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About the River

Tips to Thompson River

Advice from the Pros

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1. CaddisFlies

- This hatch works on and off

randomly. There is no specific time

when is best to use these.

2. Mayflies

- These are best during the ealry

morning until late morning hours.

The best size would be in the

range of 14-16. Mayflies are also

effective at the warmest part of the

day.

3. Midges

- Most midges can be used all day. I

would recommend the black midge in

the size range of 18-20.

4. Stoneflies

- Stoneflies are effective in the

afternoon to evening time. Best size

range would be between 6-8.

5. Terrestrials

- Most terrestials are effective all day.

However, if you plan on fishing late

into the evening, then I would

recommend using the cricket

The Big Thompson River is a branch off of the South Platte River. It starts inside of Rocky Mountain National Park and flow easts through Estes Park, down into The Big Thompson Canyon, and then east past loveland until it converges with the S. Platte River near Greeley.

Fishing in the Big Thompson usually begins around Moraine Park inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It is mostly made from mountain streams so you can usually fish in it about half the year. As you head down the river you will find plenty of great spots to fish. There are many large rocks, deep runs, and sections of holding water for anglers to have some fun with.

As you continue down the river you will enter Estes Park. There you will find most places to fish that are public. With the water a bit warmer and more food availabe, you can find large rainbow and brown trout here. Be careful though, as there are sections of the river in this area that are private.

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

Brook Trout

Greenback

Cuttthroats

In the Rocky Mountain National Park you there isn't much room for cover so you need to lay low in areas that can easily spook the fish. However, you will find plenty of places with backwaters, pools, runs, and big undercut banks. This makes for exceptional fishing as you will find a large quantity of brown and brook trout. Here, try and use small hatches. The smaller the better as you will get more pull from the fish.

As far as fishing in Moraine, using imitation caddisfly will ensure success. If that does indee fail, midges and mayflies are very popular as well as the brown stonefly.

Be aware that golden and brown stoneflies are a big part of trout food. IF you head towards the town of Drake as start fishing there you will find many pockets and runs that these trout love to hang out in. If you show up on the right day, this could be an algers heaven. The trout, however, do move all around the river so do take notice to where fish are before you start fishing. You will notice an increase in anglers during the summer time so get their early in the morning to claim your spot.