Colorado's Big Thompson River

Big Thompson River

Description:
The Big Thompson River begins high in Rocky Mountain National Park. It flows through Forest Canyon and becomes fishable at Morain Park. Numerous hiking trails travel along the stream offering easy access for fishing. Fishing is good below Estes Lake downstream to the mouth of Big Thompson Canyon. Access to the river along this stretch is easy from Highway 34. Fishing pressure can be heavy during the summer. There is access for disabled persons near Waltonia. Flies and artificial lures only restrictions are in effect for 5.3 miles upstream of Waltonia.

Features:

Length (origin to mouth
of Big Thompson Canyon): 47.4 miles

Elevation: 5,000' - 11,160'

Fish species: Cutthroat trout

Rainbow trout

Brook trout

Brown trout

Suckers

Fish species stocked: Brown trout

Rainbow trout

Fishing period: May - November

Vicinity Map

Other Nearby Resources:

Round Mountain Trail

Directions:

Take Highway 34 west from Loveland. The Big Thompson River follows the highway to Estes Lake. To reach the Moraine Park area Highway 36 and enter Rocky Mountain National Park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Turn left after about a mile and travel a mile to Moraine Park.

	Length (origin to mouth of Big Thompson Canyon):	47.4 miles
	Elevation:	5,000' - 11,160'
	Fish species:	Cutthroat trout
		Rainbow trout
		Brook trout
		Brown trout
		Suckers
	Fish species stocked:	Brown trout
		Rainbow trout
	Fishing period:	May - November