Latest Update:6/20/2024

Fishing Report

The Big Thompson River is currently offering some of the best fishing of the season. With the spring runoff having finally peaked, water levels are receding to an ideal flow of 128 cubic feet per second (cfs), creating perfect conditions for anglers. The warm and sunny weather over the past few days has only enhanced the fishing experience, making it a delightful time to be out on the river. As you cast your line, you’ll notice the canyon coming to life with a flurry of caddis, stoneflies, and mayflies, providing ample opportunities for exciting dry fly action, particularly from mid-morning to midday.

When it comes to selecting your flies, dry fly enthusiasts are in for a treat. Stoneflies, caddis, ants, and Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) patterns have been exceptionally productive, drawing trout to the surface in a feeding frenzy. The sight of a trout rising to take your carefully selected fly against the backdrop of the sun-dappled river is an experience that captures the essence of fly fishing. For those who prefer nymph setups, the options are equally enticing. Soft Hackle Sow Bugs, Green Tickets, CDC Pheasant Tails, Juju Baetis, Radiation Baetis, Blue Poison Tungs, Pats Rubber Legs, and Gray Sow Bugs have all proven to be highly effective, enticing strikes from the deeper, cooler waters of the river.

The magic of the Big Thompson right now lies in its diversity and abundance of aquatic life. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner eager to learn, the river’s current conditions offer a fantastic opportunity to test a variety of fly patterns and techniques. With each cast, there’s a sense of anticipation and excitement, knowing that the next fish could be just a heartbeat away. So, book your trip today, and immerse yourself in the beauty and thrill of fishing the Big Thompson during this prime season.

 

In Rocky Mountain National Park, the flows have noticeably receded in the picturesque valleys of Moraine and Horseshoe Park, heralding a prime fishing season. The high mountain lakes, once blanketed by winter’s icy grip, are now mostly free of ice, offering anglers a serene and stunning setting to cast their lines. Only the highest alpine lakes remain with a thin layer of ice, but even these are expected to fully open up soon. In Moraine Park, Fall River, North St. Vrain, and Glacier Creek, the water levels are gradually decreasing, creating ideal conditions for a day filled with fishing excitement. Anglers can enjoy productive fishing throughout the day, with hoppers and ants sparking impressive action from the park’s vibrant trout population.

For those looking to capitalize on this optimal fishing window, a diverse selection of flies can make all the difference. Small Parachute Adams, with their delicate presentation, are perfect for enticing wary trout in the park’s clear waters. Red Double Downs and Mighty Mights are also proving their worth, drawing strikes with their vivid colors and enticing movements. For a more subtle approach, Red Two Bit Hookers and Quasimodo Pheasant Tails are excellent choices, mimicking the natural insects that trout find irresistible. San Juan Worms and Egg patterns, often underappreciated, are highly effective in these waters, appealing to the trout’s opportunistic nature and increasing your chances of a successful catch.

As the days grow longer and warmer, Rocky Mountain National Park transforms into a fly fishing paradise, where the tranquil beauty of nature meets the thrill of the catch. Whether you’re wading in the gentle currents of Moraine Park or casting your line into the sparkling waters of a high mountain lake, the opportunities for memorable fishing adventures are abundant. With the right flies and a bit of patience, you’ll experience the joy of connecting with nature in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable. So pack your gear, book your trip and come enjoy summer in the park with the best guides in Estes Park!