Big Thompson River

Big Thompson flows have been volatile but remain elevated. Sitting above 600 cfs, flows are well above the ideal range that we consider to be ideal for fishing. There is some color in the river, particularly below Drake, but there is still enough visibility to get the trout’s attention. Trout have been pushed towards the banks, so focus your efforts on the outer edges of the river. Banks, outer seams and other pieces of soft water are where you’ll want to focus. As a result of elevated flows, hatches and surface feeding have taken a hit and are harder to come by. This doesn’t mean you won’t see bugs flying around or the occasional trout feeding on the surface, but it does mean that dry fly fishing won’t be the most productive tactic. Hopper droppers, nymph rigs and streamers are the most productive setups at the moment. Buoyant dry flies such as Chubby Chernobyls, Hippie Stompers and Amy’s Ants are ideal for trailing multiple nymphs and weight. Sub-surface, larger attractors and pupa/emerger patterns with some flash are getting the most attention. Pat’s Rubber Legs, scuds, Squirmy Worms, Mini Leeches, Electric Caddis, red Copper Johns, Frenchies, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, Flashback PT’s, Rainbow Warriors and Perdigons are productive lead attractors or droppers below a dry fly. For your trailer, you can’t go wrong with midge pupa and baetis emergers. Mercury Black Beauties, Mercury Midges, Blue Poison Tungs, Sparkle Wing RS2s, Darth Baetis and Mercury Baetis are hot right now. Small streamers are fun to fish in deeper pools and runs. Experiment with dead drifting, twitching and erratically retrieving the streamer.