The Big Thompson River is a freestone river in Colorado, listed as Catch and release by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
2 USGS gauges on the water report flow. 3 guides and 3 shops nearby are listed here; the nearest destination hub is Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Big Thompson River at Viestenz-Smith Park in Big Thompson Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Thompson River is a freestone river in Colorado. Our destination hub Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park is 4 mi away in a straight line and lists it among its waters.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of Big Thompson River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of Big Thompson River with 2 USGS gauges.
Restrooms within 2 miles of Big Thompson River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
Map of 6 restrooms near Big Thompson River
Skip the map; every place is in the list belowMap of 6 restrooms near Big Thompson River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Run by National Park Service (as mapped)
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Run by National Park Service (as mapped)
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Freestone riverThe Fall River in Horseshoe Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Photo: Mark DeVries, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Colorado · about 4 mi
Gold Medal WaterThe Colorado River and Onahu Creek in the Kawuneeche Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Colorado · about 14 mi
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Grand LakeNavajo Lake from Navajo Lake State Park, New Mexico. Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grand Lake.
Colorado · about 15 mi
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Michigan RiverThe Cache la Poudre River in Poudre Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Michigan River.
Colorado · about 18 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not South Fork Cache la Poudre RiverNorth St. Vrain Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not South Fork Cache la Poudre River.
Colorado · about 18 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not May CreekThe South Platte River in Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver. Photo: mark byzewski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not May Creek.
Colorado · about 19 mi
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout, bass.
On the Special Regulations: Fishing Waters (all trout must be returned to the water) list (Colorado Parks and Wildlife, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.
Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
17.1 of 74.9 mi on public land
+12 smaller areas
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
1 guide name it on their website
Estes Park, CO · 3 mi
Beginners & lessons · Multi-day trips · Colorado & Big Thompson
Names this water
Estes Park, CO · 4 mi
Lake & stillwater · Beginners & lessons
Nearby
What 3 nearby guide websites mention: what guides advertise, not a survey or a promise of what you will catch.
Named on 3 nearby guide websites
1 hatch charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Green drake (June to July)
Estes Park is the east gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, on the Big Thompson and Fall rivers, with the Cache la Poudre and St. Vrain drainages to the north and south and the Colorado River headwaters over Trail Ridge Road.
Destination hub · 4 mi away in a straight line
A practical checklist for fly fishing small mountain trout streams: a short 3–4 weight rod, light line, a few buoyant dries and simple wet-wading gear, with estimated prices and where to buy.
7′6″–8′6″ rod, 3–4 weight, floating line · Brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Big Thompson River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge BIG THOMPSON BL MORAINE PARK NR ESTES PARK, CO. Water type is our own classification.
Caution: Low water: go quiet and stealthy
At BIG THOMPSON BL MORAINE PARK NR ESTES PARK, CO (USGS 402114105350101) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 402114105350101
What the agencies suggest
Approach the stream carefully and with a low profileIowa Department of Natural Resources
Fishing upstream will usually spook fewer fish than working downstreamIowa Department of Natural Resources
Deep pools and undercut banks provide refuge during sunny days and low waterMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 2:05 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Much below normal for Nov 5 Falling · 24 h
Discharge, last 7 days: 185 readings from Oct 29, 3:05 PM MDT to Nov 5, 2:05 PM MST; ranging 6.98 to 14.8 ft³/s; latest 7.02 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 2:05 PM MST | 7.02 | 4 | 42.1 |
| Nov 5, 1:10 PM MST | 7.38 | 4.01 | 40.8 |
| Nov 5, 12:15 PM MST | 8.52 | 4.04 | 39.2 |
| Nov 5, 11:20 AM MST | 8.93 | 4.05 | 37.4 |
| Nov 5, 10:25 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 36 |
| Nov 5, 9:30 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 34.5 |
| Nov 5, 8:35 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 33.6 |
| Nov 5, 7:40 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 33.4 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 33.6 |
| Nov 5, 5:50 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 34.2 |
| Nov 5, 4:55 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 34.7 |
| Nov 5, 4:00 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 35.4 |
| Nov 5, 3:05 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 36.3 |
| Nov 5, 2:10 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 37.2 |
| Nov 5, 1:15 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 38.1 |
| Nov 5, 12:20 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 38.7 |
| Nov 4, 11:25 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 39.4 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 39.9 |
| Nov 4, 9:35 PM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 40.5 |
| Nov 4, 8:40 PM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 41 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 41.4 |
| Nov 4, 6:50 PM MST | 7.75 | 4.02 | 41.7 |
| Nov 4, 5:55 PM MST | 7.38 | 4.01 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 5:00 PM MST | 7.38 | 4.01 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 4:05 PM MST | 7.38 | 4.01 | 42.4 |
| Nov 4, 3:10 PM MST | 7.75 | 4.02 | 42.3 |
| Nov 4, 2:15 PM MST | 8.13 | 4.03 | 42.1 |
| Nov 4, 1:20 PM MST | 8.13 | 4.03 | 41.2 |
| Nov 4, 12:25 PM MST | 8.93 | 4.05 | 39.6 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 37.9 |
| Nov 4, 10:35 AM MST | 9.34 | 4.06 | 36.3 |
| Nov 4, 9:40 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 34.9 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 33.4 |
| Nov 4, 7:50 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 32.9 |
| Nov 4, 6:55 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 32.9 |
| Nov 4, 6:00 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 33.3 |
| Nov 4, 5:05 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 33.6 |
| Nov 4, 4:10 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 34.5 |
| Nov 4, 3:15 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 35.1 |
| Nov 4, 2:20 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 36.1 |
| Nov 4, 1:25 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 37 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 37.8 |
| Nov 3, 11:35 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 38.7 |
| Nov 3, 10:40 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 39.6 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 40.5 |
| Nov 3, 8:50 PM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 7:55 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 42.1 |
| Nov 3, 7:00 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 43.2 |
| Nov 3, 6:05 PM MST | 9.77 | 4.07 | 43.9 |
| Nov 3, 5:10 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 44.6 |
| Nov 3, 4:15 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 45.1 |
| Nov 3, 3:20 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 45.5 |
| Nov 3, 2:25 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 45.5 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 PM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 44.2 |
| Nov 3, 12:35 PM MST | 10.7 | 4.09 | 43 |
| Nov 3, 11:40 AM MST | 10.7 | 4.09 | 41.4 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM MST | 10.7 | 4.09 | 39.6 |
| Nov 3, 9:50 AM MST | 11.1 | 4.1 | 37.9 |
| Nov 3, 8:55 AM MST | 11.1 | 4.1 | 37 |
| Nov 3, 8:00 AM MST | 11.1 | 4.1 | 36.7 |
| Nov 3, 7:05 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 36.7 |
| Nov 3, 6:10 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 36.7 |
| Nov 3, 5:15 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 36.9 |
| Nov 3, 4:20 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 37 |
| Nov 3, 3:25 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 37.6 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 37.8 |
| Nov 3, 1:35 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 38.1 |
| Nov 3, 12:40 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 38.7 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 39 |
| Nov 2, 10:50 PM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 39.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:55 PM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 39.9 |
| Nov 2, 9:00 PM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 40.1 |
| Nov 2, 8:05 PM MST | 12.1 | 4.12 | 40.6 |
| Nov 2, 7:10 PM MST | 12.1 | 4.12 | 41 |
| Nov 2, 6:15 PM MST | 12.1 | 4.12 | 41.4 |
| Nov 2, 5:20 PM MST | 12.1 | 4.12 | 41.9 |
| Nov 2, 4:25 PM MST | 12.6 | 4.13 | 42.4 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 PM MST | 13.1 | 4.14 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 2:35 PM MST | 13.1 | 4.14 | 42.6 |
| Nov 2, 1:40 PM MST | 13.1 | 4.14 | 42.3 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM MST | 13.1 | 4.14 | 42.1 |
| Nov 2, 11:50 AM MST | 13.7 | 4.15 | 41.7 |
| Nov 2, 10:55 AM MST | 14.2 | 4.16 | 41.4 |
| Nov 2, 10:00 AM MST | 14.2 | 4.16 | 40.5 |
| Nov 2, 9:05 AM MST | 14.2 | 4.16 | 39.9 |
| Nov 2, 8:10 AM MST | 14.8 | 4.17 | 39.9 |
| Nov 2, 7:15 AM MST | 14.8 | 4.17 | 39.9 |
| Nov 2, 6:20 AM MST | 14.8 | 4.17 | 40.1 |
| Nov 2, 5:25 AM MST | 14.2 | 4.16 | 40.6 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 AM MST | 13.1 | 4.14 | 41.2 |
| Nov 2, 3:35 AM MST | 11.6 | 4.11 | 41.9 |
| Nov 2, 2:40 AM MST | 10.6 | 4.09 | 42.4 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM MST | 10.2 | 4.08 | 42.8 |
| Nov 2, 12:50 AM MST | 9.75 | 4.07 | 43 |
| Nov 1, 11:55 PM MST | 9.32 | 4.06 | 43.3 |
| Nov 1, 11:00 PM MST | 8.91 | 4.05 | 43.7 |
| Nov 1, 10:05 PM MST | 8.5 | 4.04 | 44.1 |
| Nov 1, 9:10 PM MST | 8.5 | 4.04 | 44.4 |
| Nov 1, 8:15 PM MST | 8.11 | 4.03 | 45 |
| Nov 1, 7:20 PM MST | 8.11 | 4.03 | 45.1 |
| Nov 1, 6:25 PM MST | 8.11 | 4.03 | 45.1 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 PM MST | 8.11 | 4.03 | 45.1 |
| Nov 1, 4:35 PM MST | 8.11 | 4.03 | 45.1 |
| Nov 1, 3:40 PM MST | 7.73 | 4.02 | 45 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 44.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:50 PM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 44.2 |
| Nov 1, 12:55 PM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 43 |
| Nov 1, 12:00 PM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 42.4 |
| Nov 1, 11:05 AM MST | 8.1 | 4.03 | 41 |
| Nov 1, 10:10 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 39.4 |
| Nov 1, 9:15 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 38.7 |
| Nov 1, 8:20 AM MST | 8.1 | 4.03 | 38.5 |
| Nov 1, 7:25 AM MST | 8.1 | 4.03 | 38.5 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 38.7 |
| Nov 1, 5:35 AM MST | 8.1 | 4.03 | 39 |
| Nov 1, 4:40 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 39.4 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM MST | 8.1 | 4.03 | 39.9 |
| Nov 1, 2:50 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 40.3 |
| Nov 1, 1:55 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 40.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 AM MST | 7.72 | 4.02 | 41.4 |
| Nov 1, 1:05 AM MDT | 7.72 | 4.02 | 42.1 |
| Nov 1, 12:10 AM MDT | 7.72 | 4.02 | 42.6 |
| Oct 31, 11:15 PM MDT | 7.72 | 4.02 | 43.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:20 PM MDT | 7.72 | 4.02 | 44.1 |
| Oct 31, 9:25 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 44.6 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 45.1 |
| Oct 31, 7:35 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 45.7 |
| Oct 31, 6:40 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 46 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 46.8 |
| Oct 31, 4:50 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 47.1 |
| Oct 31, 3:55 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 46.4 |
| Oct 31, 3:00 PM MDT | 7.34 | 4.01 | 46.4 |
| Oct 31, 2:05 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 45.5 |
| Oct 31, 1:10 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 44.1 |
| Oct 31, 12:15 PM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 42.4 |
| Oct 31, 11:20 AM MDT | 7.71 | 4.02 | 40.3 |
| Oct 31, 10:25 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 39.2 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 38.5 |
| Oct 31, 8:35 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 37.9 |
| Oct 31, 7:40 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 37.9 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 38.3 |
| Oct 31, 5:50 AM MDT | 8.09 | 4.03 | 38.8 |
| Oct 31, 4:55 AM MDT | 8.08 | 4.03 | 39.4 |
| Oct 31, 4:00 AM MDT | 8.08 | 4.03 | 39.7 |
| Oct 31, 3:05 AM MDT | 8.48 | 4.04 | 40.1 |
| Oct 31, 2:10 AM MDT | 8.47 | 4.04 | 40.5 |
| Oct 31, 1:15 AM MDT | 8.47 | 4.04 | 40.8 |
| Oct 31, 12:20 AM MDT | 8.47 | 4.04 | 41.4 |
| Oct 30, 11:25 PM MDT | 8.47 | 4.04 | 42.1 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 PM MDT | 8.08 | 4.03 | 42.4 |
| Oct 30, 9:35 PM MDT | 8.08 | 4.03 | 42.8 |
| Oct 30, 8:40 PM MDT | 7.7 | 4.02 | 43.2 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM MDT | 7.33 | 4.01 | 43.7 |
| Oct 30, 6:50 PM MDT | 6.98 | 4 | 44.2 |
| Oct 30, 5:55 PM MDT | 6.98 | 4 | 44.6 |
| Oct 30, 5:00 PM MDT | 7.33 | 4.01 | 45 |
| Oct 30, 4:05 PM MDT | 7.33 | 4.01 | 45 |
| Oct 30, 3:10 PM MDT | 7.33 | 4.01 | 44.4 |
| Oct 30, 2:15 PM MDT | 7.7 | 4.02 | 43 |
| Oct 30, 1:20 PM MDT | 7.7 | 4.02 | 41.5 |
| Oct 30, 12:25 PM MDT | 8.08 | 4.03 | 39.9 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 AM MDT | 8.07 | 4.03 | 37.8 |
| Oct 30, 10:35 AM MDT | 8.07 | 4.03 | 37 |
| Oct 30, 9:40 AM MDT | 8.07 | 4.03 | 36.1 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM MDT | 8.07 | 4.03 | 35.8 |
| Oct 30, 7:50 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 35.8 |
| Oct 30, 6:55 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 36.3 |
| Oct 30, 6:00 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 36.7 |
| Oct 30, 5:05 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 37.2 |
| Oct 30, 4:10 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 37.6 |
| Oct 30, 3:15 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 38.1 |
| Oct 30, 2:20 AM MDT | 8.46 | 4.04 | 38.7 |
| Oct 30, 1:25 AM MDT | 7.69 | 4.02 | 39.2 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 AM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 39.7 |
| Oct 29, 11:35 PM MDT | 7.69 | 4.02 | 40.5 |
| Oct 29, 10:40 PM MDT | 7.69 | 4.02 | 41 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 41.7 |
| Oct 29, 8:50 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 42.4 |
| Oct 29, 7:55 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 43.2 |
| Oct 29, 7:00 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 43.7 |
| Oct 29, 6:05 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 44.2 |
| Oct 29, 5:10 PM MDT | 7.69 | 4.02 | 44.6 |
| Oct 29, 4:15 PM MDT | 7.32 | 4.01 | 44.6 |
| Oct 29, 3:20 PM MDT | 7.68 | 4.02 | 44.2 |
| Oct 29, 3:05 PM MDT | 7.68 | 4.02 | 44.4 |
Normal for Nov 5: 8.6–12 ft³/s (middle half of 27 years of record). Now: 7.02 ft³/s, much below normal.
Much below normal for this date. 7.02 ft³/s is below the 10th percentile of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 27 years of record (1996–2026): 10th 7.1, 25th 8.6, median 9.5, 75th 12, 90th 20 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 6.79 ft³/s, highest 26 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Falling over 24 hours: discharge down 13.7%, from 8.13 to 7.02 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
The National Weather Service has no flood-stage gauge here, so no official flood category is shown.
Under CPW's 71°F line. Water 42.1°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 42.4°F. That is under the 71°F CPW uses for its closure criteria. “CPW recommends fishing early in the day to avoid peak afternoon temperatures.” “Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditions and move to cooler, higher-elevation waters once temperatures approach 71 degrees.”
CPW implements additional voluntary fishing closures on four Western Slope rivers (16 July 2026) (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)This gauge is on our page for Big Thompson River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Cold water. Water 42.1°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 06741510 · NWS BTLC2
What the agencies suggest
Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditionsColorado Parks and Wildlife
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 2:30 PM MDT to Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST; ranging 7.16 to 54.7 ft³/s; latest 24.3 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 5, 11:30 AM MST | 25 | 1.02 |
| Nov 5, 10:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 5, 9:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 5, 8:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 7:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 6:30 AM MST | 22.1 | 0.98 |
| Nov 5, 5:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 5, 4:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 3:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 2:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 1:30 AM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 5, 12:30 AM MST | 22.1 | 0.98 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 PM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 PM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 PM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 PM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 PM MST | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 PM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 PM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 PM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 PM MST | 25 | 1.02 |
| Nov 4, 11:30 AM MST | 25.8 | 1.03 |
| Nov 4, 10:30 AM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 9:30 AM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 8:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 7:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 6:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 5:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 4:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 3:30 AM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 4, 2:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 1:30 AM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 4, 12:30 AM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 PM MST | 23.5 | 1 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 PM MST | 24.3 | 1.01 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 PM MST | 25 | 1.02 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 PM MST | 27.3 | 1.05 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 PM MST | 28.1 | 1.06 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 PM MST | 32.3 | 1.11 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 PM MST | 34.1 | 1.13 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 PM MST | 35.9 | 1.15 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 PM MST | 38.7 | 1.18 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 PM MST | 45.8 | 1.25 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 PM MST | 51.2 | 1.3 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 PM MST | 54.7 | 1.33 |
| Nov 3, 11:30 AM MST | 51.2 | 1.3 |
| Nov 3, 10:30 AM MST | 43.7 | 1.23 |
| Nov 3, 9:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 3, 8:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 7:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 6:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 5:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 3, 4:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 3:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 2:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 3, 1:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 3, 12:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 PM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 PM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 PM MST | 20.7 | 0.96 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 PM MST | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 PM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 2, 11:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 10:30 AM MST | 17.5 | 0.91 |
| Nov 2, 9:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 8:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 7:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 6:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 5:30 AM MST | 17.5 | 0.91 |
| Nov 2, 4:30 AM MST | 17.5 | 0.91 |
| Nov 2, 3:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 2:30 AM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 2, 1:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 2, 12:30 AM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 PM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 PM MST | 17.5 | 0.91 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 PM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 PM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 PM MST | 18.1 | 0.92 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 PM MST | 18.7 | 0.93 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 PM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 PM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 11:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 1, 10:30 AM MST | 19.4 | 0.94 |
| Nov 1, 9:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 8:30 AM MST | 20.7 | 0.96 |
| Nov 1, 7:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 6:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 5:30 AM MST | 20.7 | 0.96 |
| Nov 1, 4:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 3:30 AM MST | 20.7 | 0.96 |
| Nov 1, 2:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM MST | 20 | 0.95 |
| Nov 1, 1:30 AM MDT | 20.7 | 0.96 |
| Nov 1, 12:30 AM MDT | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 PM MDT | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 PM MDT | 22.1 | 0.98 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 PM MDT | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 PM MDT | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 PM MDT | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 PM MDT | 22.1 | 0.98 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 PM MDT | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 PM MDT | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 PM MDT | 22.1 | 0.98 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 PM MDT | 22.8 | 0.99 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 PM MDT | 21.4 | 0.97 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 PM MDT | 20 | 0.95 |
| Oct 31, 11:30 AM MDT | 13.5 | 0.84 |
| Oct 31, 10:30 AM MDT | 7.92 | 0.72 |
| Oct 31, 9:30 AM MDT | 7.53 | 0.71 |
| Oct 31, 8:30 AM MDT | 7.53 | 0.71 |
| Oct 31, 7:30 AM MDT | 7.53 | 0.71 |
| Oct 31, 6:30 AM MDT | 7.16 | 0.7 |
| Oct 31, 5:30 AM MDT | 7.53 | 0.71 |
| Oct 31, 4:30 AM MDT | 7.16 | 0.7 |
| Oct 31, 3:30 AM MDT | 7.53 | 0.71 |
| Oct 31, 2:30 AM MDT | 7.92 | 0.72 |
| Oct 31, 1:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 31, 12:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 PM MDT | 8.73 | 0.74 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 PM MDT | 9.15 | 0.75 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 PM MDT | 9.59 | 0.76 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 PM MDT | 10.5 | 0.78 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 PM MDT | 11.9 | 0.81 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 PM MDT | 11.9 | 0.81 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 PM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 PM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 PM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 PM MDT | 8.73 | 0.74 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 PM MDT | 8.73 | 0.74 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 PM MDT | 9.15 | 0.75 |
| Oct 30, 11:30 AM MDT | 8.73 | 0.74 |
| Oct 30, 10:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 9:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 8:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 7:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 6:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 5:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 4:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 3:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 2:30 AM MDT | 8.32 | 0.73 |
| Oct 30, 1:30 AM MDT | 9.15 | 0.75 |
| Oct 30, 12:30 AM MDT | 9.59 | 0.76 |
| Oct 29, 11:30 PM MDT | 10 | 0.77 |
| Oct 29, 10:30 PM MDT | 10.5 | 0.78 |
| Oct 29, 9:30 PM MDT | 10 | 0.77 |
| Oct 29, 8:30 PM MDT | 11.4 | 0.8 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM MDT | 12.4 | 0.82 |
| Oct 29, 6:30 PM MDT | 11.4 | 0.8 |
| Oct 29, 5:30 PM MDT | 10 | 0.77 |
| Oct 29, 4:30 PM MDT | 10.5 | 0.78 |
| Oct 29, 3:30 PM MDT | 10.5 | 0.78 |
| Oct 29, 2:30 PM MDT | 11 | 0.79 |
Normal for Nov 5: 6.4–26 ft³/s (middle half of 47 years of record). Now: 24.3 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 24.3 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 47 years of record (1980–2026): 10th 4.4, 25th 6.4, median 13, 75th 26, 90th 89 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 1.65 ft³/s, highest 288 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 1.01 ft stage, 29 ft³/s at Nov 5, 1:30 PM MST (NWS gauge BTLC2; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer: the trout lines Colorado Parks and Wildlife uses are 71°F.
This gauge is on our page for Big Thompson River, but no agency page we read lists its species.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 2:22 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Freestone riverThe Fall River in Horseshoe Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Photo: Mark DeVries, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Colorado · about 4 mi
Gold Medal WaterThe Colorado River and Onahu Creek in the Kawuneeche Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Grand LakeNavajo Lake from Navajo Lake State Park, New Mexico. Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grand Lake.
Special-regulation trout waterRepresentative photo · not Michigan RiverThe Cache la Poudre River in Poudre Canyon. Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Michigan River.
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not South Fork Cache la Poudre RiverNorth St. Vrain Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: Hogs555, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not South Fork Cache la Poudre River.
Colorado · about 18 mi
Catch and releaseRepresentative photo · not May CreekThe South Platte River in Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver. Photo: mark byzewski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not May Creek.
Colorado · about 19 mi
Estes Park, Colorado
Fishing lodge · 0.9 mi
Estes Park, Colorado
Fishing lodge · 2.5 mi
Estes Park, Colorado
River cabins · 2.6 mi
Estes Park, Colorado
Fishing lodge · 2.6 mi
Estes Park, Colorado
Fishing lodge · 2.7 mi
Drake, Colorado
River cabins · 6.8 mi
Grand Lake, Colorado
Fishing lodge · 14 mi
