Big Thompson - RMNP - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Big Thompson – RMNP - Water Flow Chart
Big Thompson – RMNP - Weather report & radar
Big Thompson – RMNP - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midges, Black Beauties |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | BWO Nymphs, BWO Emerger | |
| February | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midges, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | Rusty Spinner, Parachute Adams | |
| March | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Disco Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | BWO Nymphs, Adams Dry Fly | |
| Stoneflies | All Day | #14 – #18 | Rubber Leg Stone, Prince Nymph | |
| April | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Mercury Midge, Peacock Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | Dun BWO, Comparadun BWO | |
| Caddis | All Day | #14 – #18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis | |
| May | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Brassie, Pheasant Tail Midge Pupa |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | BWO Parachute, BWO Thorax | |
| Caddis | All Day | #14 – #18 | Green Caddis Larva, Tan Caddis Emerger | |
| Stoneflies | All Day | #14 – #18 | Golden Stone, Rubber Leg Stone | |
| June | Green Drakes | Afternoons & Evenings | #10 – #14 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Cripple |
| Yellow Sally Stoneflies | All Day | #14 – #16 | Yellow Sally, Little Yellow Stone | |
| Caddis | All Day | #14 – #18 | Tan Caddis Pupa, Olive Caddis Adult | |
| Pale Morning Dun | Mid Afternoon | #16 – #18 | PMX, Parachute Adams | |
| July | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| Yellow Sally Stoneflies | All Day | #14 – #16 | Little Yellow Sally, Crystal Stimulator | |
| Caddis | All Day | #14 – #18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis | |
| Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | #10 – #16 | Parachute Hopper, Foam Beetle | |
| August | Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | #10 – #16 | Dave’s Hopper, Foam Ant |
| Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | WD-40, Zebra Midge | |
| Tricos | Mornings | #20 – #24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials (Hoppers, Ants, Beetles) | All Day | #10 – #16 | Chernobyl Ant, Foam Beetle |
| Tricos | Mornings | #20 – #24 | Trico Spinner Fall, Hi-Vis Trico Spinner | |
| Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Tungsten Zebra Midge, Disco Midge | |
| October | Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | BWO Nymphs, Emerger BWO |
| Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midges, Black Beauty | |
| November | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midges, Brassie |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | BWO Nymphs, BWO Emerger | |
| December | Midges | Mornings & Late Afternoons | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midges, Black Beauty |
| Blue-Winged Olive | Mid Afternoon | #18 – #20 | Rusty Spinner, Parachute Adams |
Big Thompson – RMNP Access Points
Fly fishing on the Big Thompson through the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers anglers an incredibly picturesque experience. You can access plenty of exceptional spots in the stream, and the best of them include:
- Moraine Park: The stretch of water through Moraine Park is known for its lively population of small to medium-sized browns and rainbows.
- Upper Big Thompson: In the section above Moraine Park, anglers can wade through crystal clear waters with substantial populations of brown, brook, and the occasional rainbow trout.
- Glacier Creek: This tributary of the Big Thompson in RMNP provides a more secluded environment with brown and brook trout in substantial numbers.
Remember to check local regulations as special rules apply in the RMNP and most importantly, respect both wildlife and the natural surroundings while you enjoy your time on the water.
Big Thompson – RMNP Fishing Spots
The Big Thompson River flowing through the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is an angler’s paradise teeming with rainbow and brown trout. Here are some of the best spots to consider for fly fishing:
- Moraine Park: This stretch of the river offers easy access and abundant hatches of insects making it a hotspot for fly fishing.
- Glacier Creek: Just below the Sprague Lake, this spot is excellent for beginners and those looking for serene, less crowded fishing experience.
- Upper Big Thompson: Located above the falls, it is particularly known for its brook trout population.
- Keyhole: This is a catch-and-release area in the Wild Basin offering excellent opportunities for large, healthy trout.
Regardless of your pick, it’s crucial to research current conditions, appropriate techniques, and RMNP regulations to cherish a sustainable and enjoyable fly fishing experience.
Big Thompson – RMNP Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Known for their smart and elusive nature, making them a rewarding challenge for fly fishermen.
- Rainbow Trout: These fish are popular among anglers due to their strong fight and vibrant coloring.
- Brook Trout: Native to Eastern U.S. but has established strong populations in Western rivers, prefers cooler waters.
- Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Rocky Mountains, typically found in cold and clear high-altitude rivers.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: A specific subset of Cutthroat trout, nearly went extinct but now thriving in the park’s waters due to conservation efforts.
- Mountain Whitefish: Small and abundant in Big Thompson, known for their silvery scales and prolific populations.
- Bluegill Sunfish: Though not a native species, they are now present in many parts of Big Thompson River.
- Rio Grande Perch: Another non-native species that has established itself in the Big Thompson River, famed for their unique, percussive feeding behaviors.
About the Big Thompson – RMNP
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Big Thompson – RMNP, home to a fascinating string of events in Colorado’s narrative. This waterway originates near the significant Rocky Mountain National Park(RMNP), ultimately feeding the Big Thompson River. The RMNP, established in 1915, is famed for its wildlife, grand vistas, and vast trail network.
- The park has an intriguing archeological history dating back over 11,000 years, revealed through ancient sites and artifacts discovered within its borders.
- Big Thompson was named “The Place of Red Rocks” by Arapahoe Native American tribes who held it sacred.
- In the 1860s, the gold rush brought settlers, forever changing the area’s landscape.
- By the 1920s, the construction of Trail Ridge Road enhanced tourism, offering breathtaking, panoramic views.
Today, the unforgettable Big Thompson – RMNP continues to enthrall visitors, proudly preserving its rich past.
Community Contributions
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