Right now
Live from Colorado DWR gauge BTBLESCO and National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Midges #20–24, Baetis, small pheasant tail, attractor dry when it's sunny
- Rig
- Short-line nymph, 5x, little or no indicator in the pockets.
Best flow range here: about 20 to 120 cfs. The live flow above tells you where today sits.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- Big Thompson tailwater below Olympus Dam (Lake Estes)
- Drive from Denver
- About 1.25–1.5 hours via US-36 or US-34
- Access
- Pull-offs along US-34 through the canyon
- Best for
- Lots of fish in pocket water, and solitude
- Season
- Year-round below the dam
- Gauge
- Colorado DWR station BTBLESCO (not USGS)
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs generally fine on public stretches
Where to park
Below Olympus Dam (Mall Road)
- The best public water starts right below the dam at the east end of Lake Estes, reached from Mall Road between US-34 and US-36. Primitive restroom near the parking.
- Below that, pull-offs along US-34 in the canyon. The Waltonia bridge pull-off (between mile markers 73 and 74) gives about half a mile of access.
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
- Open April through October only. About 4 miles up the canyon from the Dam Store. Search the park name: its street address sends GPS to the wrong spot.
- Small lot. Overflow at Round Mountain Trailhead across the highway.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Below Olympus Dam, the Big Thompson tumbles through a canyon full of boulders and pocket water. The fish average smaller than on the big tailwaters, but there are a lot of them, and it gets far less pressure than the South Platte. It's a good choice when everything else is crowded.
Use the right gauge
The gauge for this stretch is run by Colorado's Division of Water Resources, not USGS, so the USGS page for it often shows no data. Look up DWR station BTBLESCO. Gauges farther down near Loveland are on the plains, below diversions, and say nothing about the canyon.
Winter flows are often low. Clear, half-normal water means spooky fish: drop to 6x, keep low, and fish the deeper pockets.
Flies and tactics
- Short-line nymphing with little or no indicator in the pockets.
- Midges and small pheasant tails year-round; Baetis in spring and fall.
- Dry-dropper rigs in summer, with caddis and attractor dries.
Fishing the pocket water
Cast short, keep most of your line off the water, and lead your flies through each pocket behind the boulders. The fish here aren't picky about patterns, but they're quick to spook in low, clear water, so approach from downstream and keep low.
Winter and low water
Winter releases from Olympus Dam often run well below the seasonal normal. That's still fishable, but drop to 6x, use smaller flies, and focus on the deeper plunge pools. Fishing usually picks up once the sun is on the water, around 10.
Know before you go
- Check the live gauge the morning you go. A release change can turn a good day into a slow one.
- Read the exact stretch's rules in the CPW Fishing Atlas, since special regulations vary within a river.
- Carry a current Colorado fishing license. Annual licenses run April 1 through March 31.
- Check the road: COtrip for I-70, US-285 and US-24 in winter.
- Pack for the season: in cold months, gloves, hand warmers, a thermos and traction for icy banks.
Where to eat and gear up
Stops in Loveland / Estes. Dog-friendly means leashed dogs on the patio; call to confirm, especially in winter.
| Stop | Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Big Thompson Brewery | Dogs welcome on patio | Patio |
| Smokin' Dave's BBQ | Dogs welcome on patio | Patio, Estes end of the canyon |
| River Walk Café | Dogs welcome on patio | Shaded patio, sandwiches |
| Elkhorn Fly Shop | Fly shop / tackle | Canyon-mouth side |
| Kirks Flyshop | Fly shop / tackle | Estes side |
| Scot's Sporting Goods | Fly shop / tackle | Tackle + licenses |
Questions anglers ask
- Why does USGS show no data for the Big Thompson below Olympus Dam?
- That gauge is run by Colorado DWR. Use DWR station BTBLESCO for current flows.
- Are the fish in the Big Thompson big?
- Mostly 8–12 inches, with occasional bigger fish just below the dam. The draw is numbers, not size.
- Can I bring my dog to the Big Thompson?
- Generally yes, leashed, on public stretches through the canyon. Check posted rules at each access.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near Big Thompson River?
- Yes. In Loveland / Estes, Big Thompson Brewery, Smokin' Dave's BBQ, River Walk Café welcome leashed dogs on their patios. Patios are seasonal, so call ahead in winter.
- Where can I buy flies or tackle near Big Thompson River?
- Elkhorn Fly Shop is the closest shop. Canyon-mouth side.
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