Big Thompson - Drake - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Big Thompson – Drake - Water Flow Chart
Big Thompson – Drake - Weather report & radar
Big Thompson – Drake - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Winter Stonefly | Afternoon | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| Winter Stonefly | Afternoon | #14-#18 | 20 Incher Stone | |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-#24 | BWO Emerger, Sparkle Dun |
| Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Mercury Midge, Rojo Midge | |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-#24 | Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Chocolate Thunder, Miracle Midge | |
| Caddis | Evening | #12-#18 | Hare’s Ear, Tan Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-#24 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Caddis | Evening | #12-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger | |
| Stonefly | All Day | #4-#8 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stimulator | |
| June | Green Drake | Afternoon | #10-#14 | Green Drake Parachute, Green Drake Emerger |
| Stonefly | All Day | #4-#8 | Chubby Chernobyl, Girdle Bug | |
| Caddis | Evening | #12-#18 | EC Caddis, Foam Caddis | |
| July | Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | #14-#18 | PMD Sparkle Dun, PMD Cripple |
| Yellow Sally | Afternoon | #12-#16 | Yellow Sally Dry Fly, Stimulator | |
| Caddis | Evening | #12-#18 | Olive Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| August | Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | #14-#18 | PMD Dry Fly, Comparadun |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #8-#14 | Chubby Chernobyl, Hopper Patterns | |
| September | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-#24 | Blue Wing Olive, Tiny Blue Wing Olive |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #8-#14 | Parachute Hopper, Fat Albert | |
| October | Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Miracle Midge, Black Beauty |
| Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-#24 | WD-40, RS2 | |
| November | Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Jujubee Midge, Midge Larva |
| Winter Stonefly | Afternoon | #14-#18 | Winter Stonefly Nymph | |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | #18-#24 | Chocolate Thunder, Miracle Midge |
| Winter Stonefly | Afternoon | #14-#18 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stonefly Nymph |
Big Thompson – Drake Access Points
Fly fishing enthusiasts can find plentiful access points on the Big Thompson River in Drake boasting exceptional fishing opportunities.
- Viets Lake: Located in Loveland, it offers excellent fly fishing spots.
- Estes Park: Just at the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park, numerous public access points are available along the river.
- Moraine Park: A stretch along the Big Thompson in the Rocky Mountain National Park offering excellent fishing experiences with a hefty population of rainbow and brown trouts.
- Big Thompson Canyon: This part of the river, starting just west of Loveland and winding west through a stunning, rocky canyon, provides multiple public fishing spots.
In each location, fly fishers can expect to cast for brown and rainbow trout species. Always check for any local fishing regulations.
Big Thompson – Drake Fishing Spots
The Big Thompson – Drake area is one of the best places for fly fishing, it offers several spots renowned for their fishing experiences. These include:
- Moraine Park: Situated within the Rocky Mountain National Park, this place is brimming with thriving trout.
- Performance Park: This easily accessible open area in downtown Estes Park, provides a tranquil fishing experience.
- Wild Basin: Also part of the Rocky Mountain National Park, Wild Basin offers secluded fishing spots along the Saint Vrain River.
- Big Thompson River below Lake Estes: This area is stocked year-round with rainbow and brown trout, providing consistent fly-fishing opportunities.
- Estes Park Lake: With a healthy population of trout and other species, the Estes Park Lake presents prime fishing spots.
Remember to check with local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before you start your fishing adventure.
Big Thompson – Drake Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: The most popular fish on the Big Thompson, widely targeted by fly fishers for its beautiful colors and aggressive nature.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their vibrant colors and acrobatics, another favorite among anglers in the area.
- Brook Trout: Though smaller in size, their vibrant colors and abundance make them a favorite amongst some anglers.
- Mountain Whitefish: A native species to the region, often overshadowed by trout but are also fun to catch.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Colorado’s state fish, relatively rare but can be found in some tributary streams.
- Yellow Perch: Not the primary target for most fly anglers, but can sometimes be caught unintentionally.
- River Sucker: Another non-target species, although it can be a fun challenge to land on a fly rod.
- Arkansas Darter: Small in size, this endangered species is protected, and must be released immediately upon catch.
About the Big Thompson – Drake
The Big Thompson – Drake area in Northern Colorado is rich with natural beauty and history. Inhabited by Native American tribes, like the Arapaho and Cheyenne, for centuries, it was eventually settled by European pioneers in the 1860s. Steeped in wilderness and wildlife, the Big Thompson River flowing through it breathes life into the region.
Noteworthy points of interest include:
- Estes Park: Locally known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a vibrant mountain village with unique shops and restaurants.
- Roosevelt National Forest: An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise filled with hiking trails and stunning views.
- The Historic Drake Hotel: A century-old inn, it has been a welcoming stop for travelers exploring the Big Thompson River and the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Despite the devastating flood of 1976, the resilience and spirit of the Big Thompson – Drake community continue to thrive, making it a must-visit destination.
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