Upper Big Thompson May 2026 River Report | Estes Park

Flows below the dam are holding around 51 cfs, with fresh snowmelt beginning to add a touch of color and movement to the system. Despite the bump in water, conditions remain technical and productive, especially through the slower seams and tailouts.

Midge activity continues to anchor the bite throughout the day, while Blue Winged Olive hatches have been increasingly consistent during the late morning and afternoon windows. Expect fish to key in selectively during overcast periods, with strong opportunities for anglers willing to fish light tippet and precise drifts.

Subsurface, small zebra midges, RS2s, and pheasant tail variations continue producing dependable results. When BWOs begin showing, a clean presentation with emerger patterns or parachute-style dries can lead to quality surface eats from educated trout holding below the dam structure.

This stretch is fishing exactly how spring in Estes Park should. Quiet water, technical presentations, and trout feeding with confidence between weather systems.