Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Around Drake the Big Thompson runs through the lower canyon along US-34, with lots of public pocket water rebuilt after the 2013 flood.
Looking for the latest Big Thompson River Drake 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 Drake.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Drake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
We have no fresh report for Drake. The canyon from Lake Estes down is the best access on the river right now. Expect low, clear water around 40 to 45ยฐF, with midges and BWOs. Fish midday.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Drake, bring: Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Drake river details
| Access | Pull-offs along US-34. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,200 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 84 miles, roughly 1 hour 54 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | None on the river nearby |
| Kids | Yes, with care. The highway runs right along the river. |
| Good to know | The canyon was rebuilt after the 2013 flood. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges.
Spring
BWOs.
Summer
Caddis.
Fall
Good fishing.
How to get there
Drake is on US-34 between Loveland and Estes Park.