The Big Thompson River below Lake Estes provides tremendous fly fishing opportunities for both wild brown and rainbow trout. Though the average fish is around 12 inches, there are some bigger fish, but the pure beauty of the trout that inhabit this river is enough to overcome the size of your average catch. The Big T has prolific hatches of midges, blue wing olives, caddis, PMD's and golden stones provding excellen fishing year round and with a staggering 3,900 fish per mile you are sure to get into some trout. The fly angler has several different types of water to fish from riffles to pocket water to big bend pools making this a fly fisherman's paradise.
Flows may be low but the fishing has been great below Olympus Dam. Don't believe us? Give the folks at Kirk's Fly Shop a call and tell them we sent you. Lately due to the low flows the Big T is only open about two miles below the dam, so choose your day on the water wisely. We recommend a weekday trip up to Estes.
Current recommended flies: #20-#22 RSII, #16-#22 red copper john, #20-#24 Craven's jujubee midge red or black, #20-#26 mike's midge black or red, #20-#26 Dorsey's Top Secret Midge, #20-#24 black beauty, #22-#24 mercury blood midge, #20-#24 rojo midge, #18 psycho prince nymph, #18-#24 prince nymph, #20-#22 rainbow warrior, #18-#24 Barr's emerger, #14-#18 flashback pheasant tail, #22-#24 griffiths gnat, #22-#26 adams.
Looking for what the locals use to fool trout? Come in to one of these local shops when fishing the Big T to get the inside scoop on what's hatching on the water.
Estes Park area shops Estes Angler 338 West Riverside Dr. 970.586.2110 or 800.586.2110
If you are looking to get some insider knowledge about the Big T, you can't beat one of the local professional guides that service this special river. Check out our list of local licensed guides to get your fly on.
Need a place to rest your head besides the local campgrounds? Check out our list of local lodges, motels and inns to find a place to relax after that long day on the river.
Alpine Trail Ridge Inn- 927 Moraine Avenue Estes Park, CO 970.586.4585 or 800.233.5023 Roadside inn near the entrance to RMNP. Restaurant on site.
Boulder Brook on Fall River- 1900 Fall River Road Estes Park, CO 800.238.0910 Nice accomodations with private hot tubs. Sits on Fall River near RMNP.
Brynwood on the river- P.O. Box 1929 Estes Park, CO 970.586.3475 or 800.279.4488 Nice cabins and motel rooms at a decent price right on the Big Thompson River.
Comfort Inn- 1450 Big Thompson Ave Estes Park, CO 970.586.2358 or 800.424.6423 Several lodging options at very reasonable prices. Sorry no pets are allowed.
Holiday Inn-101 South St. Vrain Estes Park, CO 800.315.2605
Solitude Cabins- 1885 Sketch Box Lane #7 Estes Park, CO 970.577.7777 or 877.704.7777 Luxury cabins located near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Streamside on Fall River- 1260 Fall River Road (Hwy. 34) Estes Park, CO 970.586.6464 or 800.321.3303 Nice streamside cabins that are right on Fall River near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Sylvan Dale Ranch- Estes Park, CO 970.667.3915 or 877.667.3999 Excellent accomodations on the Big Thompson River. There are also several guided stillwater angling options at Sylvan Dale Ranch.
Wildwood Inn- 2801 Fall River Road Estes Park, CO 970.586.7804 or 866.586.7025 Upscale cabin, suite and vacation home rentals in Estes.
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