18 May 2019 Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

We were up early, eager to get out and catch some fish. The temperature was just above freezing when we left the Wanderer. Our layers of clothing kept us warm. We drove into town and went to Kirk’s Fly Shop to meet up with our guide, Steven. Steven got us suited up with waders, wading boots, and fishing license. The six hour tour/class cost $375, but included all the gear we would need and lunch. We piled into Stevens little Forester, which was a bit hazardous with flies and hooks everywhere. We drove through town to the golf course and Estes Lake. Big Thompson River flows through town and into the lake. After a few casting lessons (where we learned we were not trying to imitate Robert Redford in A River Runs Through It (That’s the old guy way of casting!)), we waded down into the river about halfway up our shins. Steven had rigged the $1000 fly rods up with an interesting fly set up. About 4 feet from the end o the leader was a white bobber, a foot down from that was a couple lead shot, then a foot down from that was a purple fuzzy worm thing with a small fly (with the only hook) about four inches down from the fuzzy worm. Steven explained that 90% of a trout’s food is caught under water and only 10% on the surface. So we were fishing with wet flies. Much different from what we had expected.

I don’t think we were in the water five minutes before Leslie pulled in her first fish. We changed locations four or five times. In some spots Leslie was hot, in others David was hot. Overall we caught, and released, over 20 fish (we started loosing count when they came in fast and furious) with a combination of Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Suckers (Colorado equivalent of Cat Fish). We had a blast! Steven was an excellent teacher and guide (he is all of 25 years old?). We found out it was his birthday today! We learned a lot about our casting technique, the different flies, fuzzy worms, roe and how to rig for stream fishing. When we got back to the shop, we picked up some of the fuzzy worms and flies that we had used during the day for our future fishing opportunities. Surprisingly, neither one of us fell while wading, our feet did not get horribly cold (yes they did get somewhat cold considering the water is 34 degrees) and our legs did not get cold either. The rain held off so we had good weather (could have been warmer) other than the wind was blowing hard which made casting a bit more difficult. 

Fly fishing for six hours took more out of us than that 6.3 mile hike and we had muscles aching we did not even know were there! Which of course was a prime excuse to stop off at Rock Cut Brewery again (not that we need one!) for a couple of muscle soothing brews! This is a great Rocky Mountain day!!!

Leslie fishing on the Big Thompson River.