The Big Thompson below Lake Estes is one of the most reliable rivers on the Front Range, and Estes Park makes it an easy weekend. The tailwater right below the dam fishes all year, and the canyon below it has miles of pocket water with pull-offs along the highway.
Right now
Live from Colorado DWR gauge BTBLESCO and National Weather Service.
- Drive
- About 1.5 hours from Denver via US-36 through Lyons
- Water
- Tailwater below Olympus Dam, then a freestone canyon along US-34
- Rules
- Flies and lures, catch and release from Olympus Dam to the Waltonia bridge
- Fish
- Browns and rainbows, mostly small to medium and lots of them
- Best months
- Year-round below the dam; spring and fall in the canyon
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs along the river; several dog-friendly patios in town
The plan
Day 1: Below Olympus Dam
- MorningDrive up through Lyons. Stop at a fly shop in Estes for flies and the report.
- Late morning to afternoonFish the tailwater right below Olympus Dam, reached from Mall Road at the east end of Lake Estes. Small nymphs and midges in the slow water, dries if fish are rising.
- EveningDinner on a patio downtown or by the river.
Day 2: The canyon
- MorningHead down US-34 into the canyon. The pull-off at the Waltonia bridge, between mile markers 73 and 74, gives about half a mile of access.
- MiddayWork pocket water from the pull-offs. Short drifts behind every rock. In April through October, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is another good stop farther down.
- AfternoonDrive home through the canyon to Loveland, or back the way you came.
Adjust for the season
- Spring: Blue-winged olives and midges, then caddis. Fish the canyon before runoff.
- Summer: Runoff in June, then good dry-fly fishing. Estes is busy with park traffic, so start early.
- Fall: The best time in the canyon: fewer people, active fish and fall color.
- Winter: Stick to the tailwater below the dam and fish midday. Viestenz-Smith is closed November through March.
Where to park
Below Olympus Dam (Mall Road)
- The best public water starts right below the dam. Primitive restroom near the parking.
Waltonia bridge pull-off
- Large pull-off between mile markers 73 and 74 on US-34, with about half a mile of access.
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
- Open April through October. About 4 miles up the canyon from the Dam Store. Search the park name; its street address sends GPS to the wrong spot.
All public access along the river is signed. Between signs, assume it is private.
Fly shops
- Kirks Flyshop Family-owned fly shop and guide service downtown. Guided trips on public and private water. Directions
- Estes Angler Fly shop and guide service. Rentals available. Directions
Where to eat after
- Rock Cut Brewing Brewery with food trucks. Dogs welcome on the patio. Directions
- Lumpy Ridge Brewing Brewery with outdoor patios. Dogs welcome outside. Directions
- The Hive at Estes Park Brewery Full menu away from the downtown crowds. Dog-friendly patio. Directions
- Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew Barbecue with a dog-friendly patio. Directions
If the river is blown out
If the canyon is high or muddy, the tailwater below Olympus Dam usually stays fishable. For a change of scenery, the St. Vrain in Lyons is on the drive home.
Want a guide?
A local guide puts you on the right water fast, and a float covers miles you can't wade. Tell us your dates and we'll match you with a local guide.
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