Big Thompson River

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 20
Species: 18

The Big Thompson River, known locally as The Big T, is a premier fishing destination in Colorado that flows from its headwaters in Forrest Canyon within Rocky Mountain National Park, through Estes Park and Lake Estes, before continuing along Highway 34 through a scenic canyon to Loveland. This freestone river offers diverse fishing opportunities with various sections featuring pocket water, riffles, deep pools, and meadow streams. The river supports a healthy population of wild trout that haven't been stocked since the mid-1990s, providing anglers with rewarding fishing experiences amid breathtaking mountain scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, the Big Thompson River offers year-round fishing possibilities in one of Colorado's most beautiful settings.

Colorado licenses and regulations5 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Big Thompson River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Orangespotted Sunfish

Lepomis humilis

Redear Sunfish

Lepomis microlophus

Tiger Trout

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Big Thompson River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Big Thompson River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Colorado Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Colorado Fishing License

Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. Youth under age 16 fish for free.

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Colorado Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Colorado Parks & Wildlife State Park Pass

Annual passes provide a full 12 months of unlimited access to all state parks across Colorado.

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Colorado Stream Access Laws

With no clear test of navigability, no applicable statutes, and a tendency of courts to categorize all streams in Colorado as non-navigable, waterfront landowners' rights encompass the banks, beds, and waters of rivers. The public has no guaranteed recreation rights in non-navigable waters or their streambeds. CO Fishing Regulations: "It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to 5 years."

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Take Big Thompson River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Big Thompson River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Big Thompson River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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