Estes. This short impoundment gives the Thompson a hybrid freestone/tailwater feel. The half mile section below the dam is strickly tailwater with midges and beatis the predominant hatch. As you head down stream(east) towards Loveland, the insect populations diversify with great Caddis, Stonefly, and even Tricos in the slower sections flowing through Loveland. Other hatches include PMD's, Green Drake, and some of the largest Red Quills I have ever witnesed. Of course banging terrestrials starting in the high months of July/August can be very productive. The Big Thompson River has some reproduction for rainbows and certainly the browns have taken hold nicely. Some of the best fishing occurs in early Spring and late Fall, as the numbers of anglers deminish also. Please call Sunrise Anglers LLC if needing more information and tips.

Nearest Airport:

Denver International Airport (DIA)

Hatches:

Below Lake Estes: midges, Baetis, caddis, pmd ,red quill, Drake, hoppers beetles No particular order

Best Time to Fish:

sunrise,,, 10

Best Stretch:

Tailrace below Estes Dam has the most fish,,,, CROWDED most of the time

Best Access:

Lake Estes down to Drake