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The Big T has settled into its winter personality — clear, consistent, and a little moody. Flows out of Olympus Dam are holding steady, giving the canyon excellent water levels and glass-clear visibility. Morning chill is real, but by midday trout are feeding willingly in the soft seams and slow glides.
This is one of those weeks when timing and technique matter more than luck.
“When the canyon goes quiet, that’s your cue — the fish are still here, just waiting for you to slow down.”
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~40 cfs (steady release from Lake Estes)
- Water Temperature: 39 – 44 °F
- Air Temperature: Lows near 25 °F / highs in the mid-40s °F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Crowds: Light to moderate; mostly locals midweek
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5-Day Weather Forecast
Stable high pressure through the week with calm wind and sunny afternoons. Expect consistent conditions — ideal for light rigs and slow drifts.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active mid-day in slower canyon water |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Short mid-morning hatch windows |
| Tertiary | Scuds / Sowbugs #14–18 | Reliable base food in tailwater sections |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 9-foot 5× leader to a #18 Scud lead fly with 18 inches of 6× to a #22 Black Beauty. Add one small split shot 8 inches above the lead fly and a small foam indicator for stealth.
Fish the inside seams, tailouts below riffles, and drop-offs along canyon walls.
Pro Tip: Keep your fly two inches above the rocks, not in them. The fish will eat mid-column when flows stay this low.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color / Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beauty | #20–22 | Black | Tailwater staple |
| Top Secret Midge | #22 | Brown / Cream | Consistent daily producer |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey / Olive | Effective BWO emerger |
| WD-40 | #20 | Brown | Excellent trailer fly |
| Zebra Midge | #22 | Red / Black | Go-to subsurface pattern |
| Scud | #16 | Orange / Grey | Primary tailwater food source |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple / Red | Mid-day confidence pattern |
| Pheasant Tail | #18 | Natural | Classic and reliable |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Olive | Low-light or deeper run option |
| Sparkle Sculpin | #8 | Olive | Early or late swing through deeper slots |
Tips Fly Fishing the Big Thompson
- Seasonal Tip: Fish late morning through early afternoon; that’s when the canyon warms and trout move.
- Presentation: Drift slow, stay high-sticked, and cover seams thoroughly.
- Gear: 4- or 5-weight rod with fluorocarbon tippet for stealth.
Access Points
- Olympus Dam to Mall Road — great flows and consistent structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Canyon stretch (Hwy 34 pull-offs) — deeper runs, less traffic ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Downstream near Drake — more open water but spookier fish ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only. Catch and release recommended year-round. Be aware of private property signs in lower canyon sections.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Flows around 40 cfs with excellent clarity through the entire canyon.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when temperatures and light align.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Midges and small BWO nymphs — Black Beauty, RS2, and WD-40.
Q: Can I wade or should I float?
A: Wade only — flows are perfect for careful pocket-water fishing.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Mostly wild browns and rainbows with a few cutbows mixed in.
Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Yes — shops in Estes Park and Loveland offer daily updates and gear.
Stop Here After the River
Finish the day at Rock Cut Brewing Company in Estes Park. It’s a locals’ spot with big windows and mountain views. Order the Trail Ridge IPA and a soft pretzel — the perfect end to a cold-clear canyon session.
