The Big Thompson River flows for just under 80 miles. The river is located east of Estes Park and it feeds the South Platte River. Known for it’s fishing, the river also has some great paddling. It runs more on the experienced side with inconsistent flows and interesting water. Overall, it’s a beautiful river with plenty of opportunity to explore.
Flows And Weather
BIG THOMPSON BL MORAINE PARK NR ESTES PARK, CO
- Temperature: 32.18 ° F
- Streamflow: 4.56 ft³/s
- Gage height: 3.85 ft
Rapids and Float Notes
The floating is best done by whitewater kayak here and a creek boat specifically as it’s jam packed with boulders. The flows fluctuate daily and the best approach is to wake up, check the gauge and decide if you should head over or stay home based on the discharge.
Class III-V rapids are the norm here and you can expect to pinball around. Creek boaters really love the Big Thompson. If you’re not into the rock gardens, consider walking the banks with a fly rod instead.
Shuttle Services
Without a consistent float game, we are not sure about a shuttle service existing here. Self contained is the safest option. Estes Park is nearby however and you might swing a shuttle from someone in the area. Check with the local sporting goods stores to see if anyone is available.
Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River
If you like to hie away from the crowds and don’t mind sweating to catch wild trout all day, the Big T is a gold mine. It has strong populations of small, wild trout with a few bigger ones showing up each year.
The pocket water makes for great stonefly habitat and you can nymph fish around the various boulders or punch a dry fly into the numerous pockets. The flows fluctuating can impact the fishing but the fish are used to the conditions and you can have success throughout the summer and fall months here.
River Specific Fishing Regulations
Exceptions:
Big Thompson River
FROM THE BASE OF OLYMPUS DAM AT LAKE ESTES DOWNSTREAM TO BRIDGE AT WALTONIA:
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Trout must be returned to water immediately
