Trouts Fly Fishing

Reporter: Trout's Staff

Flow Conditions:

Water Clarity: Clear

Current Fishing Conditions:

May Fishing Report

The Big Thompson will offer some relief to the runoff woes that will exist on many other high country streams during May.  Keep in mind that fishing will be most consistant and productive from Lake Estes to Drake, as the North Fork of the Big T may be running high and off color creating unfishable conditions in the lower canyon.  There will be a variety of insects starting to hatch, so make sure you have a solid selection of flies before heading out.  Bigger can often be better during the spring months, so think about upsizing your flies to help garner the fishes attention.

5/17/13 Update:  Fishing has remained very productive on the Big Thompson, with a lot of great reports coming from our customers.  Standard attractor patterns trailed with BWO, Baetis and Caddis imitations have been producing great results.  Occasional hatches have the fish looking up, so be sure and have your dry fly box with you as you can expect to see some surface activity.

Insect and Natural Food Sources

BWO's, Baetis, Caddis and small Stones will be the primary food source for May.  Eggs will become a less relevant food source as the rainbow trout finish their spawn.

Recommended Flies

Barrs Emergers sz. 18-22, Copper Johns sz. 16-20, Wired Stone 14-18, 20-Incher 14-18, Beaded Little Mayfly (BLM) sz. 18-20, Eggs (trout beads) sz. 6mm - 8mm, Pheasant Tails sz. 16-22, Zebra Midge sz. 18-22, RS2 sz. 18-22, Barrs Graphic Caddis 16-18, Prime Time Pupa 14-16, Z-Wing Caddis 14-18, Parachute Adams 14-18, Purple Haze 14-18, Extended Body BWO 14-18.

River Description

Originating in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Big Thompson offers anglers a wide variety of angling options.  From high country, to tailwater, to a traditional western freestone riverm the Big T is an amazing angling destination along the Front Range.  There are 3 different sections of this river, in Rocky Mountain National Park (high country), below Lake Estes (tailwater), and below the town of Drake (freestone).  Each of these sections is going to offer different angling opportunities and challenges, so be sure to check back to make sure the area you are looking to fish has optimal current conditions.  

Seasonal Overview:

 

The flows on the Big T have bumped up a bit since our last report, but your fly selection wont really change. Midges and Baetis (BWO's) are your main hatches, but during the morning and middle of the day you will most likely be nymphing the main runs and deep pockets. However you can also pick some fish up on dries close to the banks and being "stealthy" is key. Scuds are a year round food source as you get closer to the dam. The fish are going to see you beofre you see them, so remeber again "stealth" is key.

 

Dries: Parachute Adams 18-22, Pablos Cripple Baetis 18-20, Morgan's Midge 18-20, Adult Midge 20, Matts Midge 18-24, Quigley's Hackle Stacker 18-22

Nymphs: Barrs Emerger BWO 18-22, Soft Hackle PT 18-22, Copper Johns 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-22, Morrish's Dirty Bird, Rojo Midge 18-22, RS2 18-24

Streamers: Slump Buster, Belly Ache Minnow, Sculpzilla, Wooleys

Current Hatches: Midges, BWO

Recommended Flies

Dries: Parachute Adams 18-22, Pablos Cripple 18-20, Morgan's Midge 18-20, Adult Midge 20 Nymphs: Barrs Emerger BWO 18-22, Soft Hackle PT 18-22, Copper Johns 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-22, Eggs #16-18, Rojo Midge 18-22 Streamers: Wooly Buggers, Slump Busters, Thin Mints, Sculpzilla's, Gold Bead Buface #6-12

Recommended Products:

Photos

• 
• 
• 
•