When is Big Thompson River stocked with trout?

Big Thompson River is typically stocked in April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Colorado Parks and Wildlife publishes the current week's actual stocking schedule.

Can I keep fish from Big Thompson River?

Big Thompson River has standard Colorado fishing regulations — verify slot, bag, and creel limits with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

How do I get to Big Thompson River?

Big Thompson River is located in Larimer County near Estes Park, CO. Public access through Big Thompson Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Stocking schedule

Big Thompson River stocking schedule 2026.

Stocking Now
River
Larimer County

The Big Thompson runs from Rocky Mountain National Park through Big Thompson Canyon — CPW stockings spring through fall plus wild trout in the upper canyon.

Official source

For the actual Big Thompson River stocking dates and volumes this week, view Colorado Parks and Wildlife's official stocking report.

View Colorado official report →

Stocking detail

Big Thompson River stocked species.

Rainbow Trout
WeeklyStandard regulations
Typical volumeWeekly stockings during season
RegulationStandard CO regulations; some Gold Medal stretches.
Access points
- Estes Park
- Drake
- Loveland

Access & amenities

Full public accessNearest town: Estes Park, CO

Public access through Big Thompson Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park.

parkingstream access

USGS gauge 06738000 — live water data →

Get notified when Big Thompson River is stocked.

Bield Fish reads Colorado Parks and Wildlife's stocking reports and pushes a notification when Big Thompson River appears on the schedule. Save your home waters once.

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All Colorado stocking schedules →Colorado Parks and Wildlife report →