Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Below Olympus Dam at Lake Estes, the Big Thompson becomes a tailwater with educated trout and miles of canyon pull-offs along US-34.
Looking for the latest Big Thompson River Below Lake Estes river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Big Thompson River โ Below Lake Estes.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Below Lake Estes fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is about 44ยฐF and clear. Browns are done spawning, and there are a few stray Baetis.
Fish double dries on long leaders in the big slicks, or an indicator rig with an RS2, a hatching midge and small scuds or eggs. Early in the day has been good.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Below Lake Estes, bring: RS2 Emerger #18-20, Zebra Midge #18-20, BWO Cripple #18-20, Kaufmann', s Scud #16-18, Egg #16-18, Parachute Adams #18-20, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Below Lake Estes river details
| Access | The tailrace below Olympus Dam (crowded) and many pull-offs down the canyon along US-34. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,500 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 80 miles, roughly 1 hour 55 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | All year |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Special rules apply on the tailwater. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 to 12 ft leaders, 6X to 7X tippet |
| Camping | Estes Park area campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes near Estes Park. The fish are technical. |
| Good to know | These are well-educated fish. Long leaders and drag-free drifts matter. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Open water with midges.
Spring
BWOs.
Summer
Busy.
Fall
BWOs. Good fishing.
How to get there
Park below Olympus Dam in Estes Park or at pull-offs along US-34.