Big Thompson - Below Lake Estes - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes - Water Flow Chart
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes - Weather report & radar
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Black Beauty, Mercury Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| March | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Mid-day to Afternoon | 18-22 | Pheasant Tail, Mercury Baetis |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Mid-day to Afternoon | 16-20 | RS2, Pheasant Tail |
| May | Caddis, Blue Winged Olives | Mid-day to Late Afternoon | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, RS2 |
| June | Yellow Stones, Caddis, Green Drakes | All Day | 12-16 | Yellow Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Stones, Pale Morning Duns | All Day | 12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally |
| August | Terrestrials, Tricos, Caddis | Morning, Late Afternoon | 14-18 | Parachute Adams, Ant Patterns |
| September | Blue Winged Olives, Tricos, Terrestrials | Morning, Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams, Trico Spinner |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Mid-day to Afternoon | 18-22 | RS2, Black Beauty |
| November | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Mid-day | 18-22 | Mercer’s Biot Midge, Pheasant Tail |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes Access Points
The Big Thompson River, below Lake Estes, offers prime terrain for fly-fishing. Here are the best access points:
- Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park: Post-flood renovations have led to fantastic fly-fishing conditions. The park, located 12 miles west of Loveland, has easy river access.
- Big Thompson River below Olympus Dam: This tailwater provides year-round fishing opportunities. The first few miles below the dam provides the easiest access.
- Sleepy Hollow Park: Located two miles east of Estes Park, the park provides access to both fast and slow water.
- Waltonia Bridge: West of Drake, the Waltonia Bridge crossing offers moderate access to the river.
- Idylwilde Dam: Despite the 2013 flood destroying the dam, the spot remains an access point. However, the terrain is more rugged.
Each spot offers unique views and fishing opportunities, ensure to follow all local guidelines for a successful outing.
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes Fishing Spots
- The town of Estes Park: This stretch offers a variety of fishing experiences with deep pools, eddies and riffles packed with Trout.
- Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park: This park provides easy access to river banks and boasts the largest concentration of Brown Trout in the area.
- Big Thompson Canyon: Known for its fast-flowing water and rocky terrain, this area is a favorite for more adventurous anglers.
- Drake and Loveland areas: These locations offer a subtle blend of urban and rustic fishing experiences. Expect to find abundant Rainbow Trout here.
Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Known for their beautiful color and fight, these are a smaller trout species that are fun to catch.
- Rainbow Trout: Quite popular among fly fishers, the Rainbow trout is distinctive for its colorful stripe.
- Brook Trout: Offers a unique angling experience due to its unique characteristics and beautiful coloration.
- Cutthroat Trout: Named after the distinctive red-orange streak on their throat, they are a fly fishers delight.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Originally native to the rivers and streams of the Front Range, a sub-species of Cutthroat trout.
- Mountain Whitefish: Not renowned for their fight or leap, but their abundance makes them a popular target.
- Pike: Known for their aggressive strikes and the fight they give when hooked, Pike are one of the most exciting species to catch.
- Yellow Perch: Although not a common target for fly fishing, their abundance and the challenge they provide make them a worthwhile catch.
About the Big Thompson – Below Lake Estes
The Big Thompson River – Below Lake Estes is famous for its unique features and storied history. Situated in Colorado, the river is treasured for its tranquil beauty and bountiful wildlife. It all started in the early 20th century when Lake Estes was formed by constructing the Olympus Dam. The damming created a reservoir known as Lake Estes, after which the river flows magnificently.
Fishing enthusiasts, particularly, find the river segment below Lake Estes especially enchanting due to an abundance of trout. The tranquil environment combined with clear waters makes it perfect for catch and release. Unique geographical traits of the river ensure fish thrive in diverse habitats throughout the area.
- The river is known for its rocky canyon walls that offer shelter and plentiful food for aquatic wildlife.
- Anglers can spot ravens, river otters, and even bighorn sheep enjoying their habitat.
- History lovers should note the remembrance of the 1976 flash flood that claimed several lives in the Big Thompson Canyon.
Come explore the history and abundant beauty of the Big Thompson River – Below Lake Estes – it truly is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of wildlife.
Community Contributions
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