Big Thompson River October Report

October is officially the off season up at Fun City…and the town actually reverts back to Estes Park. The tourist traps have closed until next year. And you can even find a spot on the Big Thompson to fish. The river though the canyon (between Estes Lake and the town of Drake, along RT 34) is low and clear (about 70 cfs) and the fishing has been good…is good…and will be good. My recommendation is to go early (not crazy early, just be there before ten) and start below the dam at Estes Lake. If you go on a Monday through Thursday there may only be one or two other dew bags to fight with… You will likely find some 12 to 16 inch browns rising to midges. Scale back to 6x and try the size 22 and 24 midge dries. After 15 minutes working one fish a #24 rusty RS2 took my best fish the other day. Now, once you migrate farther down the canyon things start to loosen up a bit. I got away with a #14 Clown Shoe Caddis (there will be caddis around at some point in the afternoon) on a 9ft 5x leader with a #20 Black Poison Tung nymph dropped off about 16 inches with 6x tippet.

Big Thompson River, Colorado

The Big Thompson River is one of the more popular small rivers on the northern Colorado Front Range...and it is a very healthy fishery thanks to the catch and release regulations and decent flows for the last half decade!
The Big T (as it is commonly called) is a 40 minute drive north of Boulder. The river begins in the Forest Canyon area in the Rocky Mountain National Park, flows down through Moraine Park and the town of Estes Park, then into Lake Estes. The headwaters have greenback cutthroat and the Moraine meadows have everything...cutthroat, brookies, browns and rainbow trout. And the lake in town is full of dumb stocker rainbows.

Below the dam on Lake Estes is the "tailwater" section of the river, although it fishes more like a very bug rich, freestone than your stereotypical tailwater. This has more to do with the river structure than anything else. It can be swift at times, but can be some of the most enjoyable pocket water fly fishing in the area! The river follows Route 34 down through the town of Drake, then on to the mouth of the canyon and into the town of Loveland. Well, actually, the road follows the river....sorry.

My favorite section of the canyon has always been the 10 mile stretch between the Estes dam and the small town of Drake. There are rainbows and browns in this area...averaging 10 to 14 inches. There are plenty of 16 to 20 inch fish around, though! In the canyon stretch there are mainly rainbow trout (70%) with just enough browns to keep it interesting (30%).

The stream flows through the canyon can vary dramatically...and this can obviously affect the fishing. In the spring (during runoff) it is very important to check the canyon flows before taking the time to drive up for the day. You can use the stream reports on our Rocky Mountain Anglers website or go directly to the USGS site.
I have always found that the Big Thompson canyon fishes best when the flows are between 80 cfs and 180 cfs. This time of year you want to have blue-winged olive mayfly patterns with you...both dry and subsurface.

Windblown Wanderings on the Big Thompson

Written and Contributed by Erin Block

It is Spring. Although the two inch fresh blanket whose thickness is still being added to as I write, would moonlight you no hint. But yes, it is spring -- and is my least favorite season. It's all that emphasis on growth, and rebirth, and babies, and pastels. It all makes me very uncomfortable. Plus, spring -- she is flaky. Her crust teases with chips here and there, but holds her hand closed. She pretends to melt, you feel just a little bit of warmth, but then snarks with silence. She has a headache. She won't give much. I can't read her tell. What will she do next? Straight faced, she lives each day with the knowledge of her power - and we are left at her whim, thrown about to fit her fancy. Spring is like a relationship -- like that relationship where your 100 % was met with 10%. Barely 10%. You give, and they take. Over and over and over again. They have come to expect your 100% to always be there. Spring never expects for summer to move on 100 % without her.

Friday fishing on the outskirts of Boulder was windy -- too windy for the carp Jay and I were trying to catch. We gave it some time, but soon realized we were just wasting ours. "I hate throwing in the towel," Jay said, getting into the left-hand turning land, over-riding his autopilot back south to Boulder. "Let's check out the Big Thompson."

We ate pickles and headed to Estes Park.

I have this horrible gift of trying to be positive. It is against my nature, and she reveals her true self at the end. If there is inclement weather, my dad always gives me this look of "Erin, don't say a thing...not one single thing..." It was on a family vacation to New York City that I discovered this gifting, and my dad discovered that look. My dad, sister and stood I on a very rainy and cold Ellis Island. Trying to hearten spirits, I said "Well, at least it's just raining....it could be worse." And it got worse. The temperature dropped. Rain turned to sleet. I said it again...it could always be worse. Then it hailed. Again, it could always...and it started to snow. "Well, it could always be..." Erin, shut up!

These memories briefed me be quiet. Eat another pickle. But I blurted, "I think we're going to end up farther north than the cloud bank. This is going to be great!" And then I uttered the damning phrase "hey, I think the wind has died down a bit," as the truck shook and veered to the right in a gust. Just to illustrate my point. Yeah. Died Down. Sure. Whatever, Erin.

McDonald's coffee bolstered us to the tailwaters below Lake Estes and the Olympus Dam. It wasn't crowded, and we nabbed a good pool, Jay said. Lines knotted and fingers froze and I huddled around him, opening my jacket to break the wind as he rigged me another deep dropper nymph. (Yes another. I'd lost my top fly to a rainbow, and previously to a bad knot.) My fingers couldn't move, they were too cold. But we are good partners, he and I. And that is the point, isn't it? Of having a partner? When you can't, they can...and they will...

.....give more than 10%.

"If I ever, ever, get in a room alone with the personification of The Wind" Jay said, "I tell you what..." and he continued to describe just exactly what he would do to the wind, as my imagination invented even more serious inflictions.

We decided to go to the truck, blast the heater for a few miles, and move downstream.

We ate cheese.

"Are you ready?" Jay asked. My legs had stopped shaking and I shivered a yes.

The river's flow was almost waist high on me, and I held onto Jay's hand...steady. We found a big pool, spooling with shadows. Get them he said, into a blast of wind.

I cast first. And we went back and forth, taking turns catching rainbows and browns -- standing in front of the other to cast, and providing a brief windbreak for the other. Although I must say, I probably got the better end of that whole windbreak deal.

Jay looked at me. My face was burnt red. "I like fishing with you.....you're tough...and you can cast into the wind."

Yes...yes I can.

But sometimes, I tire of having to.

Erin Block Mysteries Internal

Petticoats & Two-Bit Hookers (Big Thompson River…and the long last week of March)

I woke up the other morning with a crazy notion. I had a weekday off and the fishing had been good and the reports filtering though the fly shop were getting more and more upbeat. People were getting out and getting fish. Spring was here. I had eaten dinner the night before on an old wooden dining table with a glass vase brimming with bright yellow daffodils. A beautiful woman served me the first asparagus of the year and I was told that the old wooden table was her parent’s first. And she admitted the flowers were poached from a university garden. Shhhhhhh….! So, my dreams were of spring things, inundated with bright colors, romance and greenery and high lakes and cutthroat trout… And I awoke with the idea set in my mind to fish Lily Lake! Baaaa! Too early yet, you may have said…warning me that my imagination had gotten the best of me. But my exuberance would have convinced you. I hear Manchester and Estes are both ice free! Lily is BOUND to be clear! We would be the first of the year to fish it, I told my new fishing partner. She smiled. Sure I knew what I was talking about.

But, I did not. Got way ahead of myself. After the drive through Boulder, to Lyons and up RT 7 only to find Lily Lake under a thick layer of ice. We sat in my truck with the heater on gazing out over the white lake. Damn. A very small section was thawed…right out in the middle. Taunting us. It would have been kinder if the whole thing was frozen. But no, just a glimpse. Dearest Lily hiking up her skirt and petticoat…showing just the top of one gartered stocking. Only for a second. Silly, silly man! A small car with out-of-state plates idled next to us in the gravel parking lot. It was full of young travelers. Tourists. Spring breakers. Yes, only me and four dumb underclassmen from Kansas State thought this would be a good idea. Nice. My would-be fishing partner sat beside me, rummaging in her backpack for bottled water and a granny smith (the practical woman’s version of “patiently” filing her long fingernails).

Well, there was always the Big Thompson. Yup. Old reliable. Besides, Estes Park and the Thompson was just a few more miles up RT 7 and the flows had been low (about 20 cfs). Some clouds had moved in, it was cool…proper beginnings to the Blue Winged Olive recipe. Just add the two of us, a few JuJubees and a Two Bit Hooker and we got ourselves a party!

Meat Hunter

I was born a meat hunter. Only as an adult have I been born again Catch & Release. I grew up in the Midwest in a family that did not have a lot of money. It was no Grapes of Wrath, but me, my shotgun and hand-me-down fiberglass fly rod did play an essential part in feeding the family. I mention this childhood of fish killing and rabbit slaying only to dampen the blow of what I am about to say.

Years ago I moved to Colorado for three main reasons...intellectual asylum, mountains and to escape STOCKER TROUT! Many friends of mine back in Ohio and Pennsylvania relied almost entirely on published stocking reports to get a leg up on local trout fishing. Some of the more hard core would even camp out near a bridge waiting to be the first to have a crack at the disorientated fish once the stocking truck had left! So, if you are new to Colorado, or are planning a fishing vacation out this way...do not call or e-mail me asking what the "limit" on trout is out here. We have WILD trout here. They are beautiful and plentiful...and we want to keep it that way. My livelihood depends on it!

Brandon Matsumoto Reports from the Big Thompson

This was just one of the big fish I caught on the Big Thompson River the other day. When I got there I took a look at the water. Nothing at first. Then I saw a fish that I thought was a log. Catching him would've been a great way to start a day, but I spooked him. I kept fishing. A few suckers. Then some pretty rainbows. Caught some nice small browns using a size 22 zebra midge. Then it was the end of the day. I saw the big one again. I put on a rust colored Slump Buster streamer. After about 20 minutes I hooked him. When I got him into the net, it was about a 19 to 20 incher. It was an awesome day!

John Barr's Slump Buster!

Big Thompson Fishing Report (November 2010)

The Big Thompson River is flowing at a steady 50 cubic feet per second and has been now for a solid week. It had jumped up kind of unseasonably high there for a few days. But it is all good, now. And the fishing has been good. The weekend crowds are still intense directly below the Estes dam, so try getting there during the week...or be prepared to move farther down the canyon. Dry fly fishing has been a bit slow, so be sure to have some good late-season nymphs with you. Take some dark olive BTS nymphs, Two-Bit Hookers and Poison Tungs. All in #20...or there about.

Big Thompson Fishing Report

The Big Thompson River below the dam at Estes Park is flowing at 130 cfs and, more importantly, it has been flowing at that steady rate for almost two weeks now. I have always contended that the Big T fishes best between the flows of 80 and 180 cubic feet per second. But, like any river, I believe consistency in the flow is the most important. I would take a slightly less than desirable flow over a perfect flow any day…as long as it has been holding steady for at least four or five days. The only major
obstacle on the Big T the last few days has been the intense sun. Not a cloud in the sky. Being a river system rich in mayflies (mainly BWO’s) and midges, you will find it will always fish better on overcast days. So, two bits of advice if you are planning to head up… 1: If it looks like crappy weather, don’t be scared! GO! 2: If it is a bright, sunny day…still go. Just be prepared to work harder for your fish. On days like that I like to concentrate on the out-of-the-way, hard to reach pockets on the “other” side of the river. Two days ago a friend and I fished the Big T and every fish we took was after we waded into the thick of the current and high-sticked the opposite bank. Most fishermen are afraid of water (shocking, I know!) so the trout in these areas are basically untouched. We had most luck on Kolandas’ Pandemic mayfly nymph and Cravens’ new Two-Bit Hooker mayfly nymph. Very few fish taking food off the top. Wait for the overcast days for good top water action.

Click link below to get an up-to-date stream flow for the Thompson. Trust me! It could change dramatically without warning! http://www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=BTBLESCO

Chat with Jay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZimmermanFlyFishing

Fishing the Big Water Thompson

We all got spoiled with the excellent and dependable fishing on the Big Thompson River. The flows were just about flat-lined at 120 cfs for well over a month. And the Blue Winged Olive mayflies were pouring off in droves. I heard about and saw more great fishing days and large trout than any year to date. Yes, it has been that good! But, for awile there it was blown out and the easy fishing wass temporarily on hold. Notice I said “easy” fishing…there was still some good fishing to be had for those brave enough. When the water gets this high on your favorite river, use streamers tight to the banks or a meaty (i.e. fat and high floating) caddis dry and dropper with short casts into the remaining calmer pocket water. Or a San Juan worm and PT…like Thomas Blackham did the other day on the Big Thompson while it was steadily rising to 900 cfs…

“I got on the water at daybreak and started off with a double rig; a San Juan worm and a bead head pheasant tail. Both flies produced fish, but the bead head seemed to be the fly of choice. By late morning the air temperature reached 48^o F and the water level had risen from about 520 cfs to 890 cfs. Fishing was still fairly consistent, but the high water levels made holding water hard to find and even harder to get to. Overall, I ended the day with 19 fish most between 12 and 14 inches with one brown trout and the rest bows.” –Thomas Blackham

Note: As I write this, the Big T is back down to 125 cfs…so get back and fish…NOW!

Chat with Jay on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ZimmermanFlyFishing

Everybody and their brothers...

Weather was just too nice the other day not to get on the water. Drove up to the Big Thompson River and met a couple friends below the dam. Was sunny, but the wind was blowing like a SOB! Lot of cars in the parking area...think I counted two dozen at one time. On a Monday????

Fishing was slow. Best fly was a #22 Jujubee fished deep...trout laying low and not being very aggressive. Had to stay low...long winter shadows! Only a small bit of ice along the edges.

Browns and Bows on the Big Thompson

Fished the Big Thompson just below the dam at Estes Park on Monday. I usually spend most of my time down in the canyon (east on 34) mainly to avoid the crowds and rampant violations of stream etiquette. But I hadn't fished that stretch in awhile...so I pocketed my attitude, put on my best grin and jumped into the fray. And had constant action all day! The fishing was so good I decided to drive back up on Tuesday! The money fly was a #18 BTS Pale Morning Dun fished with one small piece of split shot about six inches above the fly.

Big Thompson River Directory

Big Thompson River, Colorado Click Here! The Big Thompson River is one of the more popular small rivers on the northern Colorado Front Range...and it is a very healthy fishery thanks to the catch and release regulations and decent flows for the last...



Petticoats & Two-Bit Hookers (Big Thompson River…and the long last week of March) Click Here! I woke up the other morning with a crazy notion. I had a weekday off and the fishing had been good and the reports filtering though the fly shop were getting more and more upbeat. People were getting out and getting fish..
 
 

Windblown Wanderings on the Big Thompson Click Here! It is Spring. Although the two inch fresh blanket whose thickness is still being added to as I write, would moonlight you no hint. But yes, it is spring -- and is my least favorite season...
 
 
 
   

Fishing the Big Water Thompson Click Here! We all got spoiled with the excellent and dependable fishing on the Big Thompson River. The flows were just about flat-lined at 120 cfs for well over a month. And the Blue Winged Olive mayflies were pouring off in droves. I heard about and saw more great fishing days and large trout than any year to date...
 
 
 
 
Past Fishing Reports
(To Help You Predict The Future!)

 

Big Thompson Fishing Report (June 26, 2010)  Below the dam at Estes Park is flowing at 130 cfs and, more importantly, it has been flowing at that steady rate for almost two weeks now. I have always contended..

Big Thompson Fishing Report (November 8, 2010) Flowing at a steady 50 cubic feet per second and has been now for a solid week. It had jumped up kind of unseasonably high there for a few days. But it is all good, now. And the fishing has been good...