Current Fishing Conditions in Estes Park, CO
Last update 1/30/25
Big Thompson River (Below Lake Estes to Drake)
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Water Conditions: Flows are steady, around 55–65 cfs, with clear, wadeable water for a mile or so below the dam, excellent sight-fishing opportunities.
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Effective Tactics:
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Nymphs: Soft Hackle PTs (Pheasant Tails), Zebra Midges, red or pink Squirmy Worms.
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Best Times: Sight-fishing is especially strong from midday into evening, in riffles, tailouts, and pool heads. Use 5x–6x tippets and cast softly .
Upper Big Thompson & RMNP (Moraine Park to Horseshoe Park)
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Water Conditions: ICE
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Fly Patterns:
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Dry Flies: PMDs, Black Elk Hair Caddis, Ants (Amy’s Ants), BWOs, Parachute Adams.
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Nymphs/Subsurface: Pat’s Rubber Legs, CDC Pheasant Tails, Copper-Ribbed RS2, Radiation Baetis, Taboo Caddis, Mini Leeches, Olive Tickets, gray Sow Bugs, small midges, Double Downs, Mighty Mites, San Juan Worms, Egg patterns .
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Summary Table
| Section | Flow / Conditions | Fly Suggestions | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Lake Estes → Drake | ICE 2mi downstream open up top | Dry-droppers, soft-hackle nymphs, PMDs, Stimulators | Midday to evening, light tippet, sight fish |
| Upper Big Thompson (RMNP) | ICE & COLD | PMDs, Caddis, Ants, Pat’s RL, Pheasant Tails, etc. | Midday dry-dropper, use terrestrials |
Final Takeaway
Ice… Below the dam is open for a couple miles. Supposed to warm up next week.
