The water levels on the Big Thompson have begun to rise with runoff and the release of water from Estes Park. Smaller bugs will still work well as long as the water is not too colored up. Smaller stoneflies, caddis and BWO's will be the main food sources for the next few weeks. If the water is heavily colored don't be afraid to run some larger stoneflies up to a size #10 and some worms to find fish. Hopper dropper rigs will begin to shine in the higher flows and nymphing deeper buckets. Fish will find any rock or bank edge with soft water to hold behind as the flows increase.

This time of year, the north fork of the Big Thompson adds a lot of sediment and color to the water down stream of Drake. If the lower canyon is super dirty, try working your way higher up above the confluence with the north fork.

Nymphing early in the day before the water temperature climbs and bugs begin to hatch is your best strategy. Once things warm up, fish have been chasing smaller Chubby Chernobyls and PMX's up top.

Let us know if you have any questions or looking for more info on fishing the Big Thompson!